Washington ESD unemployment age limit - can seniors still collect benefits?
My dad is 67 and got laid off from his job at Boeing after 15 years. He's not ready to retire yet and wants to keep working, but he's worried there might be an age limit for collecting unemployment in Washington. I've been searching online but can't find a clear answer about whether Washington ESD has age restrictions for UI benefits. Does anyone know if there's a cutoff age where you can't file for unemployment anymore?
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Lucas Parker
There's no age limit for unemployment benefits in Washington state. As long as your dad meets the work requirements and is able and available for work, he can collect UI benefits regardless of his age. The key is that he has to be actively seeking employment.
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Katherine Hunter
•That's such a relief to hear! He's definitely willing to work and has been applying to jobs already. Do you know if there are any special considerations for older workers?
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Lucas Parker
•Not really special considerations, but he'll need to meet the same job search requirements as everyone else. Washington ESD requires documenting job search activities each week.
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Donna Cline
I'm 63 and collected unemployment last year after getting downsized. No problems at all with age - they just care about your work history and that you're looking for a job. Your dad should be fine to apply.
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Katherine Hunter
•Thanks for sharing your experience! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?
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Donna Cline
•About 2 weeks, but this was before all the adjudication delays people are talking about now.
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Harper Collins
Actually had to help my 72 year old neighbor with this exact situation. No age limit exists but getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions was impossible. Spent hours on hold trying to reach someone to confirm eligibility requirements. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent - worked like a charm. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Katherine Hunter
•Never heard of Claimyr before. How does it help you get through to Washington ESD?
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Harper Collins
•It basically handles the calling and waiting for you, then connects you when an agent picks up. Saved us from sitting on hold for hours.
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Kelsey Hawkins
•That's interesting. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my adjudication. Might have to check this out.
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Dylan Fisher
wait so there's really no age limit at all?? my mom is 70 and lost her part time job but I told her she was too old for unemployment. maybe I was wrong?
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Lucas Parker
•You were definitely wrong! Age discrimination applies to unemployment benefits too - they can't deny someone based on age alone.
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Dylan Fisher
•oh man I feel terrible now. she's been struggling financially and I told her not to even try applying
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Edwards Hugo
•Don't feel bad, lots of people think there are age limits. Just help her file now - she can still get benefits as long as she meets the other requirements.
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Gianna Scott
The only 'age limit' issue I've seen is when people are already collecting Social Security retirement benefits. That can affect unemployment eligibility in some cases, but it's not a blanket age restriction.
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Katherine Hunter
•My dad isn't collecting Social Security yet, so that shouldn't be an issue. Good to know though!
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Gianna Scott
•Yeah he should be totally fine then. Just make sure he's genuinely looking for work because they do check on that.
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Alfredo Lugo
I work in HR and we've had several older employees file for unemployment after layoffs. Washington ESD treats them the same as younger workers. The main thing is proving you're able and available for work.
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Katherine Hunter
•That's really helpful insight from someone who sees this professionally. Any tips for older workers filing claims?
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Alfredo Lugo
•Just be thorough with the application and make sure all work history is accurate. Older workers sometimes have more complex work histories that need careful documentation.
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Sydney Torres
My grandfather tried to collect unemployment at 75 and they approved him no problem. He worked until he was 74 then got laid off and needed the bridge income before starting social security.
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Kelsey Hawkins
•75?! That's amazing that he was still working. Good for him for getting the benefits he earned.
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Sydney Torres
•Yeah he was a tough old guy. Worked construction his whole life and wasn't ready to quit.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
Just want to confirm what others are saying - no age limit in Washington. Federal law actually prohibits age discrimination in unemployment benefits. Your dad has every right to file.
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Katherine Hunter
•Perfect, that gives me confidence to help him file his claim this week. Thanks everyone!
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good luck! Make sure he keeps detailed records of his job search activities for the weekly claims.
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Caleb Bell
honestly the hardest part isn't the age thing, it's actually getting through to talk to someone at Washington ESD when you have questions. I'm 58 and spent forever trying to reach them about my claim status.
