How to get exempt from work search for Washington ESD unemployment benefits

Yes, you can get work search exemptions but Washington ESD is pretty strict about it. For medical reasons you'll need documentation from your doctor stating you're temporarily unable to work. The exemption isn't automatic - you have to request it and provide proof.

I got an exemption last year when I was dealing with a back injury. Had to get a form filled out by my doctor that specifically said I was unable to seek work due to medical reasons. Took about 2 weeks for Washington ESD to approve it.

Just a heads up - getting through to Washington ESD by phone to discuss exemptions can be a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my situation. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

There are several types of work search exemptions available through Washington ESD. Medical exemptions are one type, but you can also get exemptions if you're in approved training, have a definite recall date from your employer, or are participating in certain programs. For medical exemptions, the key is having proper documentation that clearly states your limitations.

ugh the work search requirement is such BS anyway. like why force people to apply for jobs they dont want or cant do?? makes no sense

I tried to get a medical exemption last year and Washington ESD denied it even though I had a doctor's note. Apparently the note wasn't specific enough about my limitations. Make sure your doctor explicitly states that your condition prevents you from seeking or accepting employment.

Another option is to look into vocational rehabilitation services. If your injury is permanent or long-term, VR can help with retraining and might provide documentation that supports a work search exemption.

Just make sure you keep doing your work searches until the exemption is approved. Washington ESD can retroactively approve exemptions but if you stop doing work searches before approval you could get disqualified.

I had to get an exemption when I was dealing with severe depression. The key was getting a letter from my psychiatrist that specifically mentioned how my condition affected my ability to search for and maintain employment. Generic medical notes don't work.

If you're waiting on workers comp, definitely mention that to Washington ESD. Sometimes they'll work with you differently when there's an ongoing workers comp case involved.

Pro tip: when you submit your medical documentation, also include a brief written statement explaining your situation in your own words. Sometimes the personal context helps the reviewer understand why you need the exemption.

Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own exemption situation. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through to an agent the same day. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your benefits.

Remember that even with a work search exemption you still need to file your weekly claims and be available for work within your limitations. The exemption just removes the requirement to actively search and apply for jobs.

If your exemption gets denied, don't give up. The appeals process exists for a reason and many denials get overturned when you have proper documentation and can explain your situation to a hearing officer.

One more thing - if you do get approved for an exemption, Washington ESD will periodically review it to make sure you still qualify. Be prepared to provide updated medical documentation when they ask for it.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to get documentation from my doctor this week and submit the exemption request. Hopefully Washington ESD will approve it so I can focus on healing instead of pretending to look for jobs I can't do.

I went through a similar situation with Washington ESD last year when I had carpal tunnel surgery. The key is being very specific in your doctor's documentation. My orthopedic surgeon had to write that I was "medically unable to perform repetitive hand motions required for data entry, typing, or manual labor" and gave specific weight restrictions. Generic letters saying you're "unable to work" won't cut it. Also, submit everything through the online portal AND follow up with a phone call (or use that Claimyr service if you can't get through). The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but it was worth it to not have to fake apply for jobs I couldn't physically do. Keep documenting your job searches until you get official approval though - don't risk your benefits over a technicality.