Can you get unemployment from DoorDash gig work in Washington?

Unfortunately, traditional unemployment benefits through Washington ESD are only for W-2 employees who lose their job through no fault of their own. Since DoorDash drivers are classified as independent contractors (1099), you typically wouldn't qualify for regular UI benefits. However, there might be other assistance programs available.

Actually, this is a bit more complicated than it seems. During the pandemic, there was PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) that covered gig workers, but that ended in 2021. For regular Washington ESD unemployment, you need to have been an employee, not a contractor.

I had a similar situation last year when my DoorDash income dropped. I ended up calling Washington ESD to ask about my options, but getting through to someone was nearly impossible. The phone lines are always busy. If you do want to check on any potential benefits or programs, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they help people actually reach Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Here's the deal with gig work and unemployment in Washington: DoorDash classifies you as an independent contractor, which means you're essentially running your own business. Washington ESD unemployment is designed for employees who lose their jobs involuntarily. Since you're still technically 'employed' by DoorDash (even if orders are slow), you wouldn't qualify for traditional UI benefits.

wait I thought all workers could get unemployment now? I'm confused about this whole contractor vs employee thing

Have you thought about diversifying your gig work? I do DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart. When one platform is slow, the others usually pick up the slack. Not unemployment, but it might help with the income drop.

The unemployment system is so outdated. Gig workers need some kind of safety net too. We pay taxes just like everyone else.

I'm in a similar boat with Uber. My income has dropped by like 60% since summer ended. Really wish there was some kind of unemployment for us contractors.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - even though you probably won't qualify for regular unemployment, it might be worth talking to Washington ESD about other programs. They have job training assistance and sometimes know about local programs that aren't well publicized. The service really does help you get through to an actual person instead of being stuck in phone hell.

You might want to look into SNAP benefits or other assistance programs if your income has dropped that much. Washington has some good programs for people in financial distress.

This whole thread is making me realize how vulnerable we gig workers are. No unemployment, no health insurance, no sick leave. It's crazy.

I used to do DoorDash but switched to a regular delivery job with benefits. The pay is similar but at least I have unemployment protection now if something happens.

have you tried contacting a workforce development center? they might have programs specifically for people transitioning out of gig work

The reality is that the social safety net wasn't designed for the gig economy. Until laws change, we're kind of on our own. It sucks but that's where we are.

One more suggestion - check with your local food banks and community assistance programs. A lot of them have expanded services since COVID and might be able to help with bills while you figure out your next move.

Just saw this thread and wanted to add that I successfully used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue last month. Even though unemployment might not be an option for gig workers, there could be other programs or resources they know about that aren't widely advertised. Worth the call just to explore all possibilities.

I'm going through something similar with my Uber driving income dropping way off. From what I've learned reading through all these responses, it sounds like the main takeaways are: 1) Regular unemployment is only for W-2 employees, not contractors like us, 2) The pandemic PUA program that helped gig workers ended in 2021, and 3) There might be other assistance programs worth exploring through WorkSource Washington or DSHS. It's frustrating that the safety net doesn't really cover gig workers, but at least now I know what options to look into. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and suggestions!

I've been following this discussion and wanted to share my experience as someone who transitioned from gig work to traditional employment partly for this reason. I drove for Lyft for about a year and faced the same income volatility issues. What really opened my eyes was realizing that not only do we miss out on unemployment benefits, but we also don't get workers' comp if we're injured on the job, and we're responsible for all our own taxes and vehicle expenses. I ended up taking a dispatcher job with a local logistics company - less flexibility but way more security. The peace of mind knowing I have unemployment protection, health insurance, and paid time off has been worth the trade-off. For anyone in Washington dealing with income drops from gig work, I'd also suggest checking out the state's Basic Food program and energy assistance programs through LIHEAP - these can help bridge the gap while you explore other options.