Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you sign a separation agreement?

That's what I was hoping to hear. They said it was due to restructuring, so I think I should be okay.

Just make sure you keep all the paperwork from the separation agreement when you file your claim.

Oh I didn't think about the severance affecting the timing. How long of a delay are we talking about?

It depends on the amount and how Washington ESD calculates it against your weekly benefit amount. Usually it's week-for-week based on your usual pay.

That's interesting, I'll check it out. The Washington ESD phone system has been impossible to get through to.

Never heard of that service before but might be worth trying if the regular phone lines aren't working.

It's because severance is considered wages in lieu of notice. The idea is you're still being paid by your employer during that period.

i guess that makes sense but still annoying when you need the money

I'll definitely read through it more carefully. I was so focused on the severance amount that I didn't pay attention to those details.

Good point. I've seen some employers try to include language about unemployment but it rarely holds up if challenged.

Good advice. I'll file right away even if I have to wait for payments to start.

Exactly right. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts, even if payments are delayed.

What kind of documentation did they want? Just the separation agreement?

They wanted the separation agreement and a letter from HR confirming it was a layoff, not a resignation. Took a few weeks to get everything sorted.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. The non-compete is pretty broad so it might limit my options.

Most non-competes are hard to enforce anyway, especially for unemployment purposes. Just document your job search efforts broadly.

That's really helpful context. I think my severance is about 6 weeks worth, so I should expect a similar delay.

How much does that Claimyr service cost? Seems like it could be worth it to avoid the phone hassles.

Check their website for details, but for me it was worth it just to get clear answers instead of guessing.

RIGHT?? the system is so messed up, you shouldn't have to pay extra just to get basic information

I understand the frustration, but sometimes you have to do what works. The phone system has been overwhelmed for years.

Mine is a lump sum payment. Does that change anything compared to weekly severance?

With lump sum, Washington ESD usually calculates it as if it were weekly pay over the period it's meant to cover. So if you get 6 weeks worth in one payment, it still creates a 6 week delay.

Good reminder. I'll make copies of everything before I file.

Smart advice. Better to have too much documentation than not enough when dealing with Washington ESD.

What exactly is adjudication? I keep seeing that term but don't really understand it.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD reviews your claim because there's a question about eligibility. They look at the facts and make a determination.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more confident about moving forward now.

You're welcome! Just remember to file as soon as possible even if payments will be delayed due to severance.

That's encouraging to hear. I don't think we got a WARN notice since it was just a few positions eliminated.

Yeah WARN is only for larger layoffs. But the principle is the same - involuntary separation should qualify you for benefits.

I think I'm going to try that if I run into any issues with my claim. The regular phone system sounds like a nightmare.

Honestly anything that helps you actually talk to someone at Washington ESD is probably worth it. I've wasted so many hours on hold.

Good point. I need to return my laptop and badge next week. I'll make sure that's all taken care of before filing.

Smart thinking. You want everything clean and documented before you start the unemployment process.

That's a good question. I should probably bring that up when I file, especially since the non-compete covers most of my industry experience.

I think as long as you're making good faith efforts to search for work, even with limitations, you should be okay. Just document everything.

Hopefully it won't come to that, but good to know. How long do you usually have to appeal?

Usually 30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't miss that deadline if you need to appeal.