Can you do freelance work while on unemployment benefits in Washington?

Yes you can do freelance work while collecting unemployment! You just need to report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD will reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn. Generally they subtract your earnings from your weekly benefit amount minus the first $5 (that's your earnings disregard). So if your weekly benefit is $500 and you earn $400, you'd get $105 in benefits that week.

Just be really careful about reporting everything correctly. I did some freelance photography last year while on UI and accidentally reported it wrong one week. Took forever to get it straightened out with Washington ESD.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about reporting freelance work, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get connected to an actual ESD agent when the phone lines are jammed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get through when I had adjudication issues.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Even if you're doing freelance work, you still need to do your required job search activities unless the freelance work is considered suitable work that meets your availability requirements.

this is so confusing... i thought if you work at all while on unemployment they just cut you off completely?? i've been afraid to take any work because of this

I've been doing freelance writing while on unemployment for 3 months now. The key things to remember: report ALL income even if it's just $50, report it for the week you worked not when paid, and keep good records of your hours and earnings. Washington ESD can audit you later.

Be careful with freelance work - you might be considered self-employed which could affect your claim. I think there are different rules for that.

Another option if you can't get through to ESD by phone is to use their online messaging system, but honestly those take forever to get responses. I had much better luck with Claimyr when I needed to clarify reporting requirements for my side work.

Also remember that if your freelance income puts you over your weekly benefit amount, you might not get any unemployment that week but you're still considered to have an active claim.

The washington esd system is so backwards about this stuff. they should make it clearer that you can work part time! i know so many people who are afraid to take any work

One more thing - make sure when you report your freelance earnings that you're clear about whether it's 1099 contract work or if they're treating you as an employee. The reporting might be slightly different.

I did freelance web design for 4 months while collecting partial unemployment. Worked out great - kept some money coming in while I looked for a full-time position. Just be honest about everything and you'll be fine.

wait so if i earn like $200 in freelance work but my weekly benefit is $400, i would still get $195 from unemployment that week? ($400 - $200 - $5 disregard = $195?

Just wanted to add that I used Claimyr recently when I had questions about reporting freelance income and it was super helpful. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of spending hours trying to call. Worth the peace of mind when you want to make sure you're doing everything right.

Don't forget to save money for taxes on your freelance income! Unlike regular employment, they won't withhold taxes from your freelance payments.

The freelance thing worked out well for me too. I was doing some consulting work and it actually helped me stay current with my skills while job hunting. Made me more marketable when I finally found a full-time job.

Quick question - do you report freelance work the week you do it or the week you get paid? I've seen conflicting info on this.

One thing to watch out for - if you're doing a lot of freelance work regularly, Washington ESD might question whether you're truly available for full-time employment. Just make sure you can show you're still actively job searching.

This thread has been super helpful! I've been scared to take on any freelance work but sounds like it's actually encouraged as long as you report everything properly.

For anyone who does run into issues or has specific questions about their situation, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. Having a real person at ESD answer your questions instead of trying to interpret the website or wait weeks for an online message response is invaluable.