Can you draw unemployment if you are on social security in Washington?
I'm 64 and currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits. I was working part-time at a retail job to supplement my income but got laid off last week due to store closure. Can I still file for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD while receiving Social Security? I'm confused about whether these two benefits conflict with each other or if there are any restrictions I should know about.
53 comments
Join the conversation
CosmosCaptain
Yes, you can receive both Social Security and unemployment benefits in Washington state. They're separate programs and don't directly conflict. However, your Social Security benefits won't be reduced, but your unemployment benefits might be affected depending on your total weekly earnings from Social Security.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•That's a relief! Do I need to report my Social Security income when I file my weekly claims with Washington ESD?
0 coins
CosmosCaptain
•Yes, you'll need to report any Social Security income on your weekly claims. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your unemployment benefit amount.
0 coins
Freya Johansen
I'm in a similar situation but haven't been able to get through to anyone at Washington ESD to ask about this. Their phone lines are always busy and I've been trying for days. This is so frustrating when you just need basic information about filing.
0 coins
Omar Fawzi
•Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month when I was stuck in adjudication and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.
0 coins
Freya Johansen
•Never heard of that but I'll definitely check it out. Anything is better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
The key thing to understand is that Washington ESD looks at your total weekly income from all sources, including Social Security. If your combined income exceeds your weekly benefit amount plus the earnings disregard, your UI benefits will be reduced or eliminated for that week.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•What's the earnings disregard amount? I get about $1,200 per month in Social Security.
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
•The earnings disregard changes periodically, but it's currently around $200 per week. So if your weekly Social Security amount plus any other income exceeds your unemployment benefit plus $200, your UI will be reduced.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
•Wait, so if I get $300/week in Social Security and my unemployment benefit is $400/week, I'd still get some unemployment? That doesn't sound right.
0 coins
Anastasia Romanov
Been there! I was on Social Security disability and working part-time when I got laid off. Filed for unemployment without any issues. The main thing is being honest about all your income sources when you file your weekly claims.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Did you have any problems during the application process? I'm worried about getting flagged for something.
0 coins
Anastasia Romanov
•No problems at all. Just make sure you report everything accurately and respond quickly if they ask for any documentation.
0 coins
StellarSurfer
This whole system is so confusing! Why can't they just have clear information about this stuff on their website? I shouldn't have to hunt around forums to find out if I can even apply.
0 coins
CosmosCaptain
•The information is there, but it's buried in their handbook. Most people find it easier to just call and ask, but that's its own challenge with the phone system.
0 coins
StellarSurfer
•Well calling doesn't work either when you can't get through to anyone!
0 coins
Omar Fawzi
For what it's worth, I used Claimyr again last week to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue. They connected me in about 10 minutes instead of the usual hours of busy signals. Really worth the cost when you need actual answers.
0 coins
Sean Kelly
•How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money since getting laid off.
0 coins
Omar Fawzi
•I'd rather not discuss pricing publicly, but it's reasonable considering the time it saves. Check their website for current rates.
0 coins
Zara Malik
My neighbor is 67 and gets both Social Security and unemployment. She said the hardest part was proving she was actively looking for work since some employers assume older workers aren't serious about finding jobs.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•That's a good point. Do the job search requirements change if you're receiving Social Security?
0 coins
Zara Malik
•No, same requirements apply. You still need to make your job contacts and log them in WorkSourceWA.
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
•Exactly right. Age doesn't change the work search requirements. You still need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and maintain your job search log.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
I'm confused about something - if you're already getting Social Security retirement, why would you still be looking for work? Isn't that kind of contradictory?
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Social Security retirement doesn't pay enough to live on for most people. I was working part-time to make ends meet, which is pretty common.
0 coins
CosmosCaptain
•Lots of people work while receiving Social Security retirement. The system allows it and even encourages it to some extent.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
•I guess that makes sense. I didn't realize Social Security payments were so low that people still needed to work.
0 coins
Luca Greco
Just wanted to add that you should definitely apply if you're eligible. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you. The worst they can do is say no, but if you were working and paying into the system, you probably qualify.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•You're right. I've been overthinking this. I'll start the application process this weekend.
0 coins
Luca Greco
•Good luck! Remember to keep all your documentation organized in case they ask for additional information.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
One thing to watch out for - make sure you understand how your Social Security income is calculated on a weekly basis. Sometimes monthly amounts don't divide evenly and it can affect your UI calculation.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•What do you mean by that? I get the same amount every month.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
•Right, but Washington ESD calculates everything weekly. So if you get $1,200 monthly, that's $300 per week for their purposes, but some months have more weeks than others.
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
•That's a good point. They use a standardized weekly calculation to avoid confusion with varying month lengths.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
Does anyone know if Social Security disability is treated differently than retirement benefits for unemployment purposes?
0 coins
CosmosCaptain
•Social Security disability can be more complicated because you have to prove you're able and available for work, which might seem contradictory to receiving disability benefits.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•That makes sense. I imagine that would require additional documentation.
0 coins
Aisha Hussain
I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question last month and gave up after three days of busy signals. Finally found someone who had been through it and they explained everything. Wish I had known about that Claimyr service then!
0 coins
Omar Fawzi
•It really is a game-changer for getting through to them. I wish more people knew about it because the phone system is just broken otherwise.
0 coins
Aisha Hussain
•I'm definitely going to try it next time I need to reach them. Thanks for mentioning it!
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
Quick question - do you still have to do the waiting week if you're already on Social Security?
0 coins
Chloe Wilson
•Yes, the waiting week applies regardless of your Social Security status. It's based on your unemployment claim, not your other income sources.
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•Got it, thanks for clarifying that.
0 coins
Ethan Brown
This thread has been really helpful. I'm in the exact same situation and was worried about potential conflicts between the two benefit programs.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Same here! I feel much more confident about applying now.
0 coins
Ethan Brown
•Definitely going to file this weekend. Good luck with yours!
0 coins
Yuki Yamamoto
One more thing to consider - if you're planning to look for full-time work, make sure you understand how that might affect your Social Security benefits. There are earnings limits for people under full retirement age.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•I'm over full retirement age, so I think I'm okay on that front. But good point for others to consider.
0 coins
Yuki Yamamoto
•Right, once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without affecting Social Security benefits.
0 coins
Carmen Ruiz
The bottom line is yes, you can get both, but be prepared for the bureaucracy. Keep good records and be patient with the process.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I really appreciate this community!
0 coins
Carmen Ruiz
•You're welcome! Hope everything works out for you.
0 coins
Heather Tyson
I'm also collecting Social Security and was recently laid off from my part-time job. Reading through this thread has been incredibly helpful - I didn't realize you could receive both benefits simultaneously. One thing I'd add is to make sure you have all your employment documentation ready when you apply, including your separation notice and pay stubs. Washington ESD seems to move faster when you have everything they need upfront. Also, don't let the online application intimidate you - it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started.
0 coins