Can you get unemployment and severance pay at the same time in Washington?

Do you know if they count the full amount or just spread it out over weeks?

It depends on how your employer structures the severance. If it's paid as a lump sum, Washington ESD typically allocates it over the period it's intended to cover.

Did your benefits get delayed or just reduced?

Mine were delayed for the weeks the severance covered, then I started getting full benefits after that period ended.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. How do I make sure I report it correctly?

When you file online, there's a specific section for severance pay. Report the gross amount and the dates it covers. If you're unsure, you can try calling Washington ESD but good luck getting through.

The phone situation is impossible! I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my claim. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

Actually, I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It saved me hours of calling.

Definitely planning to be honest about everything. Just trying to understand the rules first.

Thanks, I'll check that out. Do you remember what section it's under?

Look under 'Eligibility Requirements' and then 'Income Reporting'. It explains how different types of separation pay are handled.

Yes, file immediately. There's a waiting period anyway, and you want to get your claim established. The severance won't prevent you from filing, it just affects when payments start.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried about messing something up by filing too early.

Non-competes don't directly affect unemployment eligibility, but they might impact your ability to accept certain jobs. You still need to meet Washington ESD's job search requirements regardless.

That makes sense. I just don't want Washington ESD to think I'm not actively looking for work if I can't apply to certain companies.

That's why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it's specifically designed to help with getting through to Washington ESD agents. Worth trying if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point. Thanks for the suggestion.

That's helpful to know. Did you have any issues with the transition from severance to benefits?

Nope, it was pretty smooth. Just had to keep filing my weekly claims even during the severance period and report it as income each week.

My package includes both severance and vacation payout. Do I need to report them separately?

Yes, report them separately on your weekly claims. The vacation payout will likely delay benefits for the specific weeks it covers, while severance might affect your weekly benefit amount differently.

Good to hear it worked out. I'm just trying to budget for the gap between severance ending and benefits starting.

That's a good point. The severance would definitely reduce stress while job hunting.

Exactly. Plus, having both eventually gives you more total income than just unemployment alone. Just make sure you understand the timing.

Definitely not planning to hide anything. Better to be completely transparent and deal with any delays.

Yes, periodic severance payments are treated as income for each week you receive them. So you'd report it on your weekly claims as you receive each payment, which might reduce your weekly benefit amount rather than delay benefits entirely.

That makes sense. Sounds like it might actually be better than a lump sum since you could potentially get some unemployment benefits sooner.

How did you manage to get through? I've tried calling dozens of times with no luck.

Honestly, I got lucky. But I've heard that Claimyr service that someone mentioned earlier really helps with getting through. Might be worth trying if you need to talk to someone urgently.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much more confident about moving forward with the severance now.

Glad we could help! Good luck with your job search when you're ready to start looking.

Good point. I'll start keeping a job search log right away even though benefits won't start for a few weeks.

Glad it helped you too! Seems like this is a pretty common situation.

yeah definitely more common than i thought. makes me feel better about the whole situation.

Great point about rules potentially changing. I'll make sure to check the most current information when I file.

Same here! Having a clear understanding of how it all works makes the decision much easier.

Happy to help. That's what these forums are for - sharing knowledge and supporting each other through these transitions.