Can you file for unemployment if your self employed - Washington ESD eligibility question

Generally speaking, self-employed individuals don't qualify for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in Washington because you haven't been paying into the system through payroll taxes. However, there might be some exceptions depending on your specific situation.

wait i thought there was something during covid for self employed people? maybe that's still available?

I had a similar situation last year when my freelance work disappeared. I tried calling Washington ESD multiple times but kept getting the runaround about eligibility. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through on my own.

To be eligible for Washington ESD unemployment benefits, you need to have worked as an employee for an employer who paid unemployment taxes on your behalf. Self-employment income doesn't count toward this requirement. You also need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and meet the monetary eligibility requirements based on wages earned in your base period.

This is so frustrating!!! I've been paying taxes on my business income for years but can't get any help when work disappears. The system is completely backwards - people who actually CREATE jobs get nothing while employees get benefits.

One thing to consider - if you're looking for work as an employee now (not continuing your consulting business), you might want to start building up eligibility for future unemployment claims by taking on W-2 employment when you find it.

my cousin tried to file when her etsy shop failed and they denied her immediately. she didn't even get to talk to anyone about it

I'm in a similar boat - had a small lawn care business that's not bringing in enough anymore. Been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to get clarity on my options but can never get through. The phone system is absolutely terrible.

Just want to add that even if you can't get regular unemployment, you might qualify for other assistance programs through DSHS or local agencies. Don't give up on finding help just because UI isn't available.

The harsh reality is that unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. You have to pay premiums (through payroll taxes) to be covered. It's not a general welfare program for anyone who loses income.

Update: I did end up calling Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The agent was really helpful and confirmed I don't qualify for regular UI benefits but gave me some other resources to look into. At least now I have a clear answer instead of wondering.

For what it's worth, I transitioned from self-employment to a regular job last year and it's been much more stable. Having that unemployment insurance safety net does provide peace of mind.

Just to be completely clear - there are NO current programs in Washington state that provide unemployment benefits to purely self-employed individuals. The pandemic programs that did this ended in 2021 and haven't been replaced.

The base period wages requirement is pretty strict too. Even if you had some W-2 work mixed in, you'd need to meet minimum earning thresholds during specific quarters to qualify.

This thread has been really helpful. I'm in the same situation with my photography business and was wondering the same thing. Sounds like I need to start looking for regular employment instead of hoping for benefits.

One final thought - if you do decide to pursue traditional employment, make sure to keep good records of your work search activities. Washington ESD has specific requirements about documenting your job search efforts.

Thanks everyone for all the info in this thread. Really cleared up a lot of confusion about self-employment and unemployment benefits. Definitely bookmarking this for future reference.

I went through this exact same situation with my freelance writing business earlier this year. The reality is tough - Washington state unemployment is strictly for W-2 employees who've had payroll taxes withheld. Even though we pay self-employment taxes, that doesn't count toward UI eligibility. I ended up having to pivot quickly to contract work that eventually led to a full-time position. It's frustrating but understanding the rules helped me focus my energy on finding actual solutions rather than chasing benefits I couldn't qualify for.