Can I file for Washington ESD unemployment if I get severance pay?

The short answer is yes, you can file for unemployment, but the severance will likely affect your weekly benefit amount and timing. Washington ESD treats severance as deductible income, which means it gets subtracted from your weekly UI payment. You should definitely file your claim right away though, don't wait until the severance ends.

I went through this exact situation last year. Washington ESD will ask you to report the total severance amount and when you received it. They calculate how many weeks it represents based on your regular wages, then you can't collect UI for that period. But definitely file the claim - the waiting period for severance is different from a disqualification.

Whatever you do, don't try to hide the severance from Washington ESD. They will find out eventually and then you'll have overpayment issues to deal with. I've seen people get into serious trouble for not reporting severance properly. Be upfront about everything when you file your weekly claims.

I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my severance situation. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's even a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling.

The timing of your severance matters too. If you get it all in one lump sum versus spread out over several months, Washington ESD calculates the impact differently. Make sure you understand exactly how your company is structuring the payout before you file your claim.

ugh this is so confusing. why does everything with unemployment have to be so complicated? i got severance when i was laid off but nobody explained any of this stuff to me. now im worried i messed something up

Don't forget that you still have to meet all the other UI requirements even while dealing with severance. You need to be actively looking for work, available for work, and file your weekly claims on time. The severance doesn't excuse you from those obligations.

I had a friend who negotiated with their employer to delay the severance payment so they could collect UI first. Not sure if that's always possible but might be worth asking about if you have any leverage in the negotiation.

Make sure you keep detailed records of everything - your severance agreement, pay stubs, any communication with your employer about the terms. You'll need this documentation for Washington ESD and it's also good to have for your own records in case questions come up later.

One thing that caught me off guard was that Washington ESD counts gross severance, not net. So if you get $10,000 in severance but only take home $7,000 after taxes, they still use the full $10,000 for their calculations.

Has anyone dealt with vacation pay in addition to severance? My employer is paying out my unused vacation time too and I'm wondering if that creates additional complications with Washington ESD.

The key thing is to be completely honest and upfront with Washington ESD about your severance situation. Don't try to game the system or hide anything. File your claim, report everything accurately, and follow their guidelines. It might delay your benefits but it keeps you out of trouble long-term.

If you're unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Whether that's calling Washington ESD directly, using a service like Claimyr to get through, or even consulting with an employment attorney if the severance package is complex. Getting expert advice upfront can save you headaches later.

Just want to add that even though you might not get UI payments right away due to the severance, filing your claim starts the clock on your benefit year. So don't delay - get that application in as soon as you're laid off.

Does anyone know if there are different rules for different types of severance? Like if it's based on years of service versus a flat amount? My severance is calculated as two weeks pay per year of service, so I'm getting quite a bit.

I want to second what others have said about using Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific severance situation. I used them when I had questions about how my employer stock options would affect my claim. Much easier than trying to get through on your own.

This thread is making me realize I should probably talk to a tax professional too. Severance and unemployment benefits both have tax implications and I want to make sure I'm handling everything correctly for next year's filing.

The most important thing is to file your claim right away and be completely honest about your severance. Washington ESD has heard it all before and they have clear policies for handling these situations. Don't stress too much about it - just follow their guidelines and you'll be fine.

One last tip - make sure you understand your employer's policy on references and rehiring before you finalize your severance agreement. Some companies have restrictions that could affect your job search, and Washington ESD requires active job searching even during your severance waiting period.