Can I apply for Washington ESD unemployment if I receive severance pay?

Thanks! So I should still file right away even though I'm getting severance? I don't want to mess up the application process.

Yes, file as soon as you're separated from work. Washington ESD will calculate how the severance affects your claim timing. Better to have everything on record from the start.

That makes sense. Did you have any trouble reaching Washington ESD to get clarification on your specific situation?

Oh god yes, the phone system is a nightmare. I probably called 200 times over 3 weeks trying to get through. Actually ended up using this service called Claimyr that calls for you and gets you connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

No, severance isn't the same as regular wages. You're unemployed once your last day of work happens, but the severance payment might affect WHEN your unemployment benefits start. Think of it as a buffer payment, not ongoing employment.

ok that makes more sense. so the separation date is what matters for filing, not when the severance runs out?

Exactly right. File based on your actual last day of work, then report the severance as income on your application.

Yikes, that's scary. What's the best way to make sure I report it correctly? Is there a specific form or section on the application?

When you file your initial claim, there's a section about separation pay/severance. Be honest about the total amount and when you'll receive it. Also report it on your weekly claims if you're still receiving payments.

Have you tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier? My coworker used it when she had questions about her standby claim and said it actually got her through to a real person at Washington ESD.

No haven't heard of that, what is it exactly?

It's like a phone service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an agent. She said it saved her hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Is this the same for everyone or does it depend on your specific situation?

It can vary based on how the severance is structured and when it's paid. Some companies pay it as a lump sum, others spread it out. The timing affects how Washington ESD treats it for benefit calculation purposes.

Good question! Generally, Washington ESD looks at the total amount and what period it represents, not necessarily how it's paid out. But the payment method might affect the timing of when you need to report it on weekly claims.

So if I take it as a lump sum I'd report it all at once, but if it's spread out I report it each week I receive a payment?

That's typically how it works, yes. But honestly this is complex enough that you should verify with Washington ESD directly to be sure.

Unused vacation pay is usually treated differently than severance by Washington ESD. It's still reportable income but might not delay your benefits the same way. You'd need to report both though.

Thanks, this is getting complicated. Might need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD to sort out my specific situation.

Yeah definitely recommend that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier if you need to reach them. So much easier than the regular phone system.

If you start working before your severance period ends, you'd report the new job income and stop filing weekly claims. The severance wouldn't matter at that point since you're employed again.

Got it, so basically once I'm working again the severance becomes irrelevant to unemployment?

How long ago did you file? Sometimes it takes a few weeks for them to process claims with severance because they have to calculate everything.

Filed about 5 weeks ago. My claim shows 'under review' but no other details. I've tried calling but can never get through.

You might want to try that Claimyr thing people keep mentioning. I used it last week to check on my adjudication status and actually got to talk to someone at Washington ESD who explained what was happening with my claim.

I guess that's logical but it's still tough when you're trying to plan your finances and don't know exactly when benefits will kick in.

True, the uncertainty is definitely the hardest part. That's why it's important to get clear information from Washington ESD upfront about your specific situation.

Generally just the timing. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings history during the base period, not on severance payments. The severance mainly affects WHEN you can start collecting.

That's good to know, thanks! So once benefits start, they should be the full amount I'm eligible for.

I believe Washington ESD has some limits on how long severance can delay benefits, but I'm not sure of the exact details. That would be a good question for an actual Washington ESD representative.

Makes sense, probably depends on individual circumstances too.

Agreed! I feel much more confident about filing now. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge.

Yes, transparency is definitely the way to go with Washington ESD. They have access to wage records anyway, so it's better to be honest upfront than deal with overpayment issues later.