Can I file for unemployment if I am self employed in Washington?

Unfortunately, self-employed individuals typically can't qualify for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in Washington because you haven't been paying into the system through payroll taxes. Washington ESD requires that you've had wages reported by an employer to be eligible for benefits.

Actually, there are some exceptions. If you were previously an employee and then became self-employed, you might still have a valid claim based on your previous W-2 wages. Washington ESD looks at your base year earnings from employers, not self-employment income.

This is so frustrating! I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about this exact situation. Their phone lines are always busy and when I do get through, I get put on hold forever and then disconnected.

wait what about gig workers? i drive for uber and doordash sometimes, does that count as self employed?

Have you looked into other forms of assistance? While you can't get regular UI benefits, there might be other programs available for self-employed individuals experiencing hardship. The state has various emergency assistance programs that don't require traditional employment history.

Been self employed for 10 years and this has always been the trade off - more freedom but no safety net when things go bad. It sucks but thats the reality of being your own boss.

Actually, you should still file an application with Washington ESD even if you think you won't qualify. Sometimes people are surprised by what they're eligible for, especially if you had any W-2 income mixed in with your self-employment. The worst they can do is deny your claim.

I was in a similar situation last year - had my own business fail and thought I was out of luck. Turns out I had some part-time W-2 work I'd forgotten about that qualified me for benefits. The amount wasn't huge but it helped keep me afloat while I looked for new work.

The whole system is designed for traditional employees and leaves self-employed people hanging. I've been advocating for changes but it's slow going. For now, definitely explore all options including local assistance programs.

One thing to consider - if your consulting business is truly done, you might want to look for traditional employment so you can start building up eligibility for future unemployment benefits. It's not ideal but it's reality.

Just to clarify something I saw earlier - even if you think you might qualify based on old W-2 wages, you still need to meet the weekly eligibility requirements. That means being able and available for work, actively seeking employment, etc. Self-employed people sometimes struggle with this part.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question months ago and never got a clear answer. The representatives seemed confused about how to handle self-employment situations.

Don't forget about potential business insurance claims if you have any coverage. Some business policies include coverage for loss of income, though it's not common for small solo operations.

The bottom line is that Washington's unemployment system isn't set up for self-employed people, but there are other resources out there. Don't give up - just look beyond UI benefits for help.

One last thought - if you do end up getting traditional employment, consider keeping some self-employment on the side if possible. That way you have multiple income streams and aren't as vulnerable to layoffs.

Just want to add that some self-employed folks might be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or similar federal programs if they're still active. Also, if you've done any contract work where the company treated you as an employee and withheld taxes (even incorrectly), that could potentially count toward your eligibility. The rules can be more nuanced than they appear on the surface, so definitely worth having Washington ESD review your specific situation even if it seems hopeless at first glance.