Washington ESD unemployment for 1099 contractors - confused about eligibility

Unfortunately, regular unemployment benefits are only for W-2 employees who had taxes withheld. As a 1099 contractor, you weren't paying into the unemployment insurance system so you're not eligible for regular UI benefits. However, you might want to look into other assistance programs or consider filing for self-employment assistance if you're starting a business.

Wait, I thought there were special programs for contractors during COVID? My friend who drove for Uber was getting benefits for awhile. Are those still available?

I'm in a similar boat - lost my main consulting contract last month. Been trying to get through to Washington ESD to see if there are any options but their phone lines are always busy. Has anyone had luck actually talking to someone there?

this is why i tell people to always try to get W2 work if possible. 1099 means you're on your own when things go bad. no unemployment, no workers comp, nothing.

Just to be clear about Washington state specifically - there's no unemployment insurance program for independent contractors outside of the pandemic programs that ended. You would need to have been classified as an employee (W-2) and had unemployment taxes withheld from your pay to be eligible for regular UI benefits. If you think you were misclassified as a contractor when you should have been an employee, that's a different issue you could pursue.

Have you considered applying for jobs that would make you eligible for unemployment in the future? Even part-time W-2 work would start building your eligibility.

I was in the exact same situation last year. Lost my biggest 1099 client and spent weeks trying to figure out what benefits I could get. The answer was basically nothing from unemployment. Had to apply for emergency assistance through the county and food stamps to get by.

The whole system is set up against freelancers and gig workers. We pay self-employment taxes but don't get any of the safety net benefits. It's ridiculous.

Check if you qualify for any small business grants or loans. The SBA sometimes has programs for independent contractors facing hardship.

I had to use Claimyr again recently when I had questions about my UI claim status. They're really helpful for getting through to actual Washington ESD representatives instead of just waiting on hold forever. Definitely worth trying if you need to speak with someone about your specific situation.

might want to also check with DSHS about other assistance programs. Even if you can't get unemployment, there might be other help available.

Just want to echo what others have said - as a 1099 contractor, you're not eligible for regular unemployment benefits in Washington state. The pandemic programs that helped contractors ended in 2021. Your best bet is looking into emergency assistance programs, food assistance, and trying to find some W-2 work to build future unemployment eligibility.

One more thought - if you're planning to continue freelancing, you might want to look into creating an emergency fund specifically for situations like this. I learned the hard way that contractors need to be extra prepared for gaps in income.

Also wanted to mention that Claimyr has been a lifesaver for me when dealing with Washington ESD. If you do end up getting W-2 work and need to file for unemployment later, they can help you navigate the system and actually get through to agents when you have questions. Much better than trying to call on your own.

I'm sorry you're going through this tough situation. As others have mentioned, Washington state doesn't currently have unemployment benefits for 1099 contractors - those ended with the pandemic programs in 2021. However, don't give up hope! Here are some immediate steps you can take: 1) Apply for Basic Food (SNAP) benefits through DSHS - you can do this online, 2) Look into emergency rental assistance programs in your county, 3) Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for information about local assistance programs, 4) Consider taking on some part-time W-2 work while rebuilding your client base to establish future unemployment eligibility. The freelance life is tough without a safety net, but there are resources available to help bridge the gap. Hang in there!