Can you receive SSDI and Washington ESD unemployment at the same time?

So if I'm cleared for light work by my doctor, would that change things? I'm still getting SSDI but might be able to work part-time.

That's where it gets tricky. SSDI has work incentive programs that let you earn some money while keeping benefits, but unemployment still requires full availability. You'd need to check with both agencies.

Oh no, did you get in trouble for applying? I'm scared about even trying now.

nah no trouble, they just denied the claim. but i had to explain it to social security later which was a hassle

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks with no luck. How does that service work exactly?

It basically keeps trying to get you connected when the lines are busy. Saved me hours of calling when I had my own unemployment issues.

never heard of claimyr but anything that helps get through to Washington ESD sounds good to me. their phone system is terrible

What if someone was working part-time before getting laid off? Could they get unemployment for the lost wages while still on partial SSDI?

That's an even more complex situation involving trial work periods and substantial gainful activity thresholds. Definitely need professional guidance for that scenario.

She might have been thinking of SSI which has different rules, or maybe state disability insurance which is separate from unemployment. Easy to mix up all these programs.

oh yeah that makes sense, thanks for clarifying!

Yes, if Social Security determines you're no longer disabled and stops your SSDI, then you'd be eligible to apply for unemployment if you meet the other requirements like having sufficient work history.

That makes sense. I guess I need to wait and see what happens with my medical review before making any moves.

I've heard about trial work periods but don't really understand how they work. Did your cousin get to keep her SSDI during the trial?

yeah for the first 9 months she could earn whatever and still keep full benefits, then there's like an extended period after that with different rules

Trial work periods are definitely the way to go if you want to test your ability to work while keeping the safety net of disability benefits.

Good point, I hadn't thought about other programs. My caseworker mentioned some things but I was overwhelmed at the time.

Definitely worth revisiting. Sometimes there are state-specific programs too that can help bridge gaps between benefits.

I mean I get the frustration but there's a logic to it. Unemployment is for people who lost jobs and are looking for new ones. Disability is for people who can't work. They serve different purposes.

But what about people who are somewhere in between? The system doesn't account for gray areas and partial ability to work.

That's exactly why SSDI has work incentive programs - to help people transition gradually rather than facing a benefits cliff.

What kind of documentation would someone need for transitioning? I want to make sure I do everything right.

Medical records showing improvement, work capacity evaluations, documentation of any trial work periods, and clear communication with both Social Security and Washington ESD about your changing circumstances.

I used it twice last year and both times it got me through to an actual person within an hour instead of calling all day. Definitely worth trying for complex questions like this.

How much does it cost though? I'm already broke waiting for benefits.

I don't remember the exact cost but it was way cheaper than taking time off work to keep calling. Check their website for current pricing.

That's really good advice. I've been pretty disorganized with my paperwork so far.

Start now! Get a binder and put everything in chronological order. Future you will thank present you when questions come up.

You can get unemployment AFTER your SSDI ends due to medical improvement. You just can't get both at the same time because they have contradictory eligibility requirements.

oh ok that makes more sense thanks

I've never heard of vocational rehabilitation. How do you get into that program?

Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office. They have counselors who specialize in helping people with disabilities find and keep employment.

VR programs are great. They even help with things like adaptive equipment and transportation to work if needed.

You're absolutely right. I need to stop asking strangers on the internet and get official guidance. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info though!

Good luck! Hope you find a path forward that works for your situation.

I'll look into that. Sounds like there are more resources available than I realized.

Definitely. Most people don't know about all the support services available. Don't try to figure it out alone.

Glad it helped someone else too! I was worried it was a stupid question but seems like it's pretty common.

Definitely not stupid. The benefit system is incredibly complex and confusing. No shame in asking for clarification.

That seems to be the theme of most responses. I'll definitely look into the work incentive programs before considering anything else.

Smart approach. Those programs exist for a reason - to help people like you transition safely without losing everything if it doesn't work out.

Good point. I hope I won't need to appeal anything but better to know beforehand just in case.

Exactly. Knowledge is power when dealing with government bureaucracy.

Good to hear another positive review. I think I'm going to try it since I clearly need to talk to both agencies.

Yeah, especially for something this complicated you really need official answers not just internet advice.