Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you get severance pay?

That makes sense. Should I file right away or wait until the severance runs out?

File right away! The sooner you file, the sooner your claim gets processed. Even if there's a delay due to severance, you want to get in the system.

Did you have any issues getting approved after the waiting period ended?

nope, went smooth once the severance period was over

How much does that service cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

I get the frustration, but honestly it was worth it for me. The alternative was spending days trying to get through on my own with no guarantee of reaching anyone.

I might look into that if I run into problems. The Washington ESD phone system is notoriously difficult.

Good point. My HR department gave me a letter explaining the severance terms - should I keep that for my records?

Absolutely! Keep everything. Washington ESD may ask for proof later, especially if your claim goes into adjudication.

What's adjudication? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD reviews your claim for eligibility issues. It can happen if there are questions about your job separation, work search, or other factors.

I understand the frustration, but the logic is that severance is meant to bridge the gap until you find new work, just like unemployment benefits.

Still doesn't make it fair for people who are unemployed either way!

Washington ESD typically spreads lump sum severance over the period it was intended to cover. So if you got $6000 as 6 weeks of severance, they treat it as $1000 per week for 6 weeks.

ok that makes more sense than counting it all in one week

Vacation payout is usually treated differently than severance. I'd definitely recommend calling Washington ESD to clarify, or using something like Claimyr to get through to an agent who can explain your specific situation.

Vacation payout might not delay benefits the same way severance does, but you still need to report it on your weekly claims.

How many job searches do I need to do per week in Washington?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check the requirements on your claim. They're pretty specific about what counts.

And keep detailed records! WorkSourceWA has tools to help track your job search activities.

COBRA payments don't affect your unemployment eligibility. Those are health insurance premiums, not income.

Thanks, one less thing to worry about!

That's what I'm hearing from everyone. I'll file this week then.

Smart move. The earlier you file, the earlier you'll start getting benefits once the severance period ends.

Yikes, definitely don't want that. I'll make sure to be completely honest on all my weekly claims.

This is exactly why documentation is so important. Always better to over-report than under-report.

You'd typically wait until the week after your severance ends to claim benefits for that week. The timing can be tricky though - worth confirming with Washington ESD.

These timing questions are exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Much easier than trying to figure it out on my own.

Good point - I do have a non-compete but it's pretty limited. Should I mention that when I file?

It might be worth noting if it significantly limits your job search options in your field.

That's reassuring, thanks. Sounds like it's just a matter of timing.

True, might as well use the time productively. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

And don't forget to file your taxes properly next year - both severance and unemployment benefits are taxable income.

Mine is just cash fortunately, but good to know for others who might have more complex packages.

Yeah, complex severance packages definitely warrant a call to Washington ESD to get official guidance. That's another situation where Claimyr helped me avoid confusion.

Perfect summary - thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!