Washington ESD unemployment age limit - can seniors still collect benefits?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quick question - if someone is 67 and files for unemployment, do they still have to do the WorkSourceWA registration and job search stuff?

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.

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.

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.

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.