Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I receive severance pay?

My last day of work was Friday but they said the severance covers 8 weeks from that date. So I guess my employment technically ends 8 weeks from now?

That might be the issue right there. If the severance is structured as continued employment, you wouldn't be eligible until that period ends.

They haven't told me yet if it's lump sum or spread out. I should probably ask HR before I sign anything.

Definitely ask! The structure makes a huge difference in how Washington ESD calculates your benefits.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD but can't get through.

Yeah it's real, claimyr.com. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

Where did you find that info? I looked on their site but couldn't find anything specific about the 1.5 times rule.

I think that might be outdated information. The current rules are different since they updated the system in 2023.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. I just want to understand the rules before I make any decisions about the severance offer.

Good approach. Washington ESD cross-checks with employers so honesty is the only way to go.

This is so confusing. I wish there was a simple answer but it seems like every situation is different.

That's why talking to an actual Washington ESD rep is so important. The online info only goes so far.

If you need to talk to Washington ESD quickly, seriously consider using Claimyr. I got through in under an hour instead of spending days trying to call.

I might have to try that. Running out of time to make this decision.

Good point! I didn't even think about that. The agreement does have some restrictive language about working for competitors.

Non-competes generally don't disqualify you from UI benefits in Washington, but you should still mention it when you file.

That's risky advice. Overpayment issues with Washington ESD are a nightmare to deal with and they charge interest.

True, but if you're honest about the severance from the start, overpayments are less likely to happen.

That doesn't sound too bad. Do you remember what the calculation was? Like dollar for dollar reduction?

I think it was dollar for dollar but I'm not 100% certain. This was about 2 years ago so the rules might have changed.

Thanks for the legal reference! Most people don't know to look at the actual statutes.

I'll look that up. At this point I'm willing to read anything that might help clarify this situation.

Good advice. I'm already keeping a folder with all the paperwork from my layoff.

Smart move. Paper trails are everything when dealing with government benefits.

That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out. The severance would help but not if it means no unemployment for months after.

Have you considered negotiating with your employer about the structure of the severance payment?

That's really helpful! Do you know how I can find out how my company is classifying the severance?

It should be spelled out in the severance agreement or you can ask HR directly. They have to report it correctly to Washington ESD anyway.

Exactly why I keep recommending Claimyr. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person who can look at your specific case.

I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and try to get through to them somehow. This decision is too important to guess on.

Will do! I'm meeting with HR tomorrow to go over all the details, then I'll try to reach Washington ESD to get their official answer.

Looking forward to hearing what you find out. This thread has been really informative.