Just went through this whole process. The most important thing is filing immediately. Don't second-guess it, don't wait for severance to end, just file. You can always ask questions later but you can't go back and change your filing date.

I was in a similar boat last month - got laid off with a 10-week severance package. Filed my unemployment claim the day after I got my termination letter, even though I knew I'd have to wait. Washington ESD confirmed that my severance counted as "wages in lieu of notice" so no benefits during those 10 weeks, but my claim was active and ready to go. The key thing is keeping up with your weekly certifications and job search requirements even during the waiting period. It feels pointless when you're not getting paid, but it keeps your claim in good standing. Now that my severance just ended last week, my first unemployment payment is already processed. Don't overthink it - just file immediately and let Washington ESD sort out the timing details.

glad you asked this question because i was wondering the same thing! my hours got cut at my job and i wasn't sure if i could still get some unemployment benefits. sounds like i can as long as i report everything correctly

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually in a similar situation - just got offered a part-time position while I'm still collecting unemployment benefits in Washington. Reading through everyone's responses has really clarified the process for me. The key points I'm taking away are: 1) Report gross earnings for the week you actually worked (not when you get paid), 2) Keep detailed records of everything, 3) Continue job searching and documenting it, and 4) Be honest about all earnings. It's reassuring to know that the system is actually designed to help people transition back to full-time work rather than penalize them for taking whatever opportunities they can find. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to report my severance payment when I file my weekly claim. It sounds like I might not receive benefits for a few weeks while they allocate the severance, but I'll keep filing my weekly claims so everything stays active. I'll also try the Claimyr service to get confirmation directly from ESD about how they'll handle this specific situation. Really appreciate all the advice!

Just went through this exact situation last month! Definitely report the severance - I made the mistake of listening to bad advice initially and it caused major headaches later. When I finally got through to ESD (took forever), they explained that ANY money received after termination counts as reportable income, regardless of how it's paid out. They allocated my $4,200 severance over about 3 weeks based on my previous wages, so I didn't get unemployment during that time but my benefits kicked in automatically afterward. Keep filing those weekly claims even during the allocation period - that's super important! Also, upload a copy of your severance agreement/letter to your eServices account proactively - it'll save you time if they request documentation later.

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My claim has been pending for over two weeks and I couldn't figure out where my account number was hiding. After reading through everyone's suggestions, I found mine in an old email from Washington ESD that had been sitting in my spam folder for months - it was in the footer of a "weekly claim reminder" message that I had completely ignored. It's absolutely mind-blowing that they bury such critical information in random places instead of making it easily accessible on your main account dashboard. For anyone still searching, I'd also suggest checking any PDF attachments from Washington ESD emails - sometimes the account number appears there even if it's not in the main email text. The whole system really needs to be redesigned with actual user experience in mind. Thank you to everyone who shared their tips and experiences - it's reassuring to know we're not alone in dealing with this bureaucratic maze!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My claim has been stuck in pending status for almost a month and I can't find my account number anywhere. After reading through all these responses, I'm going to start systematically checking my spam folder and old emails from when I first applied. It's absolutely ridiculous that Washington ESD makes finding your own account number like solving a puzzle when you're already stressed about being unemployed. The fact that so many people are having this same problem really shows how broken their system is. I'm also seriously considering that Claimyr service that @Dmitry Smirnov mentioned since the regular phone system seems completely useless. Thanks to everyone for sharing their tips - at least we know we're not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare!

Update from my previous comment: I checked with a colleague who works directly with ESD, and there's currently a backlog in construction industry claims specifically. There were several large layoffs in the sector this quarter, and they're reviewing employer tax compliance more carefully for construction companies. This likely explains your extended wait time compared to claims from other industries.

I'm dealing with a similar situation - filed in early April and still stuck in adjudication after 8 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I had to use my emergency savings just to keep my head above water, and now that's almost gone too. I've been following a lot of the advice here (calling multiple times, filing weekly claims religiously, doing job search activities) but still no movement. The worst part is the uncertainty - like you don't know if it's going to be resolved tomorrow or drag on for months. One thing that's helped me cope while waiting is applying for food assistance through DSHS and looking into utility assistance programs. It's not much but every little bit helps when you're hemorrhaging money. Hang in there - sounds like you've got some good leads to follow up on!