Can you get SSI and unemployment at the same time in Washington ESD?

This is actually a complex situation that depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, SSI requires you to be unable to work substantial gainful activity, while unemployment requires you to be able and available for work. These seem contradictory, but there are some exceptions if you're able to do limited work.

You really need to speak with both agencies about this. Washington ESD has specific rules about concurrent benefits, and SSA has their own requirements. I'd recommend calling Washington ESD first to explain your situation.

I think you can get both but you have to report the SSI payments to Washington ESD and it might reduce your unemployment benefits. Not 100% sure though.

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!! Why can't these government agencies just give straight answers about their own rules?? I've been dealing with similar confusion for months and nobody seems to know anything!!

From what I understand, the key issue is whether you're claiming to be unable to work (for SSI) while also claiming to be able and available for work (for unemployment). Some people with disabilities can work limited hours or certain types of jobs, which might allow both benefits in specific circumstances.

my cousin was getting both for a while but then they made him choose one or the other. not sure what the specific rules were

You definitely need to get official guidance on this. Each case is different and you don't want to accidentally commit benefit fraud by receiving payments you're not entitled to.

Here's what I know from helping others with this situation: You need to demonstrate to Washington ESD that despite receiving SSI, you are still able and available for work within your limitations. This usually requires medical documentation showing what types of work you can perform.

I tried getting both a few years ago and Washington ESD denied my unemployment claim because of the SSI. They said the programs were incompatible.

Actually had success with Claimyr last month when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about a different issue. Took about 10 minutes to connect with an agent who could answer my questions properly.

The important thing to remember is that SSI has a substantial gainful activity limit ($1,550/month in 2025), so if your potential unemployment benefits plus any part-time work income exceeds that, it could affect your SSI eligibility anyway.

Have you considered talking to a benefits counselor? There are free services that help people navigate these kinds of complex benefit situations.

whatever you do dont try to hide the SSI from Washington ESD. they'll find out eventually and then you'll be in real trouble

My understanding is that you can potentially receive both, but you need to be very careful about how you present your work capability to each agency. The key is consistency in your claims about what kind of work you can perform.

I'm in a similar boat and honestly it's been a nightmare trying to get clear answers from anyone. The whole system seems designed to confuse people.

Bottom line: Get proper documentation from your doctor about your work capabilities, be transparent with both agencies, and get official approval before assuming you can receive both benefits simultaneously.

Thanks for asking this question. I've been wondering about the same thing but was too scared to even ask.

Update us when you find out more! This is valuable info for others in similar situations.

Final thought: Document everything. Keep records of all communications with both agencies, all medical documentation, and any decisions made. This will protect you and help if there are any issues later.

good luck with everything. hope you get it sorted out soon