Can you file unemployment if you get severance - Washington ESD rules?

You can file for unemployment immediately in Washington state even with severance. The key thing is HOW the severance is paid out. If it's a lump sum, it doesn't affect your weekly benefits. If it's paid out weekly like continuation of salary, then it might reduce your weekly benefit amount during those weeks.

File immediately! I made the mistake of waiting when I got severance last year and it delayed everything. You want to get your claim in the system right away.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues. If you're having trouble getting through, there's actually a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get connected to ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific severance situation.

The severance rules are confusing but here's what I learned when I went through this: Washington ESD treats severance as income during the weeks it's paid. You report it on your weekly claim and they reduce your benefit accordingly. But you still want to file your initial claim right away to establish your benefit year.

wait im confused. i thought you couldnt get unemployment if you got severance? my friend told me that

I'm dealing with something similar but my severance is being paid as a lump sum. From what I understand, lump sum severance doesn't affect your weekly benefits at all since it's not considered weekly income. Can anyone confirm this?

The Washington ESD website has information about this but it's buried in their FAQ section. Basically you need to file immediately and report the severance on your weekly claims. Don't wait or you'll lose out on potential benefits.

Just want to add - make sure you're clear about whether your severance has any conditions attached. Some severance agreements have non-compete clauses or require you to be available for work, which could affect your unemployment eligibility.

ugh the ESD phone system is THE WORST. ive been trying to get through for my own issues and its impossible. might try that claimyr thing someone mentioned

File your claim right now! Don't overthink it. The worst thing that can happen is they tell you to wait, but more likely they'll just adjust your weekly benefits during the severance period. You want to get in the system ASAP.

I had almost the exact same situation last year - laid off with 6 weeks severance paid weekly. Filed immediately and got partial benefits during the severance weeks, then full benefits after. Definitely the right move to file early.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you're still meeting the job search requirements even during the weeks you're getting severance. You still need to be actively looking for work and documenting your search activities.

Does anyone know if vacation payout is treated the same as severance? I'm getting both and not sure how to report them.

File now, ask questions later. That's my motto with unemployment claims. You can always provide more information or clarification after you file, but you can't go back and file earlier.

Just to be clear - you report the severance as income on your weekly claim, not when you file your initial claim. The initial claim is just about establishing your eligibility and benefit amount based on your work history.

I'm curious about the tax implications too. Do you pay taxes on both the severance and the unemployment benefits?

The key thing is that being laid off makes you eligible for unemployment regardless of severance. The severance might affect the amount you get each week, but it doesn't disqualify you from filing. File immediately and let ESD sort out the details.

Good luck with your claim! The whole process is stressful but at least you know you're eligible. Just be patient with the system and keep detailed records of everything.