Can you get unemployment while on social security in Washington state?

That's a relief! I was worried they would offset each other. Do I need to report my social security income when I file my weekly claims?

No, social security retirement benefits don't need to be reported on your weekly claims in Washington. Only report wages from work.

Oh man, the phone thing is so frustrating! I spent hours trying to reach someone at Washington ESD.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status.

Never heard of that but definitely checking it out. The phone situation with ESD is ridiculous.

Good point. I'm definitely still looking for work, just part-time since I'm semi-retired. Will that affect anything?

As long as you're genuinely available for the type of work you're seeking and meet the minimum work search activities, you should be fine. Document everything in your WorkSourceWA account.

That's a common misconception. Social security retirement benefits don't automatically disqualify you from unemployment in Washington. The key is whether you're able and available for work, not whether you're receiving other benefits.

Yeah my mom was getting both a few years ago when she got laid off from her part time job at 64. Washington ESD didn't have any issues with it.

Unemployment benefits don't count as earnings for social security purposes. Only wages from actual work count toward the earnings test.

Thank you! That was another worry I had. This is all so confusing when you're trying to figure out multiple benefit systems.

Two weeks isn't unusual, especially if your claim needs any kind of review. Have you checked your account online to see if there are any issues flagged?

Yeah nothing showing as needing action on my end. Just says 'processing' still.

You might want to call and check on the status. If you can't get through the regular way, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier (claimyr.com) really does help with getting connected to ESD agents when you need answers about claim processing delays.

I'm looking for part-time work similar to what I was doing before. Should I specify that in my claim or just say I'm available for work?

Be honest about your availability but make sure it's reasonable. If you're only willing to work 5 hours a week, that might be an issue. But part-time availability is generally fine.

No, in Washington state your UI benefit amount is calculated solely based on your work history and wages. Social security payments don't factor into the calculation at all.

That's different from some other states I think. Good to know Washington keeps them completely separate.

Good advice, thank you. I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filings.

Yes! This is so important. I made the mistake of not filing for two weeks when I wasn't sure about something and lost those benefits permanently.

Right? And good luck getting someone on the phone to explain it clearly. That's why services like that Claimyr thing are probably worth it for complex situations.

I mean, I get why people use those services but it's frustrating that we have to pay extra just to get basic information about our own benefits.

That's great news! Glad it worked out smoothly for you.

Awesome! That gives me hope for my own situation. Congrats!

This is so helpful to hear! I'm going to file my claim tomorrow. Really appreciate everyone who shared their experiences.

That's really encouraging to hear! I've been nervous about filing since I wasn't sure if having both would complicate things. Sounds like Washington state really does keep these programs separate like everyone said. Good luck with your job search!

That's exactly the situation I was in! Bookkeeping experience is definitely in demand for part-time work too, so you should have good prospects while collecting both benefits. Just make sure to keep good records of your job search activities in WorkSourceWA like others mentioned. Best of luck with your claim - sounds like you're well-prepared after reading through all these experiences!

That's great to hear Mohamed! I'm actually in a very similar spot - 63 and just started collecting social security last month when my retail job eliminated my position. I was so confused about whether I could apply for unemployment too, but this thread has been a lifesaver. It's really reassuring to see so many people confirm that Washington keeps these programs separate. I'm planning to file my claim this weekend now that I know it won't mess up my social security benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it makes such a difference when you're navigating this stuff for the first time!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm 64 and in almost the exact same boat - collecting social security and just lost my part-time administrative assistant job due to budget cuts. I was really stressed about whether applying for unemployment would somehow jeopardize my social security benefits or create complications. Reading all these real experiences from people who've actually been through this process has been incredibly reassuring. It's amazing how Washington state really does keep these systems completely separate. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Mohamed, good luck with your bookkeeping job search - that skill set should definitely be in demand!

This is such valuable information for those of us navigating retirement age employment! I'm 61 and haven't started collecting social security yet, but my company just announced layoffs coming next month. It's really helpful to know that when I do start collecting social security in the future, it won't prevent me from filing for unemployment if I need to. The fact that Washington state keeps these programs completely separate seems to make things much less complicated than I expected. Mohamed and everyone else filing claims - wishing you all the best with both your unemployment benefits and job searches!

Mohamed, I'm so glad this thread helped you feel more confident about filing! I was in a very similar position a few months ago - 63, collecting social security, and suddenly unemployed from my office manager job. The whole process seemed so overwhelming at first, especially with all the conflicting information you hear. But Washington ESD really did make it straightforward once I actually filed. My claim was approved without any issues, and like everyone mentioned, they kept the social security and unemployment completely separate. The hardest part was honestly just getting through on the phone when I had questions, but the online system worked fine for filing. Don't hesitate to reach out if you run into any snags - this community has been such a great resource. Good luck with your claim and job search!

Emily, I'm so glad this thread helped ease your worries! At 67, you're actually in an even better position than some of us since you're past full retirement age for social security, so there are no earnings limitations to worry about at all. I was really nervous about the whole process too when I first had to navigate this, but Washington ESD really does make it straightforward. The online filing system is pretty user-friendly, and as everyone has mentioned, they treat these as completely separate benefit programs. Just make sure to keep up with your weekly claim filings and job search requirements, and you should be all set. It's such a relief when you realize it's not as complicated as it initially seems. Wishing you the best with your claim and finding a new position!