Washington ESD unemployment if I'm injured and can't work - is this possible?

Yes, you can potentially get UI benefits even with an injury as long as you're able to do SOME type of work and actively looking. The key is proving to Washington ESD that you're available for work within your physical limitations. You'll need to document what types of jobs you can still perform and show you're actively searching for those positions.

I went through this exact situation 2 years ago with a shoulder injury. Got approved for benefits but had to prove I was looking for desk jobs and other work I could physically handle. The job search requirement is still there - you just have to tailor it to your restrictions.

Just a heads up - if your injury is work-related, you might also be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. You can collect both unemployment and workers' comp in Washington state as long as you meet the requirements for each program separately.

When I had to deal with Washington ESD about a medical issue, I couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an agent who explained exactly what documentation I needed. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

this is so confusing!! if you cant work how can you be available for work? the washington esd system makes no sense sometimes

UPDATE: I called Washington ESD this morning and they said I need to file my claim and then they'll review my medical documentation during adjudication. The agent explained that having work restrictions doesn't automatically disqualify you as long as there are jobs in the market you can still perform.

I'm in a similar boat - hurt my wrist and can't do my usual construction work. Been calling Washington ESD every day for two weeks and either get a busy signal or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected. This is ridiculous.

For anyone dealing with injury-related unemployment questions, here are the key things Washington ESD looks at: 1) Can you perform some type of work with your restrictions? 2) Are you actively seeking work within those restrictions? 3) Do you have medical documentation of your limitations? 4) Are you following your doctor's treatment plan? If yes to all, you should qualify.

I had a herniated disc last year and got unemployment while I was in physical therapy. The key was being very specific in my job searches - I only applied to office jobs and made sure to note in my job search log that I was looking for sedentary work due to medical restrictions. Washington ESD never questioned it.

wait so if i get hurt at work i can get both workers comp AND unemployment?? that seems like double dipping

The whole 'able and available' requirement is what trips people up. I thought it meant 100% healthy and ready for any job. Turns out it just means you're not completely incapacitated and can perform SOME work, even if it's limited. Wish Washington ESD explained this better on their website.

WASHINGTON ESD NEEDS TO FIX THEIR PHONE SYSTEM!! I've been trying to get clarification on this exact issue for my spouse who injured her knee. Three weeks of calling and nothing. The website doesn't explain injury situations clearly either. So frustrating!

Pro tip: When you file your weekly claims, there's usually a question about being able to work. Answer YES if you can do some type of work, even with restrictions. Then explain your limitations in the comments section if there's space. Don't just answer NO because you can't do your old job.

My brother went through this with a back injury from his delivery job. He collected unemployment for 3 months while recovering and looking for office work. The trick was having his doctor write a very detailed note about what he could and couldn't do physically. Made the adjudication process smooth.

i'm dealing with carpal tunnel and can't do my data entry job anymore. been scared to apply for unemployment because i thought they'd deny me for not being able to work. reading this thread gives me hope that i might qualify if i look for jobs that don't require lots of typing

One thing to watch out for - if you're collecting unemployment with medical restrictions, Washington ESD might refer you to their WorkSource centers for help finding suitable work. It's actually helpful, not a punishment. They have job counselors who understand how to match people with limitations to appropriate positions.

UPDATE on my situation: Filed my claim last week and just got approved! The adjudication took 5 days. I provided a detailed doctor's note and documented job searches for office positions. Already had my first weekly claim approved too. Thanks everyone for the encouragement to apply despite my injury.

For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone about injury-related claims, I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took less than 30 minutes total and the agent was able to answer all my questions about collecting benefits with work restrictions. Worth every penny to avoid the phone tree nightmare.

Just want to add that timing matters when filing with an injury. Don't wait too long thinking you need to be 100% healed first. File as soon as you're laid off or lose work due to the injury. You can always update Washington ESD if your medical situation changes, but you can't backdate benefits you should have been collecting.