Can I draw unemployment and social security benefits at the same time in Washington?

That's a relief to hear! Do I need to report the Social Security income when I file my weekly claims?

You should report it but it won't reduce your unemployment benefits. Washington ESD just needs to know about all income sources for record keeping.

Social Security isn't considered work earnings - it's a retirement/disability benefit. Different category entirely. Work income like part-time jobs would affect your UI claim though.

How did you prove you were available for work? Did Washington ESD question it since you're getting Social Security?

They asked about it during my initial interview but I explained I was forced into early retirement due to layoffs and still wanted to work. Had to keep detailed job search logs through WorkSourceWA like everyone else.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? Seems too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an adjudicator within like 20 minutes when I'd been trying to call for weeks about my claim status.

Good point. I'm mainly worried about health insurance costs if I don't find work soon. The Social security would help bridge that gap.

Definitely factor in Medicare eligibility at 65 vs COBRA costs. Sometimes waiting on Social Security makes more sense if you can find work.

I know it seems overwhelming but the rules are actually pretty straightforward once you understand them. Social Security = retirement income, unemployment = temporary assistance while job searching. Different purposes, different rules.

Thank you for clarifying! So I just need to make sure I can honestly say I'm looking for work and available to start if offered a job?

Exactly. Age discrimination is illegal so being 63 doesn't disqualify you. You just need to genuinely be seeking employment and able to start work.

That's encouraging to hear! Did he have any trouble with the job search requirements at his age?

He had to do the same job search activities as everyone else but found employers were actually interested in his experience level. Age worked in his favor in some cases.

Good point! I haven't filed for Social Security yet so I'll be careful about how I word things.

You can take early Social Security due to layoffs while still being available for work. Just be consistent in your applications about your intentions.

That's where something like Claimyr comes in handy - actually getting through to talk to someone at Washington ESD to confirm the rules for your specific situation.

true, calling is impossible otherwise. spent 3 hours on hold last week just to get disconnected

Is that handbook available online? I'd like to read the official policy myself.

Yes, it's on the Washington ESD website under their policy sections. Search for 'Social Security and unemployment' and you'll find the relevant sections.

I thought about that too. The earnings limit is pretty low for early Social Security recipients isn't it?

For 2025 it's around $23,400 annually before they start reducing benefits. Something to keep in mind when job searching.

I felt the same way but once you get through the initial applications it's pretty routine. The key is just being honest about your situation and following the rules for both programs.

Definitely planning to keep everything organized. I've heard too many horror stories about people having to prove things months later.

I'm leaning toward filing for unemployment first since the benefits are higher than what I'd get from early Social Security.

That's probably smart. Unemployment benefits aren't reduced for age like early Social Security is. Plus you might find work before needing to tap into Social Security.

How has the job search been going? I'm worried about age discrimination even though it's illegal.

It's challenging but not impossible. I've had several interviews and employers seem to value the experience. The key is staying current with technology and showing you're adaptable.

Good to hear another positive review. I might try it if I run into issues with my application.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about moving forward with both applications now.

Good luck with everything! Feel free to post updates on how the process goes - it might help other people in similar situations.

Hope it helps! There's definitely more people in our situation than I realized.

Absolutely. I plan to be completely transparent with both agencies about my situation.