Can you collect unemployment while on severance in Washington state?

You can file your unemployment claim right away, but Washington ESD will likely reduce your weekly benefit amount by the severance you're receiving. It's called income deduction. Better to file now so your claim gets processed - the waiting period starts from when you file, not when severance ends.

I went through this exact thing 6 months ago. Filed my claim immediately after being laid off even though I had 10 weeks severance. Washington ESD approved my claim but my weekly benefits were reduced dollar-for-dollar by the severance amount until it ran out. Once severance ended, I got full benefits.

DEFINITELY file right away!! I made the mistake of waiting until my severance ended and lost 12 weeks of potential benefits. Even if your weekly amount is reduced, you're still establishing your claim date and getting credit for those weeks.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for two weeks about this exact question and can never get anyone on the phone. The automated system just hangs up on me after 45 minutes on hold. This is so frustrating when you need answers about something this important.

The key thing to understand is that severance counts as wages for the weeks it covers, so Washington ESD will offset your benefits accordingly. But you're still unemployed and eligible to file a claim. Just make sure you're actively job searching during this time too.

Been there! File immediately but here's what nobody tells you - ask Washington ESD specifically how they're calculating the severance deduction. Sometimes they spread lump sum severance over the wrong number of weeks and you end up with benefits reduced longer than necessary.

wait I'm confused... if you're getting severance doesn't that mean you're still employed? How can you file for unemployment if you technically still have a job?

Just went through this process last month. Filed my Washington ESD claim the day after I was laid off, reported my severance income on every weekly claim. My benefits were $0 for the first 6 weeks due to severance, then full benefits kicked in. No problems at all.

The Washington ESD handbook specifically addresses this situation. Severance doesn't disqualify you from benefits, it just reduces the amount based on how much you receive each week. File your claim ASAP.

PRO TIP: When you file your initial claim, there's a specific question about severance pay. Answer it honestly and completely. This helps Washington ESD set up your claim correctly from the start instead of having to fix it later.

I'm in HR and deal with this question constantly. Employees should always file for unemployment immediately after termination regardless of severance. The worst that happens is benefits are reduced temporarily - there's no penalty for filing while receiving severance.

Called Washington ESD yesterday using Claimyr after reading about it here and finally got my severance question answered by an actual person. Turns out my company was giving me conflicting information - I can definitely file now. Service was worth every penny.

One thing to watch out for - if your severance includes health insurance continuation, that might affect your availability for work requirements. Make sure you're still meeting the 'able and available' criteria.

MAKE SURE you understand whether your severance is considered a lump sum or periodic payments! This affects how Washington ESD calculates the deduction. My company paid 8 weeks severance in one check but it should have been spread over 8 weeks for UI purposes.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm going to file my claim tomorrow morning and make sure to report my severance income on every weekly claim. It's such a relief to know I won't lose those weeks of eligibility by filing now, even if my benefits are reduced initially. Really appreciate this community - way more helpful than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website alone!