Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits if I take a severance package?

Severance payments can affect your unemployment benefits but it depends on how they're structured. If it's paid as a lump sum, it usually won't delay your benefits. If it's paid out over time like regular wages, it might affect your weekly claim eligibility during those weeks.

I took severance last year and had no issues with my unemployment claim. Just make sure you're honest about it when you file.

The key thing is whether the severance is considered "wages in lieu of notice" or just a severance payment. If your employer is paying you for specific weeks after termination, that's different than a lump sum goodbye payment. You should ask HR how they're classifying it.

I'm dealing with something similar right now and it's been a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask questions. I've been calling for weeks with no luck. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Whatever you do, don't lie about the severance. Washington ESD will find out eventually and then you'll have overpayment issues to deal with.

The Washington ESD handbook says severance payments don't usually affect unemployment benefits unless they're paid as salary continuation. But every situation is different so you might want to call and ask specifically about your case.

I turned down severance specifically because I was worried about unemployment complications. Now I'm wondering if I made the wrong choice.

My understanding is that it only matters if the severance is structured as payment for a specific period of time. Like if they say 'here's 8 weeks pay to cover you through March' that's different than 'here's a lump sum goodbye payment.

Take the severance! You earned it and it won't stop you from getting unemployment as long as you report it properly.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - when I filed my initial claim, there was a specific question about severance payments. I answered honestly and there were no issues. My benefits started the week after my last day of work.

The main thing is just being upfront about it. Washington ESD would rather you tell them than try to hide it and cause problems later.

Has anyone here actually had their benefits delayed because of severance? I keep hearing it's not an issue but I'm still nervous.

One more thing to consider - if you're getting COBRA continuation, that's completely separate from severance and won't affect your unemployment benefits at all.

I'm in a similar situation but my severance would be paid out monthly over 6 months. That's probably going to affect my unemployment, right?

Whatever you decide, make sure you get the severance agreement in writing with all the details about payment structure and timing.

Update on the Claimyr thing - I used them again this week to check on my claim status and it worked great again. Really recommend it if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything complicated like severance reporting.

From everything I've read here, it sounds like taking severance is usually fine as long as you're honest about it. I think I'd take it in your situation.

Just make sure you understand the difference between severance and vacation payout too. Those are handled differently.

The bottom line is that Washington ESD wants to help people who are legitimately unemployed. If you're out of work and looking for a job, severance shouldn't prevent you from getting benefits.

One last thought - if you do take the severance and file for unemployment, keep copies of all your paperwork. You never know when you might need to reference it later.