Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I received a severance package from my employer?

You can absolutely file for unemployment even with severance! The key thing is HOW the severance is being paid. Since yours is a lump sum, Washington ESD typically won't delay your benefits. If it was being paid out weekly like regular wages, that would be different.

I got severance too when I was laid off in March. Washington ESD asked about it during the initial claim but it didn't stop my benefits. They just wanted to know the total amount and how it was paid.

Be careful about calling Washington ESD if you have questions - their phone lines are absolutely swamped. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my own claim issue. If you need to talk to someone, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helps you actually get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth checking out if you run into problems.

Wait, I thought severance always delayed unemployment benefits? My friend got severance and couldn't collect for like 2 months.

File immediately! I made the mistake of waiting when I got severance and it just delayed everything unnecessarily. Washington ESD will sort out the details, but you want to get your claim date established as early as possible.

The Washington ESD website has a whole section about this under 'Reporting Work and Earnings' - they specifically mention severance pay. From what I remember, lump sum severance doesn't count as wages for benefit purposes.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I got a small severance when I was let go and spent weeks worrying about whether I reported it correctly on my weekly claims.

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your unemployment claim, having received severance might actually work in your favor since it shows the layoff was legitimate and not for cause.

I'm dealing with something similar but my severance is being paid out monthly. Still trying to figure out if I can file or need to wait until it's done.

File now! The worst case scenario is they ask for more information later. Better to get the process started than to miss out on weeks of benefits because you waited.

Make sure you keep all your severance documentation - the letter from HR, your final paystub showing the severance amount, everything. Washington ESD might not ask for it now but if there's any issue with your claim later, you'll want to have it all ready.

Does anyone know if vacation pay affects unemployment the same way as severance? I got both when I was laid off.

The timing of when you file really matters too. Even if there's some delay because of the severance, you want your benefit year established as soon as possible after your last day of work.

I had to deal with this exact situation last year. Filed right away, reported the severance amount, and had no issues. Washington ESD was actually pretty straightforward about it.

One more thing - when you do your weekly claims, there's a specific question about severance/separation pay. Make sure you answer it accurately each week, even if the amount is zero after the first week.

honestly the washington esd system is pretty good about handling severance compared to other states. just file and let them sort it out

My company is doing layoffs next month and I might be affected. This whole thread has been super helpful for understanding how severance works with unemployment. Thanks for asking the question!

Just wanted to add - if you do run into any complications with your claim or need clarification on how the severance affects your benefits, that's another situation where Claimyr really comes in handy. Much easier than trying to get through on the phone yourself.

Update us on how it goes when you file! Always helpful to hear how these situations actually play out.

The fact that your severance is lump sum really does make things simpler. My brother's company paid his out over 4 months and it was a nightmare to figure out the reporting.

Good luck with everything! Sounds like you've got a solid plan. File the claim, report the severance honestly, and keep your documentation handy. You should be all set.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago - got laid off with a $12k lump sum severance. I was so nervous about messing up my unemployment claim, but it ended up being much smoother than I expected. Filed my claim the Monday after my last day of work, reported the severance amount when prompted, and my benefits started after the standard waiting week. Washington ESD didn't give me any hassle about it at all. The key really is that it's a lump sum payment rather than ongoing payments. Just make sure you're completely honest about the amount and date you received it. You've got this!