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Can I get unemployment while receiving severance pay? ESD eligibility question

Hey everyone, I just got laid off and I'm trying to figure out if I can get unemployment while receiving severance. Has anyone been in this situation before? What was your experience like? I'm not sure how the severance package affects my eligibility for unemployment benefits. Any advice would be really appreciated!

Carmen Diaz

I was in a similar situation last year. From what I remember, you can usually still apply for unemployment even if you're getting severance, but it might affect how much you receive. The key is to report your severance income when you file your claim. Each state has different rules tho, so make sure to check with your local unemployment office for the specifics.

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Yuki Tanaka

Thanks for the info! Do you know if I should wait until my severance runs out before applying, or should I apply right away?

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Carmen Diaz

Apply ASAP! Don't wait. The process can take a while, and you want to get the ball rolling. Just be honest about your severance when you file.

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Andre Laurent

This is good advice. I waited to apply and regretted it. The system is so backed up, it took forever to get my first payment. šŸ˜©

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AstroAce

It really depends on how your severance is paid out. If it's a lump sum, it might be treated differently than if it's paid out over time like a salary. Either way, you should definitely apply for unemployment as soon as possible. The worst they can do is say no, right?

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Zoe Kyriakidou

Ugh, the unemployment system is such a mess rn. I've been trying to get through to someone for weeks with no luck. Anyone else having trouble reaching a real person?

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Jamal Brown

Same boat, my friend. It's like trying to win the lottery just to talk to someone. šŸ¤”

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Mei Zhang

I found a way to get through! There's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you, stays on hold, and then connects you when a real person picks up. It costs $20 but it saved me hours of frustration. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

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Liam McConnell

Wait, seriously? Is that even legit? Sounds too good to be true.

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Mei Zhang

I was skeptical too, but it worked for me. Beats sitting on hold for hours. šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø

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Amara Oluwaseyi

Here's what I've learned about unemployment and severance: ā€¢ Severance doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment ā€¢ You must report severance pay when filing ā€¢ How severance affects benefits varies by state ā€¢ Lump sum vs. periodic payments may be treated differently ā€¢ Some states may delay benefits until severance ends ā€¢ Others may reduce your weekly benefit amount Best advice: Be 100% honest on your application, apply ASAP, and be prepared to appeal if denied. The system's a maze, but persistence pays off. Good luck!

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Yuki Tanaka

Wow, this is super helpful! Thanks for breaking it down like this. šŸ’Æ

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CosmicCaptain

Great info! One thing to add: keep ALL documentation related to your layoff and severance. You might need it later.

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Giovanni Rossi

am i the only 1 who thinks its messed up that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits we've paid into? the whole system needs an overhaul smh

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Fatima Al-Maktoum

Preach! šŸ™Œ It's like they make it complicated on purpose to discourage people.

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Dylan Mitchell

Totally agree. And don't even get me started on how outdated their computer systems are. It's like they're running on Windows 95 or something.

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Sofia Gutierrez

Quick tip: If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try reaching out on social media. Sometimes their Twitter support is more responsive than the actual phone lines. Worth a shot!

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