Can you collect unemployment if you get a severance package - Washington ESD rules?

It's being paid as a lump sum but I have to sign a non-compete. Does that change anything?

The non-compete shouldn't affect your unemployment eligibility as long as you're able and available for work in your field or willing to seek work in other areas.

Did you have any issues when you filed? I'm worried they'll deny my claim if I mention the severance.

Be honest about it on your application. I reported mine and had no problems. Trying to hide it could cause bigger issues later.

This is good advice. Washington ESD will find out about the severance anyway through wage reports, so transparency is always better.

I've never heard of Claimyr before. Is it legit or one of those scam services?

Totally legit! They just help you get through to the unemployment office faster. I was skeptical too but it really worked. Way better than hitting redial 500 times.

I can vouch for Claimyr too. Used them when my claim got stuck in adjudication and they helped me get answers quickly.

It's not double dipping at all. Severance is compensation for past work, unemployment is support while you look for new work. Completely different purposes.

oh ok that makes sense when u put it that way

Good point about vacation pay. I think mine includes 2 weeks of unused PTO. Should I ask HR to separate that out?

That could help make things clearer for Washington ESD, but either way you should report all components when you file your claim.

That sounds like it could be problematic. Companies can't typically prevent you from accessing benefits you're entitled to. You might want to check with an employment attorney.

Yeah I thought it seemed fishy. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

Definitely sketchy. Your right to unemployment benefits can't be waived as a condition of severance.

I didn't know about the waiting week. So I wouldn't get paid for the first week regardless?

Actually, I think Washington eliminated the waiting week a few years ago. But double-check that when you file.

Correct, Washington ESD removed the waiting week in 2023. You can receive benefits starting with your first eligible week.

Have you tried Claimyr for your adjudication issue? That's exactly the kind of situation where getting an actual person on the phone makes all the difference.

Never heard of it but at this point I'll try anything. This is ridiculous.

Interesting point! I'll check my paperwork for anything like that.

Yeah, it's not common but I've seen it before. Could work in your favor for the work search documentation.

In Washington, the severance amount itself doesn't reduce your weekly benefit calculation. Your benefits are based on your earnings history during the base period, not on severance received.

That's a relief! I was worried a generous severance might hurt me somehow.

Benefits would start from the date your employment actually ended, assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements. The severance payment date is separate from your employment end date.

Got it, so it's based on when I'm actually unemployed, not when I receive the money.

COBRA payments as part of severance shouldn't affect your unemployment eligibility. That's just health insurance continuation, not wages.

Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!

You should report it when you initially file. For weekly claims, you typically only report income earned during that specific week. Since severance is usually a one-time payment, it wouldn't appear on weekly claims.

Makes sense, thanks!

HR departments often don't fully understand unemployment law. They might be thinking of old rules or rules from other states. In Washington, severance generally doesn't disqualify you from benefits.

That's what I suspected. I think I need to do my own research instead of relying on HR.

Definitely do your own research. HR protects the company, not necessarily your interests.

The amount doesn't matter as much as the structure. Even a large lump sum severance shouldn't disqualify you if your employment has actually ended and you're available for work.

Good to know! I was worried there might be some threshold.

No, you can only file after your employment has actually ended. Filing before your last day would be considered fraud.

OK good thing I asked! I'll wait until after my official end date.

That's exactly why I recommend Claimyr for getting definitive answers. Instead of guessing, you can actually talk to someone at Washington ESD who knows the current rules.

I might have to try that. This is too important to mess up.

Smart decision! Honesty is always the best policy with unemployment claims. Good luck with your job search!

You made the right choice. That severance will give you a nice cushion while you look for your next opportunity.

Thanks to everyone who helped! I'm feeling much more confident about my decision now.

No, severance doesn't reduce your total benefit duration. You still get the same number of weeks of eligibility based on your work history and the current program limits.

Perfect! That was my last concern. Thanks for all the help everyone!