If you're still worried about it, you could try using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Better to get confirmation from an actual ESD representative than guess and potentially get an overpayment.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago. The rule is definitely that you stop claiming the week you start work, not when you get your first paycheck. I know it creates a financial gap, but it's way better than dealing with an overpayment situation later. One thing that helped me was asking my new employer if they could do a small payroll advance to help with the transition - many companies are understanding about this kind of situation. Also, make sure to keep all your documentation showing your last claim date and first work date, just in case ESD ever asks questions down the line.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you should file your UI claim immediately after your last day of work, even though you're receiving severance. ESD will determine when your benefits actually begin based on your severance amount. In my case, I received my severance as a lump sum payment. I reported this on my UI application, and ESD essentially "allocated" that payment across several weeks (dividing the total by my weekly wage). My actual UI payments began once that period ended. But by filing immediately, I established my claim and didn't lose any potential benefit weeks. Regarding the language in the agreement - it's definitely worth asking HR to change it, but if they refuse, I'd probably still sign for the severance money. Just be completely honest with ESD about the real circumstances of your separation when you file. In most cases, ESD recognizes these corporate tactics.

One more important note: When you have your exit meeting, try to get them to explicitly state the reason for your separation in writing. If they say it's due to "business needs," "reorganization," "position elimination," or similar terms, ask for that in an email or letter. This documentation will be valuable if there's any dispute about your UI eligibility. When you file your claim, you'll have the opportunity to explain the circumstances. Be clear that you were laid off but received severance with certain conditions. The ESD adjudicators are familiar with these situations and will look at the totality of circumstances, not just the language in a severance agreement. As others have mentioned, your severance may delay the start of your benefits, but it won't necessarily make you ineligible altogether. Make sure you're completing all your weekly claims during this time, even if you're not receiving payments yet.

Perfect summary! This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding the earnings rules.

Just to add another perspective - I've been working part-time seasonal work while on unemployment and it's actually worked out really well. The key thing I learned is to track your hours carefully too, not just earnings. I had a week where I only made $180 but worked 35 hours, so I lost my benefits entirely that week due to the hour limit even though my earnings were well under the threshold. Make sure you're watching both the earnings AND the 32-hour rule!

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now! I'm on week 6 of waiting with 4 adjudication issues and was starting to lose hope. The fact that your issues are disappearing one by one after contacting the governor's office is really encouraging. I had no idea that was even an option - I thought I just had to wait it out forever. I'm definitely going to try calling their constituent services line tomorrow morning. Did you mention anything specific about financial hardship when you called, or just focus on the length of time you'd been waiting? I'm in a similar boat with rent due soon and it's getting really stressful. Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated on the progress. It's so rare to see positive movement on these claims lately. Really hoping those last 2 issues clear for you this week! Please keep us posted when you finally get paid - stories like yours give the rest of us stuck in adjudication hell some much-needed hope.

This is so helpful to read! I'm currently on week 5 with 3 adjudication issues and was starting to panic thinking I'd be waiting forever. The fact that your issues are disappearing one by one after getting the governor's office involved gives me real hope. I had absolutely no idea that calling them was even an option - I thought you just had to suffer through ESD's broken system indefinitely. I'm definitely calling their constituent services line first thing tomorrow morning. My situation is getting desperate too - I've got about $180 left and my car payment is due next week. It's amazing that they actually called you back the same day and that things started moving after that, even if they didn't meet their promised timeline. The way you described the issues just disappearing without explanation is so typical of ESD's terrible communication, but at least it seems like progress is happening behind the scenes. Really crossing my fingers that your last 2 issues clear soon and you get that backpay! Please definitely update us when you get paid - success stories like this are what keep the rest of us going through this nightmare process.

Good luck OP! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I went through something similar in Washington about 18 months ago. Got fired for "attitude issues" after my manager found out I was networking at industry events. Filed my UI claim the same day and was approved within 2 weeks. The adjudicator told me that professional networking and job searching are completely normal activities that don't constitute misconduct. Your situation sounds even more clear-cut since you were doing interviews during your own lunch time. Don't stress too much about it - Washington ESD is pretty fair about these cases.