What is Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), Washington?
Train full time with an approved SEAP provider while on unemployment, with work search waived for up to 52 weeks. Unlike other states, your net self-employment earnings are reported and can reduce your benefit.
The key facts
- Work search, availability and job-refusal rules waived for up to 52 weeks
- Net self-employment earnings are reported; 40+ hours a week in the business counts as not unemployed
- Profile score above 30.6 (2026 applicants) or eligible for Commissioner-Approved Training
- Keep searching for work until approved (3 to 5 weeks)
Before you’re approved
Job search requiredJob search
Until you are accepted in writing, you are on regular unemployment: keep searching for work every week.
What you must do to keep getting it
- Enrol full time with an approved SEAP provider; approval takes 3 to 5 weeks. Report net self-employment earnings: they can reduce your benefit.
- Do NOT start trading before written acceptance.
If you take or turn down a job: Refusing suitable work can disqualify you from benefits. Only apply for jobs you would take.
While you’re on it
No job search requiredJob search
Once accepted, the work search, availability and job-refusal rules are waived. You work full time on the business.
What you must do to keep getting it
- Keep certifying every week and complete the required training and counseling.
- Missing training or milestones can cost you weeks of benefit or your place.
If you earn money
Unlike other states, your net self-employment earnings are reported and can reduce your weekly benefit, and 40+ hours a week in the business counts as not unemployed.
If you take or turn down a job: Taking a job ends Self-Employment Assistance; report it when you certify.
The other route
You can’t be on both at once. Compare them before you choose.
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Cite this page
"What is Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), Washington?", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/guide/seap-wa/ (updated September 25, 2026)
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