Can 1099 contractors collect unemployment in Washington State?

Unfortunately, 1099 contractors typically can't collect regular unemployment insurance in Washington State. You need to have been an employee (W-2) with wages reported to Washington ESD to qualify for standard UI benefits. The system is designed for traditional employer-employee relationships where unemployment taxes were paid.

I had the same question last year when my consulting gig ended. Washington ESD was pretty clear that 1099 workers don't qualify because no unemployment insurance taxes were paid on your behalf. It's frustrating but that's how the system works.

Actually, you might want to double-check if you were properly classified as a 1099. Sometimes companies misclassify employees as contractors to avoid paying benefits and taxes. If you worked set hours, used their equipment, or they controlled how you did your work, you might have been an employee and could qualify.

I was in a similar spot and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to even ask about my situation. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually talk to someone at the unemployment office. They have this system that calls you back when an agent is available so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Worth checking out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you need to speak with someone about your specific case.

wait so if i did some w2 work last year but mostly 1099 this year i might still qualify for something??

The whole contractor thing is so confusing. I know some people who work gig economy jobs and they can't get unemployment either. It's like if you're not a traditional employee you're just screwed.

I'm a freelancer too and this is always my biggest worry. No unemployment, no health insurance through work, no paid sick days. It's scary having no safety net.

You mentioned graphic design - have you looked into applying for other design contracts while you figure out the unemployment thing? The market is pretty competitive but there might be some quick projects to tide you over.

I tried to apply for Washington ESD benefits as a contractor once and they rejected me pretty quickly. Sent a letter saying I didn't have qualifying wages. Waste of time honestly.

Actually there might be some emergency assistance programs through the state that help contractors and self-employed people. Not unemployment but other aid. Might be worth looking into.

The classification issue is huge. I've seen companies get in trouble for misclassifying workers. If you think you were treated like an employee, definitely worth pursuing with Washington ESD.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was actually legit. Got through to Washington ESD in like 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. Might be worth it just to get a definitive answer about your situation.

Even if you can't get regular unemployment, you should still apply. Sometimes there are special circumstances or you might have wages you forgot about. Worst case they say no but at least you'll know for sure.

This whole thread is making me realize I need to plan better for the next time a contract ends. Maybe set aside more money or look into other insurance options.

Just wanted to add that even if you don't qualify for unemployment, you might still be able to use WorkSourceWA for job search assistance and career counseling. They help everyone, not just UI recipients.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to try a few things: first I'll apply online at esd.wa.gov just to see what happens, and I'll also look into whether I might have been misclassified since I did work pretty set hours and used their equipment. If I can't get through on the phone I might try that Claimyr service people mentioned. Also going to check out WorkSourceWA and the DSHS website for other assistance programs. Really appreciate this community - it's scary being a contractor with no safety net but at least now I know what options to explore!