Can you get social security and unemployment at the same time in Washington?

That's a relief! So I should mention the social security on my weekly claims then?

Yes, you'll report it when you file your weekly claims. Social security won't reduce your unemployment benefits dollar for dollar though.

What did you have to do to prove you're able and available? I'm worried they'll think I can't work because I'm getting social security.

Just keep doing your job searches and be ready to work if offered. Early social security doesn't mean you're disabled - you're just taking benefits before full retirement age.

This is good to know. I thought social security would disqualify you from unemployment completely.

I had the same problem calling Washington ESD until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Totally worth it when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

Never heard of that service but I'm desperate at this point. Does it really work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. They handle all the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

Early social security (before age 67) doesn't mean you're fully retired. You can still work and earn money, there are just limits on how much you can earn without affecting your social security benefits.

Oh that makes more sense. I thought once you started social security you couldn't work anymore.

I'm definitely looking for work! Just because I'm 63 doesn't mean I want to stop working. I need the income and honestly I'd go crazy sitting at home all day.

Then you should be fine collecting both. Just make sure you're genuinely job searching and keeping your job search log updated for Washington ESD.

This is important - Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. Make sure you're documenting everything properly.

That's encouraging! Did the social security affect his unemployment amount at all?

Nope, his unemployment amount was based on his work history, not his other income. Social security didn't reduce it.

Good point. I think the limit is pretty high though, like $22,000 or something?

It changes every year but yeah it's around that range. You lose $1 in social security for every $2 you earn over the limit.

The limit for 2025 is $23,400 if you're not reaching full retirement age that year.

SSDI is more complicated because it's based on disability. You'd need to check with both Social Security and Washington ESD about how that affects your able and available status for unemployment.

Yeah I figured it might be different. Thanks for the info though.

Thanks for that tip! I would have probably put it in the wrong place.

Yeah the weekly claim form has a specific section for retirement/pension income. Make sure you use that one.

Just remember you have to be genuinely looking for work to qualify for unemployment. It's not just extra income, you have to be available and actively searching.

Absolutely, I understand that. I'm not ready to fully retire yet anyway.

Each state has its own unemployment rules, so he'd need to check with Oregon's employment department. The federal government doesn't prohibit it, but states can have their own policies.

Makes sense, thanks. I'll tell him to check with Oregon directly.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to someone. Their website is confusing and calling normally takes forever. At least with Claimyr I could get actual answers from a real person.

I might have to try that next time I have questions. The automated phone system is terrible.

I haven't set that up yet. Is it required?

It's not technically required but it's a good resource and shows you're serious about finding work. Plus some of your job search activities can come from there.

I use WorkSourceWA for some of my job searches. It counts toward your 3 weekly activities and they have good resources.

Yeah that seems to be the consensus. Just be honest on all your applications and keep up with the job search requirements.

Will do. Good luck with your situation too!

That's what these forums are for! Always happy to help people navigate the unemployment system.

Agreed, this thread answered questions I didn't even know I had about collecting both benefits.

Good advice. I'm already pretty organized with paperwork so that shouldn't be a problem.

Perfect. Organization is key when dealing with any government benefits.