Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you receive a severance package?

Yes, you can typically file for unemployment even with severance, but it depends on how Washington ESD classifies your specific severance arrangement. The key question is whether it's considered 'wages in lieu of notice' or a true severance payment. If it's wages in lieu of notice, it might delay your benefits until that period ends.

I went through this exact situation last year. Washington ESD will ask you about any severance when you file your initial claim. The important thing is to be completely honest about it. In my case, I had a 4-week severance and they told me I could file immediately but my benefits wouldn't start until after the severance period ended.

You should definitely file right away even if you think the severance might delay things. There's often a waiting period anyway, and filing starts your claim date. I made the mistake of waiting and it just delayed everything even more.

Just went through this nightmare trying to reach Washington ESD about my severance situation. Spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person in like 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Game changer for getting answers about complicated stuff like severance.

The severance rules are pretty straightforward once you understand them. Washington ESD considers most severance as 'dismissal pay' which doesn't prevent you from filing, but you have to report it and it might affect your benefit amount during those weeks. The tricky part is getting through to someone to clarify your specific situation.

ugh why does everything with unemployment have to be so complicated?? I got a severance too and I'm so confused about what to do. The Washington ESD website doesn't really explain it clearly at all.

One thing to keep in mind - if your severance is being paid out over multiple weeks, Washington ESD will want to know the exact dates and amounts for each payment. Keep good records of when you receive each payment because you'll need to report it accurately on your weekly claims.

I think people are overcomplicating this. Just file for unemployment and answer their questions honestly. If they say you can't get benefits because of the severance, then you can't. If they say you can, then you can. Simple as that.

From what I understand, lump sum severance is treated differently than severance paid over time. If you get it all at once, it might not affect your weekly benefits as much as if it's spread out over several weeks. But don't quote me on that - definitely verify with Washington ESD.

Whatever you do, don't lie about the severance. Washington ESD will find out eventually and then you'll have to pay back any benefits plus penalties. I've seen it happen to people.

I had a similar situation but with vacation payout instead of severance. Washington ESD treated it like wages and it delayed my benefits for 3 weeks. Severance might be different but just be prepared for potential delays.

The Washington ESD handbook has some info about severance but it's pretty vague. Your best bet is calling them directly, though good luck getting through. I've been trying for weeks about my own claim issue.

Just want to add that if you're getting COBRA continuation through your severance package, that might also affect things. Make sure to mention all aspects of your severance agreement when you file.

Been through this twice now with different companies. First time I got confused and didn't file right away - big mistake. Second time I filed immediately and just reported the severance honestly on my weekly claims. Much smoother process the second time around.

One more thing - make sure you understand whether your severance includes payment for unused PTO/vacation time. That's usually treated as wages and has different rules than true severance pay.

Bottom line: file your claim ASAP, be completely honest about the severance, and let Washington ESD tell you how it affects your benefits. Don't try to guess or delay filing - that just makes everything worse.