Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I take severence package?

Severance usually doesn't disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits, but the timing matters. If it's paid as a lump sum when you're terminated, it typically won't affect your weekly claims. However, if it's structured as continued wages over several weeks, that could delay your eligibility.

I took a severance package last year and had no issues with my UI claim. Washington ESD asked about it during the initial application but it didn't delay anything. The key is being honest about it upfront.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to get this clarified, I recently discovered claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to actual ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out since this is exactly the kind of question you want to get answered directly from an agent.

TAKE THE SEVERANCE! I made the mistake of turning mine down because I was scared about unemployment and regretted it immediately. You need that money and it won't hurt your claim.

There are different types of severance arrangements that Washington ESD treats differently. If it's vacation payout or pay in lieu of notice, that might be treated as wages. But if it's just a separation payment, usually no problem. The distinction matters for your weekly claim filing.

i got severance and unemployment at the same time no problem. washington esd doesnt care as long as you report it correctly when you file

Just remember that severance might affect your job search requirement timeline. Washington ESD expects you to be actively looking for work, so if the severance gives you some breathing room, don't let it make you complacent about your job search log.

One thing to watch out for - if your company is asking you to sign a non-compete or other restrictive agreement as part of the severance, that could potentially impact your ability to find new work and satisfy Washington ESD's able and available requirements.

definitely take the money! worst case scenario they ask you about it later but it wont disqualify you. i know people who got way more than 8k in severance and still collected full unemployment

Since you mentioned having trouble getting through to Washington ESD, I want to emphasize again that Claimyr really does work for getting past the busy signals and hold times. I know it sounds too good to be true but I was skeptical too until I tried it. Worth it for peace of mind on questions like this.

The bottom line is Washington ESD sees severance and unemployment as two different things. One is compensation for past work, the other is insurance for being unemployed. Take both if you're entitled to both!

just make sure whatever you do, you file your ui claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. dont wait around thinking about the severance, just file

One more consideration - if your severance puts you over the income threshold for any other assistance programs you might be eligible for, factor that into your decision. But from a pure Washington ESD unemployment perspective, you should be fine to take both.

Final advice - keep excellent records of everything related to your layoff, severance agreement, and unemployment claim. If any questions come up later during your claim period, you'll want to have all the documentation ready.