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wait so did you say you got severance? if you got severance you have to report that and it might delay when your benefits start. i think you have to use up the severance first before unemployment kicks in? someone correct me if im wrong
You're partially correct. In Washington state, severance pay can affect unemployment benefits, but it depends on how it's paid out: - Lump sum severance usually doesn't delay benefits (but must be reported) - Continued regular payments that resemble your normal salary can delay benefits until they end OP should report any severance received when filing the initial claim and ESD will determine how it affects their specific situation.
Thanks for pointing this out - my severance is just 2 weeks of pay as a lump sum. I'll definitely report it when I file.
One more thing - make sure you appeal if they try to take more than 50% of your benefits for the overpayment. I've seen cases where the system automatically sets it higher but you have the right to request the standard 50% offset.
Good to know! I'll definitely watch for that and appeal if needed. Filing my claim now and will update with how it goes. Thanks everyone for the advice!
wait are we supposed to do job searches on christmas week too??? i thought holidays meant we didnt have to do those??
Yes, you still need to complete your 3 job search activities even during holiday weeks. ESD doesn't waive job search requirements for holidays. However, you can be strategic about it - attending a virtual WorkSource workshop counts as an activity and can be easier than applying for jobs during the holiday week. Or you can do all 3 activities earlier in the week before the holiday.
Just for future reference (and for anyone else reading this thread later), ESD actually posts their holiday payment schedules on their website usually about 2-3 weeks before each major holiday. You can find it under "Announcements" on the main dashboard after you log in. It's not always prominent, but it's there if you look for it. I just checked my account and they haven't posted the Christmas 2025 schedule yet, but based on past years, Monday the 23rd is almost certainly when payments will process. I've been through four holiday seasons on unemployment (unfortunately) and they've been very consistent with this pattern.
anybody else notice ESD always seems to take FOREVER to give you YOUR money back but if THEY think you owe THEM they want it back like yesterday?? 🙄
Update for everyone in this thread: ESD recently changed their overpayment refund process in January 2025. Previously, refunds over $1500 were automatically split into multiple payments for "system processing reasons." Under the new system, refunds should come as a single payment unless different weeks of eligibility are being processed separately. The OP's case sounds like it's still under the old system OR involves weeks being handled by different departments (regular UI vs. extended benefits, for example). For reference, the standard processing time for the remainder of split refunds is now officially 21 business days from the first payment, though it can be faster.
Levi Parker
I literally just dealt with this last month lol. Select "laid off/lack of work" and then explain in the comments that you're still employed but weren't scheduled for any hours that week. Worked fine for me!
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Amaya Watson
•Thank you! Seems like this is the consensus answer. I'm going to try this approach.
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Grant Vikers
UPDATE: I submitted my claim using 'laid off/lack of work' and explained everything in the comments section. My payment was processed normally and I didn't have any issues! Thanks everyone for your help with this. Hopefully this thread helps someone else in the same situation.
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Aaron Boston
•Yay! Glad it worked out for u :
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