Can you get workers comp and unemployment at the same time in Washington ESD?

That's good to know! My doctor did say I can do office work or other jobs that don't require heavy lifting. How do I explain this to Washington ESD when I file?

When you file your unemployment claim, be very clear about your work restrictions and that you're actively seeking work within those limitations. You'll need documentation from your doctor about what types of work you can perform.

How long did it take for your unemployment claim to get approved? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine took about 3 weeks because they had to verify my work restrictions with L&I. The adjudication process can be slow when there are multiple agencies involved.

Never heard of Claimyr before but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it really does work. I was skeptical too but I got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent who could see my claim and explain why it was taking so long with the workers comp verification.

Interesting, I might have to try this. Been calling Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck.

Should I mention the workers comp when I first file my unemployment claim online?

Absolutely mention it upfront. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they do their verification checks, and being honest from the start prevents delays and potential overpayment issues later.

It's not double dipping because they serve different purposes. Workers comp replaces lost wages due to injury, while unemployment helps when you're able to work but can't find a job within your restrictions.

ok that makes more sense when you put it that way

That's great news! 45 minutes is actually pretty good for Washington ESD these days.

Wow you got lucky with that wait time. Usually takes me 2+ hours when I can even get through.

What kind of documentation do they want for job searches? Just applications or more than that?

I keep a detailed log with company names, dates, positions applied for, and any responses. Also save screenshots of job postings and confirmation emails when possible.

Your cousin is wrong. In Washington state, you can definitely get both if you meet the requirements. The main requirement is being able and available for some type of work within your medical restrictions.

Ok thank you! I'm going to file tomorrow then. My doctor cleared me for desk work so hopefully that counts.

What kind of medical documentation did you need for the appeal?

I needed a detailed letter from my doctor explaining exactly what work activities I could and couldn't do, plus a functional capacity evaluation. The generic work restrictions weren't specific enough for Washington ESD.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. At least then I could talk to someone who could actually look at my specific case instead of getting generic responses.

Maybe I need to try that. This runaround is driving me crazy.

Is there a specific law or regulation that says this? I want to have the reference in case Washington ESD gives me trouble.

Yes, it's covered under RCW 50.20.010 regarding availability for work. The key is that your work restrictions don't completely prevent you from working - just from certain types of work.

Did he have any problems with Washington ESD during that time?

nah it went pretty smooth once he got approved, just had to keep doing his job searches every week like normal

How often do you have to report to both agencies? Is it double the paperwork?

For Washington ESD I still file my weekly claims like normal. For L&I I have monthly check-ins with my case manager. It's not too bad once you get into a routine.

Good point. I'll make sure to only apply for office jobs since that's what my doctor cleared me for.

Yeah this is super important. I got questioned about this during my eligibility review because some of my job applications were for positions that required lifting.

What did you tell them about the delay?

I explained that I wasn't cleared for any work initially, so I wasn't eligible for unemployment. Once my restrictions changed and I could do some types of work, that's when I became eligible and applied.

There's no specific cap that combines them, but your unemployment benefit amount is based on your previous wages. Workers comp doesn't affect your UI benefit calculation.

Ok that's helpful. I was worried there might be some kind of offset where they reduce one if you get the other.

How often do they call to check on you?

So far it's been twice - once at 4 weeks and once at 7 weeks. Just basic questions about my job search activities and whether my work restrictions have changed.

I might need to try that if I have issues with my claim. The regular phone number has been impossible.

Same here, I've been trying to call Washington ESD for two weeks about my claim and can never get through. Might have to check out this Claimyr thing.

Good luck with your claim! Just remember to be completely honest about your work restrictions and keep detailed job search records.

Glad this thread helped you too! It definitely cleared up a lot of confusion for me as well.

You don't need to wait for your L&I case to be fully established - you can apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you have documented work restrictions that allow you to perform some type of work. The key is having that medical documentation from your doctor showing you're cleared for desk work. Washington ESD will want to see that you're able and available for work within those restrictions. Just make sure you're honest about your situation when you file and mention that you're receiving workers comp. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits while you're job searching!