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

Yes, you can receive both unemployment and social security in Washington state. They're separate programs and don't affect each other. I've been doing this for 8 months now since I got laid off at 64. Just make sure you report your social security income when you file your weekly claims with Washington ESD.

Just be aware that while Washington allows this, your unemployment benefits might be subject to federal income tax if your total income (including social security) exceeds certain thresholds. But that's a tax issue, not an eligibility issue.

I tried calling Washington ESD to ask this same question last month and could never get through. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found Claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual agent in like 10 minutes. The rep confirmed you can collect both as long as you report the social security income. Game changer for getting answers quickly.

Wait, I thought if you're getting social security you're considered retired and can't get unemployment? That doesn't make sense to me.

I'm in almost the exact same situation - 63, laid off, getting social security. Been collecting both for 6 months now with no issues. Just make sure you keep doing your job searches and report everything accurately on your weekly claims.

Boeing layoffs have been brutal this year. Sorry you're going through this. At least the job market for experienced workers isn't terrible right now, especially in aerospace.

One more thing - when you file your initial claim, they might put it in adjudication if they need to verify your work history or the layoff details. Don't panic if that happens, it's pretty routine for larger companies like Boeing.

Double check that your social security isn't disability benefits. Those have different rules than retirement benefits when it comes to unemployment.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. Why can't they just have clear answers on their website instead of making us guess or pay services like Claimyr to get basic information?

File as soon as possible! Don't wait. The sooner you file, the sooner your waiting week is over and you can start collecting. And yes, you can definitely get both - I've been doing it for almost a year.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'able and available' requirements. Since you're getting social security, they might question whether you're truly available for full-time work.

My dad went through this exact situation 3 years ago. He collected both for about 8 months until he found a new job. No problems at all as long as he reported his social security income every week.

The Washington ESD website actually has a section about this under 'other income' but it's not super clear. Basically says social security retirement benefits don't reduce your UI benefits but must be reported.

Whatever you do, don't try to hide the social security income. They will find out eventually and then you'll have an overpayment to deal with. Always better to report everything upfront.

I was worried about this too when I got laid off at 65. Turns out it's totally fine to collect both. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier - totally worth it to get real answers from an actual person.

Boeing severance packages are usually pretty good - make sure you understand how that affects your unemployment timing. You might have to wait until the severance period ends before you can collect UI benefits.

Bottom line - yes you can collect both. Just be honest about all your income sources and you'll be fine. Good luck with your job search!

I went through this same situation last year at 63 after getting laid off from Microsoft. You can definitely collect both - I've been doing it for 14 months now without any issues. The key things to remember: 1) Report your full social security amount on your weekly claims, 2) Keep detailed records of your job search activities (3 per week minimum), and 3) Don't let anyone tell you that collecting social security means you're "retired" - as long as you're actively looking for work, you're eligible. The Washington ESD agents I spoke with were very clear that these are completely separate programs. One tip: when you file your initial claim online, there's a specific section where you'll enter your social security income - don't skip it thinking it doesn't apply. Good luck with your search!