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Here's what I would do: 1) Call Social Security and ask about working while on SSI, 2) Get documentation from your doctor about your work capacity, 3) Call Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation before filing a claim. Don't file first and ask questions later.
If you need help reaching Washington ESD, try Claimyr. I used them last month when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Really helped me get answers about my adjudication issue.
Just want to add - if you do end up qualifying for both somehow, make sure you understand how unemployment benefits will affect your SSI payment amount. SSI reduces your benefits dollar-for-dollar for most unearned income.
The voluntary quit disqualification has exceptions for domestic violence, sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions. You need documentation though.
Bottom line - even if you get disqualified initially, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and a lot of initial decisions get overturned if you have good evidence.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed information. I feel much better prepared to file my claim and handle whatever comes next.
Good luck! Remember to document everything and don't be afraid to use services like Claimyr if you need help reaching ESD agents.
hope everything works out for you! unemployment can be stressful but at least the benefits help bridge the gap while job hunting
Update: I tried that Claimyr thing and actually got through to a Washington ESD agent today! They confirmed my claim status and explained what was causing the delay. Definitely worth using if you need to talk to someone.
The good news is once you see 'not disqualified' the hard part is over. Your claim is approved and you just need to wait for the payments to start processing. Keep filing weekly and you should be all set.
Omar Hassan
Reading all these responses makes me feel less crazy. I thought I was overreacting to how stressful this whole process is, but it really is systematically designed to be difficult.
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Emma Wilson
•You're not overreacting at all. This system would stress out anyone. It's not just you.
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Isabella Santos
•The gaslighting aspect is real. They make you feel like you're the problem when their system is clearly broken.
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Malik Johnson
Hope things work out for everyone dealing with this stuff. It's rough but at least we can support each other and share what actually works.
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Emma Wilson
•Absolutely. This discussion has been more helpful than anything I've found on the official Washington ESD website.
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QuantumLeap
•That's what these forums are for. Real people sharing real solutions to real problems.
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