What is a similarity between unemployment insurance benefits and workers' compensation benefits - Washington ESD question

Oh that makes sense! So employers pay into both systems even though they cover different situations?

Exactly! Employers pay unemployment taxes to Washington ESD and workers' comp premiums to L&I. Both are mandatory insurance programs.

True, though the percentages are different. UI in Washington is usually way less than what you made working.

Right, Washington ESD calculates UI benefits at about 50% of your average wage up to the maximum weekly benefit amount.

Workers comp usually pays more than unemployment but it depends on your injury and whether you can do light duty work.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status.

Yeah it worked for me. I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't get through the regular phone lines.

Wait, does Washington still have the waiting week for unemployment?

No, Washington ESD eliminated the waiting week permanently. You can get benefits starting the first week now if you're eligible.

oh good to know, i thought it was just temporary during the pandemic

How long did your appeal take? I just got disqualified and don't know if it's worth appealing.

Mine took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting a hearing scheduled. But it was worth it because I won.

Appeals are definitely worth filing if you disagree with Washington ESD's decision. You have 30 days from the determination date.

Yeah the ID verification stuff with Washington ESD is intense now. Had to upload like 5 different documents.

It's because of all the fraud during the pandemic. Both systems had to tighten up their verification processes.

If it's a test question, I'd go with 'both are employer-funded insurance programs that provide wage replacement benefits.' That covers the key similarities.

Perfect! That's exactly what I needed. Thanks everyone for explaining how these systems work.

Generally no, you can't collect both simultaneously. If you're getting workers' comp wage replacement, you're not available for work so you wouldn't qualify for UI.

that makes sense, can't be looking for work if you're too injured to work

though sometimes people transition from workers comp to unemployment if they recover but their job isn't available anymore

Good point. Washington ESD can disqualify you from UI if you're not physically able to work.

Exactly. Both systems intersect with work capacity and medical fitness in different ways.

How much does it cost though?

I'd rather not say the exact amount but it was worth it to finally talk to a real person at Washington ESD instead of getting hung up on constantly.

Yeah Washington ESD wanted my tax returns and pay stubs when I filed my claim.

exactly, both programs need evidence to verify eligibility and calculate benefits

Tell me about it. I spent months trying to resolve an overpayment issue with Washington ESD.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Sometimes you need help just getting through to talk to someone who can actually resolve your issue.

might have to look into that if my appeal doesn't go anywhere

The job search requirement for Washington ESD UI is 3 contacts per week now, right?

Yes, you need to make at least 3 job search contacts each week and keep a log in WorkSourceWA.

And workers comp might pay for retraining if your injury prevents you from doing your old job.

Same! I always just thought of unemployment as government assistance but it's actually insurance.

Right, that's why it's called unemployment insurance (UI). Your past employers paid premiums to Washington ESD to cover your potential benefits.

That makes sense. Employers have incentive to avoid layoffs and workplace injuries since it affects their premium costs.

Exactly. It's designed to encourage safe workplaces and stable employment.

Seriously, this thread turned into a mini course on Washington employment benefits. Really helpful!

Happy to help. Understanding these systems can be really important if you ever need to use them.

Though UI can be extended during high unemployment periods. Washington ESD added extra weeks during the recession and pandemic.

True, but those are temporary extensions. The base program is still 26 weeks maximum.

Good to know. Hopefully I won't need either one but it's useful information to have.

20 minutes?? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for my adjudication issue for 3 weeks straight

yeah check out their demo video, shows exactly how it works. way better than the runaround I was getting before

Good point. I had to report my UI benefits when I applied for other assistance.

Right, it's all connected. Washington ESD benefits count as income for most other programs.

Wow, there's so much more to this than I realized. Thanks for all the insights everyone!