Can I get Washington ESD unemployment and social security at the same time?

Yes, you can collect both! Social security retirement benefits don't disqualify you from unemployment in Washington. The key thing is you have to be able and available for work, which means actively looking for a job. Washington ESD will ask about your job search activities on your weekly claims.

Been getting both for 8 months now. The tricky part is proving you're actively seeking work when you're getting social security. Make sure you're doing real job searches and keeping detailed records. Washington ESD takes the work search requirement seriously.

Just went through this myself. The confusion happens because some people mix up social security DISABILITY with retirement benefits. If you're on SSDI there are different rules, but regular retirement benefits don't prevent you from getting unemployment. You just have to genuinely be looking for work.

Had a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD to clarify this exact question. Spent literally hours on hold. Finally used Claimyr to get connected to an actual person who confirmed I could collect both. Their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works - super simple.

i thought you couldnt get both but maybe im wrong. my dad is in similar situation

The REAL question is whether it's worth it financially. Sometimes the hassle of job searching and dealing with Washington ESD isn't worth the benefit amount, especially if your social security is decent.

Been collecting both for over a year. One thing to watch out for - if you start working part-time while getting both benefits, the income reporting gets complicated. You have to report wages to both programs but they calculate reductions differently.

This is so confusing! Why can't they just have clear information about this stuff? I've been avoiding filing for unemployment because I wasn't sure.

My experience: Filed for unemployment while getting social security retirement, no problems at all. Washington ESD approved my claim within a week. The weekly claim process asks about all income so I report my social security each week. Both direct deposit to the same account.

MAKE SURE you understand the work search requirements before you file. Washington ESD doesn't mess around with this. If you're not genuinely looking for work, they'll catch on and could disqualify you. Age discrimination is real but you still have to try.

Update on my situation - got approved for both benefits and it's been a lifesaver. When I had questions about reporting my social security income correctly, I used Claimyr again to get through to Washington ESD quickly. Worth every penny to avoid the phone runaround.

Word of warning - don't lie about your job search activities. Washington ESD does audits and if they catch you claiming unemployment while not really looking for work, they'll make you pay it all back plus penalties. Seen it happen.

same boat here, 64 and laid off. filing tomorrow after reading this thread. thanks everyone!

The tax implications get interesting too. Both unemployment and social security can be taxable income depending on your total income for the year. Might want to talk to a tax preparer or adjust withholdings.

Been getting both for 6 months. One tip: keep detailed records of everything. Job applications, phone calls, networking events, even online job searches. Washington ESD can ask for proof of your work search activities at any time.

My brother tried to get both and Washington ESD denied his claim. But I think it was because he said in his interview that he was 'mostly retired' and just looking for something to keep busy. You have to be serious about finding work.

The timing can be tricky too. If you're planning to fully retire soon, Washington ESD might question whether you're genuinely available for work. Be prepared to explain your job search plans and timeline.

Just be honest with Washington ESD about everything. Your age, your social security benefits, your genuine willingness to work. They appreciate transparency and it prevents problems down the road.

Good luck with your claim! This thread convinced me to file too. At our age we need all the help we can get, and it sounds like getting both benefits is completely legal and legitimate.

Final thought - if you run into any roadblocks with Washington ESD, don't give up. Sometimes you need to talk to a real person to sort things out. That's where services like Claimyr really shine - they get you connected to someone who can actually help rather than getting stuck in phone trees.