Can you apply for unemployment if you get severance from Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do you know how I find out which type my severance is considered? My HR department wasn't very clear about this.

You'll need to report it when you file your initial claim. Washington ESD will make the determination based on how your employer structured the payment.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you have to provide documentation about the severance?

Yeah, I had to submit the severance agreement and pay stub showing the lump sum. Washington ESD processed it pretty quickly once they had the paperwork.

This is good to know. I'm in a similar situation and was worried about getting disqualified.

Oh wow, I hadn't thought about that distinction. Mine is supposed to be a lump sum, so hopefully that's better.

Yeah, the structure matters a lot. If it's salary continuation, you're technically still employed.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Did it actually help you get through?

Yes, it was worth it to get a definitive answer instead of guessing. The agent confirmed my lump sum severance wouldn't affect my weekly claims.

I might look into this too. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my severance question.

Vacation payout is usually treated differently than severance. It's typically considered wages earned, so it might affect your benefit calculation or timing.

Ugh, this is getting complicated. I wish Washington ESD had clearer guidance on their website.

My severance is supposed to come in my final paycheck. Does that make a difference?

That should be fine. It's clearly separation pay then, not ongoing wages.

Three weeks? That's frustrating. Did they give you any timeline for when they'll decide?

Nope, just that it's 'under review.' I've tried calling but can never get through to check on the status.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Adjudication delays are so stressful when you can't get answers.

Good advice! I'll make sure to gather all that paperwork before I file.

Yes, being prepared upfront can prevent delays later. Washington ESD likes to see everything documented.

Right, I need to make sure I understand the weekly reporting requirements too.

Exactly. It's better to over-report than under-report when it comes to Washington ESD.

That's terrible! I'm definitely going to check how mine is structured before I accept it.

Yeah, I wish I had known to negotiate the structure. A lump sum would have been much better.

This is why it's important to understand the unemployment implications before accepting any severance package.

That's what I'm hoping! I really need both the severance and unemployment to make ends meet.

Totally understandable. Just make sure you're transparent with Washington ESD about everything.

Severance actually supports your case that it was an involuntary separation. Companies don't usually give severance to people who quit.

That makes sense. I guess I was overthinking it.

Seems like Claimyr is really helpful for these situations. I might consider it if I run into issues.

Yeah, especially if you're dealing with something complex like severance questions. The agents can explain exactly how Washington ESD is handling your specific situation.

Good point! I should calculate what my weekly benefit amount would be.

Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website that can give you an estimate.

I hadn't thought about that connection. I do have a non-compete clause.

Non-competes can sometimes affect your job search requirements. Worth discussing with Washington ESD if it's restrictive.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared to handle this situation now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope everything goes smoothly for you.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm bookmarking it for when I need to deal with my own severance situation.