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Harper Collins
•That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Game changer for actually reaching ESD agents.
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Caleb Bell
•I saw that and looked it up. Definitely going to try it next time I can't get through.
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Danielle Campbell
Washington state is pretty good about not discriminating based on age for unemployment. I think some states might have weird rules but WA doesn't mess around with that stuff.
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Rhett Bowman
•Yeah Washington generally has pretty worker-friendly unemployment policies compared to other states.
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Danielle Campbell
•Exactly. They focus on whether you can work and are looking for work, not how old you are.
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Abigail Patel
The only thing I'd add is that older workers might face more challenges in the job search itself, but that doesn't affect UI eligibility. Washington ESD just requires good faith effort to find work.
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Katherine Hunter
•That's a good point. My dad is worried about age discrimination in hiring, but at least he can get unemployment while he searches.
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Abigail Patel
•Exactly. The unemployment benefits give him time to find the right opportunity without rushing into something unsuitable.
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Daniel White
been collecting UI at 65 for the past few months after my company closed. Zero issues with age - they approved my claim right away. Your dad should definitely apply.
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Katherine Hunter
•Thank you for sharing! It really helps to hear from people who've actually been through this process recently.
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Daniel White
•No problem. Just make sure he files as soon as possible - there's usually a waiting period even for straightforward claims.
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Nolan Carter
I helped my 69 year old aunt file for unemployment last year. The Washington ESD website doesn't even ask about age during the application process. It's all about work history and earnings.
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Natalia Stone
•That makes sense - age would be irrelevant to determining benefit amounts anyway since it's based on wages.
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Nolan Carter
•Right, they just look at your base period wages to calculate what you're eligible for.
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Tasia Synder
Quick question - if someone is 67 and files for unemployment, do they still have to do the WorkSourceWA registration and job search stuff?
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Lucas Parker
•Yes, same requirements apply regardless of age. You have to register with WorkSource and document your job search activities.
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Tasia Synder
•Got it, thanks. Wasn't sure if there were any exemptions for older workers.
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Selena Bautista
This thread is really helpful! I was also confused about age limits. Seems like the takeaway is no age limit, just need to meet the regular eligibility requirements like anyone else.
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Katherine Hunter
•Exactly! I'm so glad I asked here instead of just assuming there was an age limit.
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Mohamed Anderson
•Yeah this is good info to have. Never know when you might need it yourself or to help family.
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Ellie Perry
One thing to mention - if your dad does end up having trouble reaching Washington ESD with questions, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. Used it myself when I couldn't get through about an adjudication issue.
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Katherine Hunter
•Good to know it's not just one person recommending it. Might be worth bookmarking just in case.
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Ellie Perry
•Yeah definitely keep it as backup. Their phone lines get so jammed that sometimes you need help just to talk to someone.
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Landon Morgan
Just to close the loop on this - your dad should absolutely file. Washington has some of the most inclusive unemployment policies in the country. Age is not a barrier.
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Katherine Hunter
•Thanks everyone! Going to help him file his claim this weekend. Really appreciate all the helpful responses.
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Teresa Boyd
•Good luck to your dad! Hope he finds something good soon.
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Javier Cruz
I'm 62 and went through this exact situation two years ago when I got laid off from a manufacturing job. There's definitely no age limit in Washington - I collected benefits for about 4 months while job hunting. The only thing I'd add is that older workers sometimes need to be extra careful about documenting their job search activities since ESD can be pretty strict about that requirement. Keep detailed records of every application, networking event, and job fair you attend. Also, don't get discouraged if the job search takes longer - the benefits are there to support you while you find the right fit, not just any job.
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Hunter Edmunds
•This is really valuable advice! The documentation tip is especially helpful - I'll make sure to tell my dad about keeping detailed records of his job search. It's reassuring to hear from someone who successfully went through this process at a similar age. Four months seems like a reasonable timeframe, and you're absolutely right that he shouldn't just take any job out of desperation. Having the unemployment benefits as a safety net should give him the time to find something that's actually a good match for his skills and experience.
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