Can you collect unemployment if you got a severance package in Washington state?

You can usually still file for unemployment even with severance, but it might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD treats severance differently depending on how it's structured. If it's a lump sum, they typically calculate how many weeks it represents and delay your benefits accordingly.

I had this exact situation last year. Got 10 weeks severance and Washington ESD delayed my benefits for exactly 10 weeks. But you still need to file your weekly claims during that waiting period or you'll lose those weeks permanently.

You absolutely must report the severance when you file your initial claim. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they verify your employment, and not reporting it could be considered fraud. Be honest about the amount and how it's being paid.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to get clarity on your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr that helps you actually get through to speak with an agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get my severance questions answered directly from Washington ESD staff.

The key thing is understanding whether your severance is considered wages in lieu of notice or actual severance pay. Washington ESD treats them differently. Wages in lieu of notice might be handled as regular wages, while true severance creates the waiting period.

been there done that, got 6 weeks severance and had to wait 6 weeks for UI to start but you gotta keep filing those weekly claims or youll lose em

One thing to watch out for - if your severance includes continuation of health benefits, that might also affect your claim. Washington ESD considers the value of continued benefits as part of the severance calculation in some cases.

I'm going through something similar right now. Filed my claim two weeks ago with severance info and still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD about when my benefits will actually start. The uncertainty is killing me.

THE SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN!!! Why should people who got laid off have to wait even longer for benefits just because their employer was decent enough to give severance? Makes no sense!!

Pro tip: start your job search immediately even during the severance waiting period. Washington ESD requires job search activities once benefits start, and having a head start helps. Plus you might find something before benefits even kick in.

Question about the weekly claim filing during severance - do you have to do the job search requirement during those weeks too or only after benefits start?

My brother went through this and said the hardest part was the waiting period calculation. Washington ESD divides your severance by your weekly benefit amount to determine how many weeks to delay, but sometimes their math seems off.

Just want to add that if you're getting severance paid out over multiple paychecks instead of lump sum, the rules might be different. Each paycheck might be treated as wages for that specific week.

whatever you do dont let washington esd intimidate you, if youre not sure about something keep asking questions until you get a clear answer, ive seen too many people get screwed because they were afraid to speak up

The whole severance situation reminds me of when I got laid off from Boeing three years ago. Different circumstances but similar confusion about how benefits work. The unemployment system really needs better communication.

I used Claimyr last month when I had severance questions and it was honestly a game changer. Being able to get through to Washington ESD immediately instead of calling 100 times was worth every penny. The agent explained exactly how my severance would affect my claim timeline.

Don't forget that your severance might push you into a higher tax bracket for the year. Make sure to set aside money for taxes - learned that lesson the hard way.

Bottom line: file your claim immediately, report the severance honestly, keep filing weekly claims even during the waiting period, and be patient with the process. It's confusing but manageable if you follow the rules.

Good luck OP! The severance situation is confusing but you'll get through it. Just remember that thousands of people deal with this same issue - you're not alone in figuring it out.

Just wanted to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - when you report your severance to Washington ESD, make sure you have all the documentation ready. They'll likely ask for your separation notice, severance agreement, and details about exactly what the payment covers. Having everything organized upfront will help speed up the adjudication process. Also, if your severance includes any stock options or deferred compensation, those might be treated differently, so mention those too if applicable.