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

That's a relief! Do you know if there's a maximum amount I can collect total between both benefits?

There's no specific cap on the combined amount, but your unemployment benefit amount is based on your work history, not your social security. Just make sure you're honest about all income sources.

Did you have any trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about this? I've been trying to call but can't get through.

Oh yeah, the phone lines are impossible. I actually used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

That's a relief! Do I need to report my social security income when I file my weekly claims?

No, social security retirement benefits don't count as wages for unemployment purposes. You only report work earnings on your weekly claims.

What kind of job search proof did your dad have to provide? I'm worried they'll think I'm not serious about working.

He had to document every application, interview, networking event - the usual stuff but they seemed to ask for more details. Keep really good records.

This is so confusing. I thought if you're on social security you're considered retired and can't get unemployment?

That's a common misconception. Social security retirement doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. It's about your actual availability for work, not your retirement status.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of frustration.

Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but it got me connected to an adjudicator within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.

That's a common misconception. Social security and unemployment serve different purposes. Social security is based on your lifetime earnings, unemployment is insurance you paid into while working. You can collect both legally.

Okay that makes sense. I guess I was thinking of some other benefit program.

No, social security DISABILITY is different from retirement benefits. With disability, it's much harder to prove you're able and available for work since you're receiving benefits for being unable to work.

oh ok that makes sense. thanks for clearing that up

Good point about job searching. At 62, am I expected to apply for the same types of jobs as someone younger?

Washington ESD expects you to look for suitable work based on your skills and experience. Age discrimination is illegal, so you should be applying for positions you're qualified for regardless of age.

How many job contacts do you have to make each week? I'm seeing different numbers online.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum in Washington. Can be applications, interviews, job fairs, networking events, etc. Just keep good documentation.

Make sure you're using the right WorkSourceWA portal too. I was logging activities in the wrong section for weeks before someone told me.

That's pretty cynical. Plenty of employers value experience and there are age discrimination laws for a reason.

I'm just being realistic. After 40 years in the workforce, I know how these things go.

I'm hoping my Boeing experience will count for something. Trying to stay positive about it.

Good point. What's considered 'suitable work' for someone with my background?

Generally work that uses your skills and pays at least 70% of your previous wage, though it can vary. Washington ESD looks at your work history, education, and local job market.

Early social security at 62 gives you a reduced benefit. I'm still working age and need the income. That's why I was working until I got laid off.

Exactly. Many people take early social security but continue working. When they lose their job, they're entitled to unemployment benefits just like anyone else who paid into the system.

That's good to know. I definitely plan to keep looking for work. The social security alone isn't enough to live on.

Good attitude. Keep detailed records of your job search activities. Washington ESD can audit your claims and ask for proof.

That sounds like he probably wasn't following the requirements properly. If you're genuinely looking and available, there shouldn't be issues.

Maybe, but it still cost him thousands of dollars and a lot of stress. Just saying be careful.

Pension income is handled differently than social security. It might reduce your unemployment benefits depending on how the pension is structured. You should check with Washington ESD about your specific situation.

Thanks, I'll definitely ask about that when I file my claim.

Did you have any issues during the adjudication process? I'm worried they'll flag my claim because of the social security.

No problems so far. Been getting benefits for 3 months now. Just make sure you answer all the weekly questions honestly.

Social security isn't a handout - people pay into it their whole working lives. And unemployment is insurance you pay for too. If someone qualifies for both, they've earned both.

Still seems wrong to me but whatever.

Age discrimination is real. Older workers often have the hardest time finding new jobs, so they need unemployment benefits even more.

Yeah, it's nice to know you have options. I was worried I'd have to choose between them.

Exactly. Every bit of financial security helps when you're getting close to retirement age.

I'll check the website. Sometimes it's hard to find the specific information you need though.

True, their website can be confusing. That's why talking to an actual person is usually better.

That's what I was hoping. I was making about $45,000 a year at the warehouse, so hopefully that translates to decent unemployment benefits.

With that income level, you should qualify for a reasonable benefit amount. The calculation is based on your highest earning quarters.

That's smart. I'll definitely include that when I file. Thanks for the suggestion!

Where exactly is that section on the application? I don't remember seeing it when I filed.

It's near the end of the application, in the additional information or comments section. Easy to miss if you're rushing through it.

Ugh, I hadn't thought about the tax implications. Do they withhold taxes from unemployment automatically?

You can choose to have 10% withheld for federal taxes when you set up your claim. State of Washington doesn't have income tax so that's not a concern.

What kind of work did you end up finding? Was it comparable to your previous job?

Ended up in a consulting role that pays less but has more flexibility. At our age, sometimes it's about finding the right fit rather than the highest pay.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency we're already dealing with.

I agree it's frustrating that the regular system is so hard to navigate. But sometimes you need answers quickly and it's worth it to avoid weeks of uncertainty.

What happens during a review? Do they stop your benefits while they investigate?

Not usually, they just ask for documentation of your job search activities and may want to verify your availability for work. As long as you've been following the rules, it's no big deal.

Definitely planning to take it seriously. I'm not ready to fully retire yet and could really use the work, both financially and personally.

That's the right attitude. Good luck with your job search!

Thanks, I'll bookmark that for if I run into issues. Hopefully the initial filing goes smoothly but good to have a backup plan.

Smart thinking. Better to know about these resources before you need them rather than scrambling when you're in crisis mode.

Good reminder about reporting everything. I don't want to get in trouble for missing something on the weekly claims.

Yeah, they're pretty good about catching discrepancies. Better to over-report than under-report.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr. They handle all the calling and waiting for you. Worth every penny when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

I might have to look into that. This phone situation is ridiculous.

I was planning to file this week. Is there anything special I need to mention about already receiving social security?

Not really. Just answer the questions honestly on the application. They'll ask about other income sources and you can mention the social security there.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

That's what these forums are for. Real people helping real people with real situations.

Both unemployment and social security can be taxable income depending on your total income level. You might want to consult a tax professional or have taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits.

Good point. I'll probably have them withhold taxes from the unemployment just to be safe.

How did you manage to get through to them? I keep getting busy signals.

This was a couple years ago, but we just kept calling early in the morning. Took about a week of trying before we got through.

Absolutely. I'm definitely going to report everything accurately. Not worth the risk of getting in trouble.

Smart approach. The penalties for fraud are severe, and it's just not worth it.

Glad it helped! I feel much better about my situation now too.

Definitely. It's nice to know we're not alone in dealing with these kinds of situations.

Perfect summary. I'm going to file my claim tomorrow. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.