Washington ESD unemployment while on short term disability - is this allowed?

That makes sense but it's so frustrating. The STD barely covers my rent, let alone everything else.

Yeah the system really leaves people in a tough spot between benefits. I was in a similar situation last year.

That's what I was afraid of. So I have to wait until my doctor clears me before I can even apply?

Exactly. Once you're medically cleared and able to work, then you can file for UI if your job isn't available. But not while you're still considered disabled.

Did you have to appeal or anything? Or did they just flat out deny it?

They denied it pretty quickly. I didn't bother appealing because my doctor had already signed off that I couldn't work.

How would I even get through to someone at Washington ESD to ask about this? Every time I call I just get hung up on.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's this service that helps you actually get through to Washington ESD agents. I found it at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours on hold.

Never heard of that but I'll check it out. Thanks!

You're thinking of different programs. Washington ESD has strict able and available requirements. Even partial disability usually disqualifies you unless you can prove you're actively seeking and available for immediate employment.

oh ok thanks for clarifying

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They actually get you through to ESD agents without the endless hold times. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It's legit. They handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

STD is usually through your employer's insurance but you're not actively working. It's kind of a gray area which is why people get confused about eligibility.

Oh I see, so you're technically still employed but not working? That's confusing.

Yeah I definitely don't want to commit fraud. I just wish there was more help for people caught in between like this.

The system is broken honestly. STD should cover more than 60% if they're going to block you from other benefits.

Did you end up getting your job back when you recovered?

Yeah thankfully they held my position. But if they hadn't, I would have been screwed during that gap period between STD ending and being able to file UI.

That's the scary part - if your employer doesn't hold your job, you could be stuck with no income while transitioning from STD to UI eligibility.

So there's really no overlap period where both could apply?

Correct. It's an either/or situation. The only exception might be if your STD ends but your employer can't accommodate your return to work, then you could potentially qualify for UI once you're medically cleared.

What about if the doctor clears you for light duty but your employer doesn't have light duty positions available?

If STD runs out and you're medically cleared to work but your job isn't available anymore, then yes, you could potentially qualify for UI. But you'd need medical clearance first.

That's good to know for later. My STD is supposed to last up to 12 weeks.

Only if your doctor certifies that you're able to work and actively seeking employment. If you're still too disabled to work, you wouldn't qualify for UI either.

that sucks what r u supposed to do for money then

That's when people often look into Social Security Disability or other assistance programs. There's definitely a gap in coverage for situations like this.

If your doctor clears you for suitable work (even if it's different from your previous job) and your employer can't accommodate your restrictions, you may qualify for UI. The key is being able and available for work that exists in the labor market.

So I'd need to prove I'm actively looking for desk jobs?

Yes, and you'd need to meet all the standard job search requirements. Washington ESD requires documentation of your work search activities.

Same here. I finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual person at ESD. Much easier than trying to call directly. The agents were able to explain my specific situation clearly.

I'll have to check that out. The website information is so vague about these edge cases.

Did she have any income gap between STD ending and UI starting?

Yeah about a month with no income. She had to use savings to cover that period.

That's terrifying. You'd think there would be better coordination between these programs.

I didn't know Washington had state disability. Where would I look into that?

Try the DSHS website or call 211 for benefit information. They can tell you about all the programs available.

I wouldn't recommend that. If you apply while on STD and they find out, it could create problems with both your disability claim and any future UI eligibility. Better to wait until you're legitimately able and available.

Good point. Not worth the risk of fraud accusations.

Plus if you certify that you're able and available when you're actually on disability, that's making false statements on your UI application.

The best approach is to contact Washington ESD directly once you know your STD end date and have medical clearance. They can review your specific situation and advise on timing your UI application.

Good luck getting through to them though. I've been calling for weeks about my claim.

Try Claimyr if you're having trouble with the phone lines. They help you actually reach ESD agents without the usual runaround.

Yeah I wish I had known that before I needed it. Too late now though.

Most people don't think about it until something happens. It's expensive but worth it.

How would partial disability work with unemployment? Like if I could work part-time?

If your doctor clears you for limited work and your employer can't accommodate those restrictions, you might qualify for partial UI. But it's complicated and case-by-case.

This is exactly the kind of complex situation where Claimyr really helps. Getting through to explain your specific circumstances to an actual Washington ESD agent makes all the difference instead of guessing.

Workers comp is different though right? That's for work injuries?

Yeah mine was a work injury. But similar issues with not being able to work and benefits not covering enough.

FMLA is job protection, not income replacement. If you're on unpaid FMLA and able to work, you might qualify for UI. But if you're on FMLA because you can't work due to a medical condition, same able and available issue applies.

So it depends on the reason for FMLA?

Exactly. FMLA for your own serious health condition would likely disqualify you from UI. FMLA to care for a family member might be different depending on your own ability to work.

I feel your frustration but getting angry doesn't really help solve the problem.

Sometimes anger is the only appropriate response to how broken everything is.

I should probably do that. I've been so focused on government benefits I forgot about checking what else my company might offer.

Yeah definitely worth asking. Some companies have hardship funds or additional disability coverage options.

Good point. I definitely don't want any surprises later about having to pay money back.

Yes, always disclose any other benefits you're receiving when applying for UI. Washington ESD will find out eventually anyway.

It's a couple herniated discs and some nerve compression. Yeah the money stress is definitely not helping the healing process.

I totally understand. Try to focus on getting better first, the money stuff will work itself out eventually.

You're right, I should look into that. I never thought I'd need help like that but here we are.

211 is a great resource for finding local assistance programs. Just dial 2-1-1.

Yeah that seems to be the consensus. I was hoping someone might have found a loophole or something but doesn't sound like it.

Sorry, I know it's not what you wanted to hear. The system really does leave people in tough spots sometimes.

Good advice, thanks. I'll make sure to file as soon as I'm medically cleared if my job situation changes.

Yeah timing is important with UI claims. You want to file as soon as you're eligible.

I actually tried it and got through to someone at Washington ESD! They confirmed I can't get UI while on STD but gave me some other resources to look into.

That's great! At least now you have definitive answers instead of wondering.

You're absolutely right. Thanks for the perspective. I need to remember that this is temporary and focus on recovery.

Exactly. Take care of yourself first, everything else will follow.

You're welcome! Hope you have a smooth recovery and get back to work soon.

Good luck with everything! Feel free to post updates on how things go.

Same here. At least now I know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

Smart approach. Make sure to keep all your medical documentation for when you do apply - it helps establish the timeline clearly.