Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I get a severance package - confused about eligibility

You can absolutely file for unemployment even with a severance package! The key thing is HOW the severance is structured. If it's a lump sum payment for past work, it typically won't affect your weekly unemployment benefits. But if it's considered 'wages in lieu of notice' or structured as continued salary, then yes, it could delay your benefits.

I had this same situation last year. Got a 6-week severance and was worried about the same thing. Filed for unemployment immediately and had no issues. The important thing is being honest about it on your application.

Actually, I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues and it's been impossible. The phone lines are constantly busy and when I do get through, I get disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there? This is so frustrating.

Wait, I'm confused. I thought any kind of severance meant you couldn't get unemployment at all? That's what my HR person told me when I got laid off.

The Washington ESD website has info about this but it's buried in like 50 pages of confusing text. Basically if your severance is considered 'dismissal pay' for past work, you're good. If it's 'pay in lieu of notice' then it might delay benefits for the equivalent time period.

This is exactly why I hate dealing with unemployment stuff. Everything is so confusing and everyone tells you different things. I got laid off 2 weeks ago and still haven't filed because I'm scared of doing something wrong.

Pro tip: when you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report the severance amount in the week you received it, not spread out over multiple weeks. I made that mistake initially.

Update on my situation - I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and finally talked to a Washington ESD agent yesterday. Turns out my claim was stuck in adjudication because of a simple documentation issue. Agent fixed it in 10 minutes. Wish I had known about this weeks ago!

I'm in HR and deal with this question all the time. The key distinction is whether the severance is for future work periods or past work. Most standard severance packages are for past work and won't affect immediate UI eligibility.

Just want to add that you should also check if your severance package includes continued health insurance. That doesn't affect unemployment but it's important for your overall financial planning during the job search.

The system is so broken. I've been unemployed for 4 months and still fighting with Washington ESD about various issues. They make it so hard to get help when you need it most.

One more thing to consider - if you're planning to do any freelance or contract work while looking for a new job, you'll need to report that income on your weekly claims too. Just something to keep in mind.

For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. Used it twice now for different issues and both times got through quickly. Their video demo really shows you exactly how it works too.

Filed my claim 3 weeks ago with a severance and everything went fine. Just got my first payment. The key is being upfront about everything from the start.

make sure you keep all your severance paperwork! they might ask for it later during review or if theres any questions about your claim

The most important thing is to file as soon as possible after your last day of work. Don't wait for the severance to be paid out or you'll lose potential benefit weeks.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about filing now. This thread has been way more helpful than anything I found on the official Washington ESD website.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I got laid off from my marketing job. Had a 10-week severance package and was terrified I'd mess something up with my unemployment claim. Turns out it was much simpler than I thought - since my severance was a lump sum for past work (not future pay), I was able to file immediately and start receiving benefits. The key is just being completely transparent when you fill out your initial application. They'll ask specifically about any separation pay, and as long as you're honest about the amount and timing, you should be fine. Don't let the severance sit there unused while you stress about eligibility - file your claim and let them sort it out. The worst case is they ask for clarification, but you won't lose your right to benefits.