Is type 1 diabetes a disability for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Type 1 diabetes can be considered a disability under certain circumstances, but it depends on how it affects your ability to work. For Washington ESD purposes, you should be honest about any conditions that might impact your job search or ability to accept work. If your diabetes is well-controlled and doesn't limit your work capacity, you might not need to report it as a work-limiting disability.

The key question Washington ESD asks is whether your condition prevents you from being able and available for work. If you can work full-time without restrictions, then you wouldn't need to report it as a disability. However, if you need accommodations like flexible scheduling for medical appointments or have episodes that could affect attendance, that's different.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about a similar question with my own health condition. The phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Just be careful about what you report. I made the mistake of over-sharing about my health issues and it caused delays in my claim processing. They had to do additional verification.

I have type 1 diabetes too and work in healthcare. When I was on unemployment last year, I didn't report it as a disability because it doesn't prevent me from working. I just manage it like any other chronic condition. If you can do your job normally, you're probably fine not reporting it.

The Washington ESD disability question is really about work limitations, not just having a medical condition. Think about whether your diabetes actually prevents you from accepting job offers or limits the types of work you can do.

been dealing with this stuff for years and the system is so confusing!! why cant they just make it clear what counts as a disability and what doesnt

From what I understand, Washington ESD follows ADA guidelines for what constitutes a disability. Type 1 diabetes can qualify under ADA, but for unemployment purposes, it's more about functional limitations than medical diagnosis.

I work for a company that does disability accommodations and I can tell you that most people with well-controlled diabetes don't need workplace accommodations. If you don't need accommodations, you probably don't need to report it to Washington ESD either.

If you're unsure, you could always call Washington ESD and ask them directly. Though good luck getting through - I've been trying for days.

My sister has type 1 and she never reported it when she was on unemployment a couple years ago. No problems with her claim at all.

The bottom line is: can you work? If yes, then you're able and available for work, which is what Washington ESD cares about. Having a medical condition that you manage successfully doesn't change that.

honestly the washington esd system is broken anyway. half the time they dont even look at what you put on the forms

I have a different chronic condition and went through this same decision process. I ended up not reporting it because it doesn't affect my ability to work. Been getting benefits without any issues for 2 months now.

Just make sure whatever you decide, you're consistent if they ask follow-up questions. Don't overthink it but be prepared to explain your reasoning.

Update us on how it goes! I'm sure other people have similar questions about chronic conditions and unemployment.