Can you claim unemployment if you get a severance package from Washington ESD?

Yes, you can still claim unemployment even with a severance package in Washington state. The key thing is HOW the severance is paid out. If it's a lump sum, it usually doesn't affect your weekly benefits. If it's paid out over time like regular wages, then it might reduce your weekly benefit amount during those weeks.

I got severance last year and it was such a headache dealing with Washington ESD about it. They kept asking for documentation and my claim sat in adjudication for weeks. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready when you file.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD about severance questions, you might want to check out Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help people get connected to actual ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and it saved me hours of calling.

SEVERANCE DOESNT DISQUALIFY YOU!!! I see this question all the time and people panic for no reason. Washington state treats severance differently than regular wages. You just need to report it correctly when you file.

The timing matters too. If your severance is considered 'pay in lieu of notice' then it might create a waiting period before you can collect benefits. But if it's just a general severance payment, you should be good to go.

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Got laid off in December with a $6k severance and filed for unemployment immediately. My claim was approved and I've been getting my weekly benefits with no issues. The key is being upfront about it when you file.

Just make sure you understand the difference between severance and COBRA continuation. Some people get confused and think their COBRA payment affects unemployment - it doesn't.

One more thing to consider - if your severance is spread over multiple tax years, that might affect how you report it. But that's more of a tax issue than an unemployment issue.

The Washington ESD website has a section about severance pay under their eligibility guidelines. It's worth reading through if you want the official info straight from the source.

just file and be honest about the severance. worst case they'll ask for more info but you won't be penalized for reporting it correctly from the start

Keep in mind that even if your severance doesn't affect your initial eligibility, you still need to meet all the other requirements - like being able and available for work, conducting job searches, etc.

I had a similar situation but my company called it a 'transition payment' instead of severance. Washington ESD still treated it the same way - no impact on my benefits as long as I reported it.

Question - if you get severance AND vacation payout, do you report both separately? I'm trying to figure this out for my own situation.

The bottom line is don't let severance stop you from applying for unemployment benefits. Too many people assume they're not eligible and miss out on benefits they're entitled to.

Does anyone know if the severance reporting affects your weekly claim filing process? Like do you have to mention it every week or just when you initially apply?

For anyone still confused about the details, I'd really recommend using Claimyr to talk to an actual ESD agent. When I had questions about my severance situation, I got a much clearer answer talking to a person than trying to figure it out from the website.

I work in HR and deal with this all the time. Most severance packages in Washington state don't affect unemployment eligibility. The key is making sure your employer codes it correctly and you report it accurately to ESD.

What about if you negotiate a higher severance amount - does that change anything with unemployment? I'm trying to negotiate mine up before I sign.

Been there, done that. Filed with a $12k severance package and had zero issues. Washington ESD processed my claim normally and I got my benefits on schedule. Just be honest and thorough in your application.

One last tip - make sure you get a copy of your severance agreement for your records. You might need it later if ESD has questions, and it's easier to get it now than trying to request it from your old employer months later.