Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Washington
Whether 1099 contractors, gig workers and the self-employed can collect unemployment in Washington, and what misclassified workers can do.
Short answer: Washington's Self-Employment Assistance program (SEAP) offers business training and counseling while you collect unemployment benefits, and you do not have to look for work while in training. Washington Employment Security Department, Self-Employment Assistance program (SEAP)
| Self-employed, 1099 and gig workers | Washington's Self-Employment Assistance program (SEAP) offers business training and counseling while you collect unemployment benefits, and you do not have to look for work while in training. To qualify you must be eligible for regular benefits and either have a qualifying profile score (above 30.6 for 2026 applicants) or be eligible for Commissioner-Approved Training; approval is required in advance. Net self-employment earnings and all self-employment hours must be reported weekly, and if you work 40 or more hours in self-employment in a week, you are not considered unemployed that week. |
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Where to get help in Washington
More Washington unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Washington Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Washington
- Unemployment After Quitting in Washington
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Washington
- How to File for Unemployment in Washington
- All Washington unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in Washington?
Washington's Self-Employment Assistance program (SEAP) offers business training and counseling while you collect unemployment benefits, and you do not have to look for work while in training. To qualify you must be eligible for regular benefits and either have a qualifying profile score (above 30.6 for 2026 applicants) or be eligible for Commissioner-Approved Training; approval is required in advance. Net self-employment earnings and all self-employment hours must be reported weekly, and if you work 40 or more hours in self-employment in a week, you are not considered unemployed that week.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.