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

That's what I was afraid of. So even if my condition has improved, applying for unemployment could jeopardize my SSI?

It could trigger a review of your disability status. You'd need to report the unemployment application to SSA and they might reassess whether you still qualify for SSI.

What happened with your case? Did you lose your SSI benefits?

I had to go through a whole redetermination process. Took 8 months to resolve and I had to prove my disability was still valid. It was really stressful.

This is exactly why you need to talk to someone at Social Security before making any moves. The rules are too complicated to guess at.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It actually worked for me after months of trying to call myself.

Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the waiting on hold part and connect you when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration.

So theoretically it's possible but practically very difficult?

Exactly. Some people have done it when they're transitioning off disability and their condition has improved, but it requires very careful documentation and usually legal help.

That's so frustrating. The system seems designed to trap people between benefits.

It's because they're administered by different agencies with different rules. SSA focuses on inability to work, while state unemployment focuses on temporary job loss for people who can work.

You're right, I need professional guidance. Do you know if there are any free legal services that help with this kind of thing?

Try contacting your local Legal Aid office. They often have attorneys who specialize in disability and benefits law.

The Northwest Justice Project also has resources for people dealing with benefits issues in Washington state.

I hadn't heard of Ticket to Work. What does that program do?

It's a SSA program that helps people with disabilities transition back to work while maintaining some benefits protection. Much safer than trying to collect unemployment while on SSI.

That's really good advice. The Ticket to Work program has built-in protections that unemployment doesn't offer.

You can work on SSI, but there are strict limits. In 2025, you can earn up to $85 per month without it affecting your benefits, and they have other work incentives too.

Oh wow, I had no idea. Thanks for clarifying that.

I totally agree. The cliff effect with benefits is real and it keeps people trapped in poverty.

It really does feel like a trap. I want to try working again but I'm terrified of losing everything if it doesn't work out.

I know someone who did it briefly during a transition period, but she had a lawyer helping her and it was really complicated. Not something I'd try without professional help.

Like I said earlier, I tried it and it was a disaster. Maybe with the right legal help it's possible but it's definitely not easy.

That's where Claimyr really helps - I mentioned it earlier but it's worth repeating. They handle the waiting and calling back when lines are busy. Saved me literally hours of frustration trying to reach Washington ESD.

I might have to check that out. I've wasted so much time trying to get through to them.

So even if it was allowed, you wouldn't really get the full benefit of both programs?

Right, the SSI income limits would kick in. You might end up with no net gain and a lot of administrative headaches.

You're absolutely right. I'm going to contact Legal Aid first thing Monday morning.

Smart move. Better to get proper guidance upfront than to create problems you'll have to fix later.

Yes, SSDI does have different rules and work incentives than SSI. The trial work period and extended period of eligibility give you more flexibility with SSDI.

Thanks, that's good to know. The whole disability benefits system is so complicated.

Yeah, this thread has been eye-opening. I had no idea how complicated this could get.

The key takeaway is that you really need professional guidance for anything involving disability benefits and work. The stakes are too high to guess.

That's encouraging. I was starting to think it was impossible to actually talk to anyone there.

Or you could try Claimyr like I mentioned - much faster than trying to get through on your own. They've really streamlined the process of reaching Washington ESD agents.

I hadn't heard of that service but it sounds like it could be really helpful for people dealing with complex situations like this.