Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion! I feel much more confident about taking part-time work while on unemployment. This community is awesome for sharing real experiences and practical advice.

I'm dealing with a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Just to add one more piece of information - if you're working part-time and your employer offers you additional hours that would push you over full-time, you can actually turn them down without it affecting your unemployment eligibility. Washington ESD understands that accepting full-time hours would end your benefits, so refusing extra hours to maintain part-time status is allowed. Just make sure to document any offers for additional hours in case you need to explain your decision later.

I've been collecting both for 8 months now without any issues. The key is just being upfront about everything when you file your claims. Don't try to hide the social security income - it's not going to hurt your unemployment benefits anyway.

I'm in a very similar situation - 64 years old, been on social security for about a year, and just got laid off from my part-time retail job due to company downsizing. Reading through all these responses has been really helpful! I had no idea that Washington was so reasonable about letting you collect both benefits. In my previous state (Arizona), there were more restrictions. One thing I'd add is that you should also check if your former employer offers any severance or WARN Act benefits - that could affect your unemployment timing. Also, for those worried about job searching at our age, I've found that focusing on companies that specifically value experienced workers (like Home Depot, Walmart, or some healthcare support roles) can be more productive than applying everywhere. Good luck Ethan!

Good luck with everything! The combination of unemployment and Social Security can definitely help bridge the gap while you're looking for work. Just stay on top of all the reporting requirements.

I just wanted to add that Washington ESD also has a pension offset calculator on their website that can give you a rough estimate of how your Social Security will affect your benefits before you file. It's under the "Calculate Your Benefits" section. Not perfect but gives you a ballpark figure to work with while you're planning your finances during the job search.

That's such great news! I'm really glad WorkSource was able to help you find a path forward. The data analytics certificate sounds like a smart choice - there's definitely high demand for people who can combine accounting knowledge with data analysis skills. And having temp work lined up while you're in training is perfect. Thanks for updating us - it gives me hope for my own situation when my benefits run out next month. Good luck with the program!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in almost the exact same situation - my regular UI benefits are ending in about 3 weeks and I've been really worried about what happens next. Reading through everyone's experiences and advice has been incredibly helpful. I had no idea about the Training Benefits program or that you need to apply BEFORE your regular benefits run out. That's such crucial information that I wish was more clearly communicated when you first start receiving benefits. I'm definitely going to contact my WorkSource office this week to explore the TB option. @Fatima - your update about the data analytics certificate program is really encouraging! I'm also in a field that's been hit hard by automation (customer service/call center work), so retraining might be exactly what I need. Did WorkSource give you a timeline for how long the TB application process takes? I want to make sure I have enough time to get everything submitted before my benefits end. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice - this community is such a lifesaver during these stressful times!

Bottom line - yes, you can get unemployment if you're fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. File your claim as soon as possible after termination and be honest about the circumstances. Washington ESD will make the determination based on the facts.

One more thing to add - if you do get fired and file for unemployment, make sure to keep records of everything. Save copies of your termination letter, any HR communications, and document the circumstances around your firing. If your employer contests your claim, you'll want to have all that documentation ready to support your case. Also, don't be discouraged if the initial process seems overwhelming - the Washington ESD website has gotten better over the years, and there are people here who've been through it successfully. You've got this!