How Do I Collect Unemployment Benefits While Receiving Social Security in Washington State?
- 1). Make sure you're eligible for unemployment insurance. First and foremost, you can't currently be working. You must also have recently separated from your job--through no fault or will of your own. Section 50.20.010 of the Washington Revised Code further requires that you be "able, willing and ready" to return to work as soon as possible.
- 2). Consider the amount of your Social Security benefits as well as the amount of income you took home prior to separating from your job. Washington sets your weekly unemployment benefit amount "equal to three and eighty-five one-hundredths percent of the average quarterly wages" you earned doing your two highest-earning quarters prior to the separation. If your Social Security benefits are greater than this amount, they may affect or in some cases disqualify you from eligibility.
- 3). Fill out an application for unemployment benefits. An critical part of the application is the section on "Sources of Income," where you provide complete and honest information about your Social Security benefits. The state has access to records of government-paid benefits like Social Security, so if you're dishonest, the state will find out.
- 4). Register with your local workforce center and begin looking for work. Another requirement of unemployment benefits eligibility is an active search for work. Keep a log of your work searches, as the state can request you submit them as proof of eligibility at any time.
- 5). Report any changes in your Social Security income once your unemployment benefits claim has been approved. If your income goes up or down, the state may need to recalculate your allowable benefit amount.
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