Yes, but there is still a lot to consider. If the employee applies for unemployment benefits, they must certify in writing that they are ready, willing, and able to work. Additionally, if the employee cannot work, they are not eligible for workers’ compensation disability benefits. This is not entirely true. Once the employee certifies that they are ready, willing, and able to perform only light-duty work due to their on-the-job injury, they can draw a combination of benefits. A workers’ compensation insurance company can deduct weekly unemployment checks from the employee’s weekly workers’ compensation disability benefits. After these deductions, likely, the employee is back to square one. The ability for one to draw unemployment benefits is quite helpful whenever workers’ compensation insurance companies deny or suspend workers’ compensation benefits. This works out better for the employee. They aren’t facing any source of income while they fight with the insurance company over entitlement to further disability benefits. The insurance company’s goal is to settle the employee’s claim for as little as possible. If the employee is totally out of money, the insurance company is in a great position to provide pennies on the dollar to settle. At least with unemployment benefits, the employee can put food on the table for their family for a limited time.