Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I receive a severance package?

You can absolutely file for unemployment even with a severance package in Washington. The key thing is HOW the severance is paid out. If it's a lump sum, it typically doesn't affect your weekly benefits. If it's paid out weekly like regular wages, then it might reduce your weekly benefit amount during those weeks.

i got severance last year and still collected unemployment no problem. washington esd doesnt count lump sum severance as wages so it wont affect your weekly benefit amount. just be honest about it when you file

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months and here's what I learned about severance: Lump sum payments don't count as wages for the weeks you're claiming benefits. However, if your employer is paying you severance for specific weeks (like continuation of salary), those weeks might be considered 'wages' and could affect your claim. The important thing is to file immediately and report everything accurately.

Just went through this exact situation last month. Had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to verify my severance situation, kept getting busy signals for weeks. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. The agent confirmed that my lump sum severance wouldn't affect my weekly benefits at all.

SEVERANCE PACKAGES ARE A SCAM! They offer you these packages to make you think you're getting a good deal but then you find out it might mess up your unemployment. At least that's what I thought until I actually researched it. Turns out Washington state is pretty reasonable about lump sum severance not affecting benefits.

Wait, I'm confused. If I get 12 weeks of severance pay, does that mean I can't collect unemployment for 12 weeks? Or is it only if they pay it out weekly instead of as a lump sum? This is so confusing!

also make sure you file your weekly claims even if you think you might not qualify. better to file and have them tell you no than to miss out on benefits you're entitled to

I got severance when I was laid off from Boeing and collected unemployment the whole time. Washington ESD didn't reduce my benefits at all because it was a lump sum payment. Just be prepared for a lot of paperwork and questions about your employment history.

One thing to watch out for - make sure your employer doesn't structure the severance as 'pay in lieu of notice' for specific weeks. That could complicate things. If it's truly a lump sum separation payment, you should be clear to collect unemployment immediately.

Just a heads up - even though lump sum severance doesn't affect your weekly benefit amount, you still need to report it on your initial application. Washington ESD needs to know about all payments you received from your employer.

I'm in a similar situation but my severance is being paid out over 6 months. Does anyone know if that would affect my unemployment benefits differently than a lump sum?

Does anyone know if vacation payout affects unemployment the same way as severance? Got both when I was laid off last month.

honestly the washington esd website has pretty good info about severance if you dig around. but talking to an actual person is always better if you have specific questions

Filed my claim while receiving severance and it went through fine. The key is being upfront about everything. Don't try to hide the severance - Washington ESD will find out anyway and it's better to be honest from the start.

This thread has been super helpful! I was worried my severance would disqualify me from unemployment but sounds like I should be fine as long as it's a lump sum.

Anyone know if there's a maximum amount of severance that would affect unemployment eligibility? I'm getting a pretty substantial package.

Pro tip: keep all your severance paperwork organized. Washington ESD might ask for documentation during the application process or later if your claim goes to adjudication.

Update on my earlier comment about Claimyr - they helped me get through to Washington ESD again this week to ask about vacation pay and severance tax implications. Really worth it if you need to talk to an actual person instead of guessing about your situation.

Been collecting unemployment for 8 weeks now while my severance sits in savings. No issues at all with Washington ESD. They asked about it during my initial interview but once I explained it was a lump sum they moved on.

Make sure you understand your non-compete and severance agreement before filing. Some agreements have clauses about collecting unemployment that you need to be aware of.