Can independent contractors get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

Unfortunately, traditional unemployment insurance through Washington ESD is only for employees who had taxes withheld from their paychecks. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals typically don't qualify for regular UI benefits since they haven't been paying into the system.

Actually, Washington state has been working on expanding unemployment coverage but I'm not sure if it includes independent contractors yet. You might want to apply anyway just to see what happens - the worst they can do is deny you.

I was in a similar situation last year as a contractor. Washington ESD denied my initial application but told me to keep checking back because the rules might change. There's something called the Washington Cares Act that's supposed to help but I think that's more for family leave stuff.

Wait, are you sure you were actually an independent contractor? Some companies misclassify employees as contractors to avoid paying benefits. If you worked set hours, used their equipment, or they controlled how you did your work, you might actually be an employee.

The unemployment system is so broken for people like us who don't have traditional jobs. I've been a rideshare driver for 3 years and when demand dropped I had zero options. Meanwhile my friend who got laid off from her office job gets $600 a week. It's ridiculous.

Have you looked into the Self-Employment Assistance Program? I'm not sure if Washington has one but some states do. It lets you collect unemployment while starting a business instead of job searching.

Just to be clear - even if you can't get regular unemployment, you should still file your taxes properly as a contractor. You can deduct business expenses and if you owe self-employment tax that might actually help you qualify for other programs later.

Update: I just looked this up and Washington state did pass some legislation about portable benefits for gig workers but I don't think it's fully implemented yet. Might be worth keeping an eye on.

In the meantime, check with your city and county for emergency assistance programs. A lot of places have rental assistance and utility help that doesn't depend on employment status.

Also consider reaching out to freelancer organizations or contractor groups in your area. They sometimes have resources or know about programs that aren't widely advertised.

One more thing - if you do apply for unemployment and get denied, make sure you understand the appeal process. Sometimes there are technicalities that can work in your favor, especially if there's any question about your employment classification.

I'm seeing more and more contractors in this situation. The whole employment landscape has changed but the benefits system is still stuck in the 1950s.

Just had another thought - if you're really struggling to get answers from Washington ESD about contractor eligibility, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier might be your best bet. They specialize in getting you connected to actual ESD representatives who can give you definitive answers about your specific situation.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to apply anyway just to see what happens, look into the misclassification angle, and research local assistance programs. Hopefully something will work out.

I'm a freelance writer who went through a similar situation last year. While traditional UI doesn't cover contractors, I found a few things that helped bridge the gap: 1) Applied for SNAP benefits (food stamps) - these don't require employment history, 2) Looked into local workforce development programs that sometimes offer emergency grants for self-employed individuals, and 3) Contacted 211 (dial 2-1-1) for a comprehensive list of assistance programs in your area. Also, don't overlook small business emergency loan programs - even as a freelancer, you might qualify for some relief options. The situation sucks, but there are more resources than you might think once you start digging.