Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment if you get severance pay?

Thanks! Should I report the severance amount when I file my initial claim?

Absolutely. Be completely honest about all severance payments when you file. Washington ESD will calculate how it affects your benefit timing.

How long did it take you to actually talk to someone? I've been trying to call for other questions and can never get through.

Honestly, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Worth checking out if you're having trouble reaching them.

Never heard of that service before but might be worth it. I've been calling Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication and keep getting hung up on.

That makes sense. So even though I won't get paid right away, I should still do my weekly claims during the severance period?

Exactly. You'll need to keep filing your weekly claims and reporting the severance payments. Washington ESD tracks everything and will start paying benefits once the severance period ends.

I know it seems weird, but Washington ESD treats severance as deferred wages because it's compensation for work you already did. The rules are designed to prevent people from getting both full severance and full unemployment at the same time.

Yeah the whole system is confusing but at least Washington ESD is pretty clear about severance rules once you understand them.

Good point. My severance includes COBRA payments for 3 months. Does that count as wages too?

COBRA payments typically don't count as wages for unemployment purposes, but other benefits might. Best to ask Washington ESD directly about your specific package.

I had a similar situation and used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD who could review my severance details. Much easier than trying to figure it out on my own.

That's generally the right approach. Severance is usually a good deal even if it delays unemployment benefits. Just make sure you understand the terms and file your claim right away.

Same boat here. Taking the severance and planning to file for unemployment as soon as I'm laid off, even knowing benefits won't start immediately.

How do I know if they reported it correctly? Will I see the separation notice before Washington ESD gets it?

You should get a copy of the separation notice from your employer. Review it carefully and make sure the severance amount and dates are accurate. If there are errors, contact both your employer and Washington ESD to fix them.

Wait, I have to look for work while I'm getting severance pay? That seems weird.

Yep, if you're filing for unemployment you need to meet all the eligibility requirements even during the severance waiting period. It's actually a good time to start your job search since you have some financial cushion.

Complex severance situations like that really need individual review. Have you been able to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific case?

I've been trying for weeks to get through. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - might have to try that service to actually reach an agent who can review my situation.

Claimyr worked for me when I had adjudication issues. They got me through to someone who could actually look at my case details.

Vacation payout is also treated as wages by Washington ESD, similar to severance. It will be factored into the calculation of when your benefits can start.

Yeah, any form of wage continuation or payout typically delays unemployment benefits. The key is being upfront about all payments when you file.

You got it exactly right! Also remember to keep looking for work and meeting all the other unemployment requirements during the severance period.

Don't forget to save all your severance documentation too. Washington ESD might ask for proof of the amounts and timing.

Generally yes, higher severance means longer delay in unemployment benefits. But severance is usually guaranteed money while unemployment has eligibility requirements, so more severance is typically better even with the delay.

I'd take the higher severance. Unemployment benefits are way less than regular wages anyway, so having more guaranteed money upfront is usually the better deal.

Thanks for that tip! I'll check their website for more details about my specific situation.

The website is helpful but sometimes you really need to talk to someone for complex situations. That's where services like Claimyr come in handy.