You've gotten some great advice here! I'll just add that when you apply, make sure to clearly explain your severance arrangement in the section where they ask about other income. Be precise about the amounts and payment schedule. To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, apply now - don't wait until February 2. You may receive partial benefits during severance periods depending on the amount 3. You'll likely receive full benefits during weeks you don't receive a severance payment 4. Start your job search activities immediately and document everything One thing no one has mentioned: when you first apply, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. So even if you're approved, you won't get paid for the first eligible week. That's another reason not to delay - you're just losing potential benefit weeks by waiting.

I went through something similar last year when I was laid off from my nonprofit job. The most important thing is to apply IMMEDIATELY - you're already past the recommended 2-week window and waiting until February could seriously hurt your eligibility. Here's what I learned from my experience: Washington state treats true severance payments (which yours sounds like based on your description) as compensation for past work, not current income. This means you can often collect partial UI benefits even while receiving severance. When you file your weekly claims, you'll report the severance income and ESD will calculate any deductions. In my case, I received reduced benefits during weeks I got severance, but something is better than nothing! And during any weeks you don't receive a severance payment, you should get your full benefit amount. Don't try to game the system by only claiming on alternating weeks - just be honest about all income when you file. The key is getting your initial application in now so your benefit year starts. You can always stop claiming later if needed, but you can't go back and claim weeks you missed if you wait too long. Also, start your job search activities right away (3 per week minimum) and keep detailed records even if you're not sure about benefit eligibility yet. Better to be prepared!

Quick update for everyone following this thread: The ESD website is currently showing a banner that they're experiencing higher than normal processing times for initial payments after approval. They're estimating 7-10 business days for new claims to process the first payment. This might explain why so many of us are seeing longer pending periods recently.

To answer your previous question about the different pending statuses: "Pending" typically means the claim is in the general processing queue. "Pending - web" specifically indicates it was submitted through the online system rather than by phone or in person. They're essentially the same status in terms of payment timeline. One more thing - make sure you've completed all your job search activities and documented them properly. Sometimes claims stay pending if your job search log isn't complete. You need 3 job search activities for each week you claim.

If all else fails and you can't figure it out from the website, that Claimyr thing really does work. My sister used it when she couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD and got her questions answered same day.

Isabella, based on what you've described, it sounds like you're approved! The key indicators are: 1) Your claim status shows "Valid" 2) You can see your weekly benefit amount ($385) 3) You're able to file weekly claims without issues. The fact that you haven't received payment yet is totally normal - first payments typically take 2-3 weeks after approval. Since you filed 10 days ago and can see your benefit amount, you should expect your first payment within the next week or so. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims on time and check that your direct deposit info is correct. The Washington ESD system definitely doesn't make it obvious when you're approved, but you've got all the right signs!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble understanding your paystub deductions, you can also request a detailed breakdown from your HR or payroll department. They're required to explain what each deduction is for. I had to do this when I started my current job because the codes were confusing. Also, keep in mind that if you're a seasonal worker or have gaps in employment, the unemployment insurance you're paying into now could really help you later - I've had to use it twice and was grateful I had been contributing to the system.

One thing worth mentioning is that Washington is one of the few states where employees actually pay into unemployment insurance - in most other states it's just employers who pay. So if you move here from another state, this deduction might be new to you. Also, the 0.58% rate and $68,500 wage base for 2025 are set by the state legislature and can change based on the health of the unemployment trust fund. During economic downturns when more people claim benefits, these rates might go up to keep the system funded.

I went through this exact same situation last year! I had a $5,000 signing bonus that I wasn't sure about including. I called ESD (took forever to get through) and they confirmed that ALL compensation from your employer needs to be reported as gross income - base salary, bonuses, commissions, overtime, everything. The rep told me that it's much better to over-report than under-report because they can always adjust down, but if you under-report and they catch it later (which they will when they verify with your employer), you'll face overpayment issues. So definitely include that $7,200 bonus with your base salary for a total of $75,700. Better safe than sorry!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - I received a performance bonus in January and wasn't sure if it should be included in my gross income reporting. After reading all these responses, it's clear I need to include it. One thing I'm wondering about though - if the bonus pushes me into a higher benefit calculation, does that mean I might actually get MORE weekly benefits? It seems counterintuitive but based on what Aria mentioned about using your highest-earning quarters, maybe including bonuses could actually work in your favor depending on the timing?