Can a retired person apply for unemployment in Washington ESD?

Actually yes, you can apply for unemployment even if you're retired! The key is that you have to be able and available for work. Washington ESD doesn't care about your retirement status - they care whether you're actively seeking employment and can accept a job if offered.

Wait, I thought if you took early retirement or any kind of retirement package you couldn't get UI benefits? I'm confused about this.

I had a really hard time getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this exact situation. Took me weeks of calling. If you're having trouble reaching them, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The tricky part about retirement and unemployment is the 'able and available' requirement. You have to genuinely be seeking work and able to start immediately if offered a job. If you're on Social Security or have other retirement income, make sure to report it correctly on your weekly claims.

my dad went through this same thing last year!! he was 65 and got laid off but everyone kept saying he was retired. Washington ESD approved his claim no problem once he explained he was still looking for work

The age discrimination thing is real though. At 67, you might face challenges finding employers willing to hire you, which could affect your job search documentation. Make sure you're applying to realistic positions and keeping good records for Washington ESD.

I think there might be special rules about retirement benefits affecting UI eligibility but I'm not sure exactly what they are. Someone mentioned pension reporting?

One thing to watch out for - if you voluntarily retired and took any kind of severance or retirement incentive package, Washington ESD might consider that a voluntary quit. But if you were laid off first and then decided to call it retirement, that's different.

The system is so confusing for older workers! I've been trying to figure out if my 401k withdrawals count as income too. Everything seems designed for younger people.

Another vote for using Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about the retirement/unemployment question. I used it twice and both times got through to knowledgeable agents who could answer specific questions about my situation.

What about Medicare? I'm on Medicare now - does that affect anything with unemployment benefits?

Just remember you have to be GENUINELY looking for work. Don't just go through the motions. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities and if they think you're not serious about finding employment, they can disqualify you.

Has anyone dealt with the WorkSourceWA website for job searches? It seems like it's mostly geared toward younger workers looking for full-time careers.

Make sure when you file to be very clear about your work history and that you were laid off, not that you chose to retire. The language you use matters with Washington ESD adjudicators.

The thing about pension deductions - make sure you understand exactly how Washington ESD calculates it. Sometimes they get it wrong and you have to appeal.

I'm in almost the same situation but I'm 62. Reading through these responses is really helpful. Sounds like age itself isn't the issue, it's about proving you're actually looking for work.

One more thing - if you do get approved, remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You might want to have taxes withheld or set money aside for tax time.

Bottom line - file your claim! Worst case they deny it and you appeal. Best case you get benefits while you look for part-time work. You paid into the system, so you deserve to use it when you need it.

If you run into any issues with the application or need to talk to Washington ESD about your specific retirement situation, definitely consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Saved me a lot of headache when I had questions about my claim.

This whole thread has been really informative. I had no idea retired people could apply for unemployment benefits. Learn something new every day!