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

That's a relief! Do I report the full amount of my social security or just a portion of it?

You report the full gross amount you receive from social security. Washington ESD will calculate any offsets based on their formula.

How did that work out for you? Were you able to collect both without any issues?

Yeah, no problems at all. The Washington ESD agent explained everything clearly once I could actually talk to someone. The key is being honest about all your income sources.

I've heard mixed things about those phone services. Did they actually help or just get you in the queue?

Social Security has work incentive programs that allow people on disability to work and earn up to certain amounts. It's called the Trial Work Period and Substantial Gainful Activity rules.

Exactly what they said. I was approved to work part-time within the SGA limits. That's why I'm hoping I can still get unemployment now that I lost that job.

It's not double dipping - they're completely different programs with different purposes. Social Security is based on disability status, unemployment is based on losing work through no fault of your own.

My cousin collects both and has for months. It's totally legal as long as you report everything correctly to both agencies.

That makes sense. Since I was already working, I should be able to demonstrate that I'm capable of working within my limitations.

Make sure you have documentation from your doctor about what kind of work you can do. Washington ESD might ask for that during the application process.

Oh no, what happened with your appeal? Did you eventually get approved?

Yeah, after 8 weeks of waiting I finally got a hearing and they approved me. Just had to prove I was actively looking for work within my physical limitations.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - avoided all that waiting and got my questions answered right away. Saved me weeks of stress.

Good point. Do I need to register before I file my unemployment claim or can I do it after?

You can register after filing, but don't wait too long. They'll start requiring job search activities pretty quickly after your claim is approved.

True - you have to consider both the social security SGA limits AND the unemployment partial benefit calculations. It can get complicated.

Ugh, this is getting overwhelming. Maybe I should just stick with my social security and not complicate things.

Don't give up! You paid into unemployment insurance through your work. You deserve those benefits if you qualify.

That's reassuring to hear from someone who's actually doing it successfully. Any tips for the application process?

When they ask about your availability for work, be specific about what you can do. Don't just say 'yes' - explain your capabilities and any accommodations you might need.

Wait, unemployment benefits could affect my disability status? Now I'm worried again.

Unemployment benefits themselves don't count as work activity for social security purposes. But if you're collecting unemployment, it shows you're looking for work, which they already know since you were working part-time.

I know right? I spent three days trying to figure out if my part time work would mess up my benefits. Ended up calling like 10 different numbers.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to cut through all the confusion and get you straight answers from the people who actually make the decisions.

Is there still a waiting week? I thought they eliminated that during COVID.

They brought it back in 2023. So your first week is unpaid, then you start getting benefits for subsequent weeks if approved.

Washington ESD has to make reasonable accommodations for job search activities. You might be able to limit your search to certain types of jobs that fit your restrictions.

That's good to know. I was worried I'd have to apply for jobs I physically can't do.

What kind of documentation should I gather before I apply?

Your social security award letter, any work authorization from your doctor, pay stubs from your part-time job, and your termination notice from the grocery store.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more confident about moving forward with my application now.

Good luck! The worst they can do is say no, but it sounds like you have a solid case for approval.

And remember, if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly, don't waste hours on hold. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work.