Can you draw unemployment if your on social security - Washington ESD question

Thank you! Do I report the full amount of my social security or just a portion of it?

You report the full gross amount before any deductions. Washington ESD needs to know about all income sources.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Are the job search requirements the same for everyone regardless of age?

Unfortunately yes, you still need to do 3 job search activities per week and register with WorkSourceWA. It's frustrating but that's the rule.

Actually, if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me when I had questions about my claim.

That might be true in Oregon, but Washington state doesn't count social security as income that reduces UI benefits. Each state has different rules.

oh ok good to know! washington seems more generous than other states

Oh no, I didn't think about that! I'm not at full retirement age yet. So unemployment benefits could affect my social security?

Yes, unemployment benefits count toward the earnings limit for social security purposes. You'll want to calculate if the unemployment benefits plus any other earnings would put you over the limit.

This is why I hate dealing with government programs. Everything affects everything else and nobody tells you upfront!

Did you have any issues with the job search requirements? I'm worried about finding work at my age.

The job search part was definitely challenging. I ended up doing a lot of online applications and attending virtual job fairs through WorkSourceWA. It took me about 4 months to find something.

The phone situation is ridiculous. I've been trying to call for weeks about my claim issues.

That's where Claimyr really helped me out. Instead of sitting on hold for hours, they handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Worth checking out if you're having phone troubles.

I'll have to tell my mom about that. She's been so frustrated trying to get through.

I'm on social security retirement benefits, not disability.

Ok good, the rules are clearer for retirement benefits. With disability it gets more complicated because of work restrictions.

That's reassuring! Did you have to provide any special documentation when you first applied?

Nope, just the standard stuff - your work history, reason for separation, etc. They didn't ask for any social security paperwork.

Finally something that makes sense! Most government programs seem designed to screw you over.

Washington is actually pretty reasonable compared to other states I've lived in. Still bureaucratic but not as punitive.

Social security alone isn't enough to cover all my expenses unfortunately. That's why I was working part-time.

A lot of us older folks are in the same boat. Social security doesn't go as far as it used to.

That's rough. I didn't realize how tight things could be on just social security.

I only have social security, no pension. So I just report that in the 'other income' section?

Yes, social security goes in the other income section. Pensions have their own section and different rules.

Any tips for the job search requirements? I'm dreading that part.

online applications count, so does attending job fairs even if theyre virtual. also registering with staffing agencies counts as a job search activity

That's so typical. The inconsistency is maddening.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. Instead of playing phone roulette with different agents, they help you get to someone who actually knows the answer to your specific question.

I wish I had known about that service back then. Would have saved me a lot of frustration.

Oh good point! I forgot about the tax implications. Can I elect to have taxes taken out of my unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you file your initial claim or change it later.

What kind of documentation should I keep?

Keep records of all applications, any responses you get, and notes about interviews. Washington ESD might ask for proof of your job search activities.

That's encouraging. I've been worried about finding work at 65.

There are also programs through WorkSourceWA specifically for older workers. Worth looking into.

No, they're separate programs. If Social Security reduces your benefits due to earnings, it doesn't impact your unemployment eligibility.

Good to know. This stuff is so confusing when you're dealing with multiple government programs.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much better about filing my claim now.

You'll do fine. The Washington ESD system is pretty straightforward once you get used to it.

And remember, if you run into any issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, Claimyr is there to help you get through. Much better than spending hours on hold.