Can you collect unemployment if you receive a severance package in Washington?

Yes, you can usually collect unemployment even with severance, but it depends on how the severance is structured. If it's a lump sum payment for past work, it typically won't affect your weekly benefits. However, if it's designed to continue your pay for a specific period, Washington ESD might consider that as wages and it could delay your claim start date.

I got severance last year and was able to collect unemployment right away. The key is being honest about it on your application. Washington ESD will review it during the adjudication process and determine if it affects your benefits.

The important thing is understanding what type of severance it is. If your employer is calling it 'pay in lieu of notice' or if it covers a specific time period, that's different than a one-time separation payment. Check your severance agreement for the exact wording.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD to ask about my severance situation. Spent hours on hold trying to get clarification. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an ESD agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

whatever you do dont lie about it on your claim thats fraud and theyll make you pay everything back plus penalties

The $8,000 amount might matter too. I think there are different rules depending on how much severance you get, but I'm not 100% sure on the details.

I got confused about this same thing when I was laid off. My severance was called 'continuation pay' and it delayed my unemployment start date by 6 weeks. Make sure you understand exactly what yours is classified as.

Don't stress too much about it. Most people with severance can still get unemployment. Just be upfront about it when you file and let Washington ESD make the determination.

You should also keep in mind that even if your severance doesn't affect your initial eligibility, you'll still need to meet all the other requirements like job search activities and filing your weekly claims on time.

Had a friend who didn't report his severance and got caught during an audit. Ended up owing back like $15,000 in overpayments. Not worth the risk.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my separation pay. The agents were able to explain exactly how Washington ESD would handle my specific situation. Saved me a lot of worry and confusion.

Make sure you also understand if your severance includes any benefits continuation like health insurance. That might affect other aspects of your claim.

The timing of when you receive the severance might matter too. If you get it before your last day of work versus after, Washington ESD might treat it differently.

this whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple

One more thing to consider - if your company is doing mass layoffs, there might be specific WARN Act requirements that could affect how your severance is handled. Worth asking HR about.

Bottom line is you can almost certainly collect unemployment with severance, you just need to report it correctly. Washington ESD deals with this situation all the time.

If you do run into issues or need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, definitely consider using Claimyr. The regular phone lines are still pretty backed up and it's frustrating trying to get through.

Keep copies of all your severance paperwork too. You might need to provide documentation to Washington ESD during the claims process.

Update us on how it goes when you file! Always helpful to hear how these situations actually play out.

One last tip - when you do file, be as specific as possible about the severance in your application. Don't just say 'severance pay' - explain exactly what it is and when you received it.