Can you draw social security and unemployment at the same time in Washington?

Yes, you can collect both social security and unemployment benefits in Washington state. The Washington ESD doesn't reduce your UI benefits because you're receiving social security. However, your social security benefits might be affected if you earn too much from unemployment - you'd need to check with SSA about their earnings limits.

I'm in a similar situation and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual ESD agent who confirmed I could collect both. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

wait i thought if you're getting social security you can't work? how can you get unemployment if you're not supposed to be working??

The key thing is that Washington ESD looks at your ability and availability to work, not your other income sources. As long as you're actively seeking work and able to work, you can collect UI benefits regardless of social security. I've been doing both for 6 months now.

this is exactly what i needed to know! i'm 66 and got laid off last month. been scared to file for unemployment because i thought it would mess up my social security.

One thing to be careful about - make sure you understand the social security earnings test. If you're under full retirement age, there are limits on how much you can earn before they start reducing your SS benefits. Unemployment counts as earnings for this purpose.

the washington esd system is so confusing tho. i tried to file online and got stuck at the wage verification part. do i include my social security as wages?

I had to call Washington ESD three times before I got a straight answer about this. First agent told me wrong information, second time I got disconnected, third time finally got someone who knew what they were talking about. Definitely frustrating process.

Just want to add that you still need to do your job search activities even if you're collecting social security. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log.

does anyone know if getting unemployment affects medicare at all? i'm worried about my health insurance

FINALLY someone asking this question! I've been wondering the same thing but was too embarrassed to ask. Good to know I can collect both.

My brother is in this exact situation. He's been collecting both for about 8 months now with no issues. Washington ESD has never questioned his social security income.

just make sure you're honest on all your forms. washington esd does cross-check information and you don't want to get in trouble for fraud or anything

The biggest thing is making sure you're actually looking for work. If you're just collecting social security and not really wanting to work, that could be a problem. But if you genuinely want to find another job, you should be fine.

this thread is super helpful! i'm 62 and thinking about taking early social security but worried about how it would affect unemployment if i lose my job

Washington ESD's website actually has information about this in their FAQ section. They specifically say that social security benefits don't affect UI eligibility.

My wife went through this exact situation last year. She was worried about it affecting her social security but everything worked out fine. She collected both for about 4 months until she found a new job.

thanks everyone for all the helpful info! this thread answered all my questions about collecting both benefits

One more tip - if you do need to contact Washington ESD about this or any other questions, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of frustration trying to get through on the phone.