Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits if I get severance pay?

That's helpful! It's being paid as a lump sum, so sounds like I should be okay. Do I need to report it when I file my initial claim?

Definitely report it on your initial application. Washington ESD will determine if it affects your benefits, but being upfront prevents issues later.

Good to hear a success story! Did Washington ESD ask for any documentation about the severance?

They asked for a copy of my separation agreement during the phone interview, but that was it. Pretty straightforward process.

Never heard of Claimyr before but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone lines are impossible to get through to normally.

Yeah it saved me so much time and frustration. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever.

How can I tell which category my severance falls into? The paperwork just says 'severance package.

Look at how it's taxed and whether it's tied to your regular pay periods. If it's a lump sum payment separate from payroll, it's likely dismissal pay.

This is confusing. Why does Washington ESD make everything so complicated? Just want to know if I can pay my bills.

It's income for tax purposes, but unemployment benefits have different rules. Washington ESD focuses on whether you're able and available for work, not just income.

ok that makes more sense I guess. still seems weird though

Just remember to file your claim as soon as you're unemployed, even if you're still receiving severance. Don't wait.

Will do! I'll file right after my last day of work.

How long did her adjudication take? I'm worried about delays.

I think it was about 2 weeks? Not too bad compared to some of the horror stories I've heard.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Got tired of the runaround and conflicting information.

Might have to look into that if I run into more issues. The inconsistency is so frustrating.

What kind of documentation did they want?

Just a letter from HR explaining the severance terms and amount. Nothing too complicated.

File ASAP! You're likely eligible and there's a waiting period anyway. Don't miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

Okay you convinced me. I'll file my claim tonight. Thanks for the push!

I looked at their website but found it hard to understand. The language is so technical.

Yeah they definitely don't write it in plain English. Government websites are the worst for that.

Thanks for sharing! Makes me feel more confident about the whole process.

Good point! My HR department wasn't sure either, which is why I'm asking here.

HR departments often don't know unemployment rules well. They're not the experts on Washington ESD policies.

What other factors do they consider? I'm in a similar boat.

Things like whether you're able and available for work, if the severance is structured as wages vs dismissal pay, and timing of when you receive it.

That's a helpful perspective! Good to know they're treated differently for tax vs unemployment purposes.

Exactly. Just make sure you set aside money for taxes on the severance since it's usually taxed at a higher rate.

12 weeks is a lot! Did they ask for extra documentation since it was such a large amount?

Nope, just the standard separation paperwork. Amount didn't seem to matter, just how it was paid.

Oh good point! I need to read through my agreement more carefully.

yeah definitely check that. washington esd requires you to be actively seeking work

How long did the whole adjudication process take for you?

About 3 weeks total. They had to review my separation agreement and verify with my former employer.

Perfect summary! Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more prepared now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

Yes, my package includes 3 months of health insurance continuation. Good to know that won't be an issue.

Right, Washington ESD is mainly concerned with cash payments and whether they constitute wages.