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

Yes, you can collect both Social Security retirement benefits and unemployment benefits in Washington state. However, you need to report your Social Security income when filing your weekly claims with Washington ESD. The Social Security won't reduce your unemployment benefits, but you still have to report it as income.

i'm in the same boat, 63 and collecting both. just make sure you're still actively looking for work because thats still required for unemployment even if you're getting social security

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question but could never get through to an actual person. The automated system just kept transferring me around in circles. So frustrating when you need a real answer about something this important!

The key thing to remember is that Social Security retirement benefits don't count as 'wages' for unemployment purposes in Washington. So it won't reduce your weekly benefit amount like part-time work income would. But you absolutely have to report it when you file your weekly claims or you could face an overpayment situation later.

Just be careful about the timing if you haven't filed for Social Security yet. Once you start collecting early at 62, you're locked into that reduced benefit amount even after you find new work. Make sure the math works out for your situation.

I was in this exact situation last year. Filed for unemployment first, then started Social Security a few months later. Washington ESD was actually pretty helpful when I called to ask about reporting requirements. Just make sure you report it starting from the first week you receive the Social Security payment.

Don't forget that you'll still need to be able and available for work to qualify for unemployment, even with Social Security. Some people think collecting Social Security means they don't have to actively look for work anymore, but that's not true in Washington state.

The Social Security Administration and Washington ESD don't communicate with each other automatically, so you need to report your Social Security income yourself when filing your weekly claims. Don't assume they already know about it.

Another thing to keep in mind - if you're doing any part-time work while collecting both benefits, you'll need to report those wages too. The earnings from work will reduce your unemployment benefits, but won't affect your Social Security (unless you're under full retirement age and earn over the annual limit).

I've been collecting both for about 6 months now and haven't had any issues. Just be consistent with your reporting and keep good records of all your benefit payments in case Washington ESD ever has questions.

One more thing - make sure you understand how your Social Security benefit amount is calculated before you file. If you're still working or collecting unemployment, additional earnings might slightly increase your future benefit calculation if you delay filing.

The bottom line is that Washington state allows you to collect both benefits simultaneously as long as you meet the requirements for each program and report everything accurately. Just don't let anyone tell you that you can't do both - that's incorrect information.

Just wanted to add that if you do run into issues getting through to Washington ESD with questions, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I used it last month when I had a complex question about my benefits and it saved me hours of trying to call on my own.

Remember that your unemployment benefits are taxable income, and so is your Social Security if your total income exceeds certain thresholds. Make sure you plan for the tax implications of collecting both benefits.

Final tip - when you're filing your weekly claims, there's a specific question about retirement benefits. Make sure you answer it accurately and include your monthly Social Security amount divided by 4.33 to get the weekly amount to report.

I just want to emphasize how important it is to be completely transparent with Washington ESD about your Social Security benefits from day one. I've seen too many people get into trouble thinking they could figure it out later or that "it's not that much money anyway." Even if you're only getting a small Social Security payment, you need to report it. The penalties for not reporting income can be severe - they can make you pay back all the unemployment benefits you received, plus interest and fees. It's just not worth the risk when being honest upfront is so much easier.

I'm in a similar situation at 64 - got laid off from manufacturing after 20 years and trying to figure out the best approach. From what I've read here, it sounds like collecting both is definitely allowed in Washington, but I'm still nervous about making sure I do everything correctly. The reporting requirements seem straightforward enough, but I'm wondering if there are any other gotchas I should watch out for? Also, has anyone had experience with how this affects your job search strategy? I'm worried that potential employers might see me as less motivated if they know I'm collecting Social Security, even though I genuinely want to keep working for several more years.