Boeing layoff severance package and ESD benefits - can I apply while receiving severance?

Boeing severance payments DO affect your unemployment benefits, but not in the way most people think. The severance is considered "deductible income" by ESD, not disqualifying income. This means: 1. You should apply for unemployment immediately after your last day of work (don't wait) 2. You must report your severance payments when you file your weekly claims 3. Your benefits will be reduced during weeks you receive severance Since Boeing typically pays severance as a lump sum, ESD will allocate that across the weeks it represents (12 weeks in your case). Your weekly benefit might be reduced to $0 during those weeks, but you MUST continue filing weekly claims to maintain your claim and get full benefits once the severance period ends.

my wife went thru this with boeing 2 yrs ago. they gave her 10 wks severance (10 yr employee) and she still applied for unemployemnt right away. ESD made her report the severance $ each week and she got $0 for those weeks but kept claiming. after the 10 wks she started getting the full benefit amount. DONT WAIT to apply!!!

I disagree with the others. Boeing severance is actually considered separation pay not wages, so IT DOESN'T affect your benefits at all!! When I got laid off from Boeing in 2023, I received both full unemployment AND my severance with no reductions. The key is how you report it - don't list it as "wages" on your weekly claim. ESD's system is confusing on this.

Have you tried calling the ESD directly to get the most up-to-date info? Their rules sometimes change and Boeing layoffs usually have specific guidance. I tried calling them last month about something else and was on hold foreverrrrr then got disconnected twice 😫

I work at WorkSource helping laid off Boeing employees. Here's what you need to know: 1. Apply for unemployment immediately after your last day 2. Report your severance correctly as "separation pay" on your weekly claims 3. Continue filing EVERY week even when receiving $0 benefits 4. After your severance allocation period ends, your regular benefits will start 5. Your benefit year lasts 52 weeks from application, so you won't lose benefits Also, Boeing layoffs qualify for additional assistance through our Aerospace Tax Credit program. Come to a WorkSource center to learn about training opportunities and job search assistance specifically for aerospace workers.

ESD IS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE!!! I got laid off from Boeing in January and they're STILL fighting me about my severance pay calculations. First they said I reported it wrong, then they said I didn't provide proof, then they said I need to pay back $4200 for "overpayment"!!!! The system is designed to confuse you so they can deny benefits. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and get names of every person you talk to!!!

To respond to your follow-up question: Yes, you should absolutely file every week even when receiving $0. Your claim will NOT expire as long as you continue filing weekly claims without interruption. The benefit year lasts 52 weeks from your application date. What happens is your total benefit entitlement (typically 26 weeks worth) remains available to you throughout your benefit year. The weeks when your benefits are reduced to $0 by severance don't count against your 26 weeks of benefits - they're essentially paused. So if you have 12 weeks of severance and file claims during that entire period (getting $0), you'll still have your full 26 weeks of benefits available to use during the remainder of your benefit year.

Boeing employee here - just went through this in December. Make sure you attend the layoff information session HR provides. They'll give you a packet that explains exactly how to handle unemployment with the severance. There's actually a specific code Boeing gives ESD for our layoffs that helps them process everything correctly. Don't skip that meeting!