Can you collect unemployment while getting severance pay from Washington ESD?

Severance pay can definitely affect your Washington ESD benefits but it depends on how it's structured. If it's paid as a lump sum vs. periodic payments makes a difference. You should still file your claim and report the severance when you do your weekly claims. Washington ESD will determine how it impacts your benefits.

I had a similar situation and Washington ESD initially denied my claim because of the severance. But after I appealed and explained that the severance wasn't for work performed, they approved it. The key is how the severance is classified - whether it's for work already done or just a separation benefit.

Just went through this exact situation! If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about your specific case, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

The general rule is that severance pay is considered income for unemployment purposes, but there are exceptions. Washington ESD looks at whether the severance is payment for work already performed or just a dismissal benefit. If it's truly severance (not vacation payout or back wages), it typically won't disqualify you but may reduce your weekly benefit amount.

ugh this is so confusing! I thought unemployment was for people who lost their jobs, why would they penalize you for getting severance? It's not like we chose to get laid off!

File your claim ASAP regardless of the severance situation. You can always appeal if they deny it initially. The longer you wait to file, the more potential benefits you lose forever.

One more thing - make sure you're actively looking for work and documenting your job search activities. Even with severance, you still need to meet the work search requirements for Washington ESD benefits.

I was in this exact situation 2 years ago. My severance was $3,200/month and Washington ESD reduced my weekly benefit by about 60%. Still got some unemployment but not the full amount. Better than nothing though!

Washington ESD is so backed up right now. Even if you file immediately, expect delays in processing. My cousin's been waiting 3 weeks just for his initial determination.

Just want to add that if your severance runs out before you find a new job, your unemployment benefits might increase to the full amount at that point. So don't give up on the process even if your initial benefits are reduced.

Does anyone know if the severance needs to be reported as gross or net amount? My severance has taxes taken out.

Be prepared for Washington ESD to ask for your severance agreement. They'll want to see the exact terms and how the payments are structured. Having all your paperwork ready will speed up the process.

I'm dealing with severance and unemployment too. Washington ESD told me that vacation payout is different from severance - vacation counts as wages for time already worked, but true severance is treated differently. Make sure you understand which type of payment you're getting.

Whatever you do, don't try to hide the severance payments. Washington ESD has ways of finding out and fraud penalties are severe. Always be honest on your weekly claims.

Has anyone tried calling Washington ESD early in the morning? I heard they're less busy around 8 AM.

Just remember that even if your benefits are reduced due to severance, you're still building up work credits for future unemployment claims. Every week you're approved counts toward your benefit year.

Quick question - do I need to report my severance if it's a one-time lump sum payment? Or only if it's spread out over time?

For what it's worth, I know several people who successfully collected unemployment while receiving severance. It's not automatic disqualification, just requires some extra documentation and patience with the process.

Final tip: keep detailed records of all your communications with Washington ESD about the severance issue. If you end up needing to appeal, having documentation of what you were told will be crucial.