Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you are on social security benefits?

Yes you can collect both! I'm 65 and have been getting social security for 3 years. When I got laid off from my part time job last year I was able to get unemployment too. Washington ESD doesn't count your social security as disqualifying income.

The key thing to understand is that Washington ESD looks at your work history and wages earned from employment, not other types of income like social security. As long as you meet the base year wage requirements and were laid off through no fault of your own, you should qualify. You'll still need to do your weekly claims and job search requirements though.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to ask about this same situation. Their phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

wait so theres no reduction in unemployment benefits because of social security?? that doesnt sound right to me

I'm in a similar boat - 61 and just started collecting early social security last year. Been working part time since then but worried about what happens if I lose my job. This thread is really helpful! One question though - do you have to report your unemployment benefits to social security?

Update: I went ahead and filed my claim online through the Washington ESD website. The process was pretty straightforward and I didn't see anywhere that asked about social security benefits. Fingers crossed it goes through without issues!

This is so confusing to me. I thought once you start social security you can't get any other government benefits??

The Washington ESD customer service is absolutely terrible. I've been trying to get through for my own claim issues and literally spent 6 hours on hold yesterday before getting disconnected. How is this acceptable??

My neighbor is 67 and collects both social security and unemployment when she gets laid off from her seasonal job every winter. Been doing it for years with no problems. Don't overthink it!

I work in HR and deal with this question a lot. From the employer perspective, we treat employees on social security the same as any other employee for unemployment purposes. Age and social security status don't factor into UI eligibility determination.

Does anyone know if there are special job search requirements for older workers? I'm 59 and wondering what I'll need to do if I have to file for unemployment.

Just wanted to add that you should probably check with a tax professional about how unemployment benefits might affect your taxes, especially if you're also getting social security. The combination might push you into a higher bracket.

Been there done that! Collected both for about 8 months after my company downsized. No issues whatsoever with Washington ESD. The weekly certification process is the same as for anyone else.

I think there might be some earnings limits though? Like if you make too much from unemployment it could affect your social security?

The system is so complicated! Why can't they just make this stuff clearer? I'm 62 and terrified of messing something up if I lose my job.

Final update from OP: My claim was approved! Got my first payment this week with no issues. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice. For anyone else in this situation, don't let age or social security stop you from filing if you're eligible.

I had to use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Really helped me get through to someone who could explain what was holding things up. Wish I had known about it sooner.