Can you get unemployment if you get severance pay in Washington State?

Yes, you can still get unemployment with severance pay in Washington, but there are specific rules about timing. The severance doesn't make you ineligible, but it might delay when your benefits start. Washington ESD calculates how long the severance would theoretically last you (based on your previous weekly wage) and that's how long you have to wait before benefits kick in.

I went through this same situation last year. The key thing is to file your unemployment claim immediately when you're laid off, don't wait until after the severance runs out. Washington ESD needs to process everything and determine your waiting period. I made the mistake of waiting and it delayed everything even more.

Just went through this exact situation! I was so frustrated trying to get through to Washington ESD to ask about my severance situation. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through, I'd get disconnected. Finally used claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual person who explained everything clearly. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Game changer for actually talking to someone at Washington ESD.

WAIT - I thought ANY income made you ineligible for unemployment?? This is news to me. Are you sure about this severance thing? I turned down a severance package thinking it would mess up my unemployment.

There's also the question of HOW the severance is paid out. If it's a lump sum vs. paid out over time, that can affect the calculation. Washington ESD looks at when you actually receive the money, not when it was earned.

I'm confused about vacation pay too. Is that treated the same as severance? My company owes me 3 weeks of unused vacation when I get laid off.

Does anyone know if the severance waiting period counts toward your total benefit weeks? Like if I have to wait 8 weeks, do I lose 8 weeks of benefits or do they extend the claim?

Just want to add - make sure you're still doing your job search requirements during the severance waiting period! I almost got in trouble because I thought I didn't need to since I wasn't collecting benefits yet.

What if you get a new job during the severance waiting period? Do you have to pay back the unemployment benefits you would have gotten later?

The Washington ESD website has a severance calculator tool somewhere, though I can never find it when I need it. Has anyone used that?

My advice: document EVERYTHING about your severance. Keep copies of the agreement, payment stubs, everything. If there's ever a question later, you'll want proof of exactly what you received and when.

Can confirm the filing immediately part is crucial. I waited thinking I should wait until after severance ended and it created a gap in my claim that took forever to sort out with Washington ESD.

One thing to watch out for - if your severance includes continuation of benefits like health insurance, that might affect things too. I'm not 100% sure how, but it's worth asking about.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was worried about taking the severance. Sounds like I should definitely take it and just plan for the waiting period.

Has anyone dealt with partial severance? Like if they pay out some vacation time but not a full severance package?

Quick question - do signing bonuses from a NEW job affect unemployment if you're still in the severance waiting period from your OLD job?

For anyone still reading this - I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it really did help me get through to Washington ESD quickly. Worth checking out if you're stuck trying to reach them about severance questions.

Final thought - even with all this good info, every situation is a bit different. When in doubt, talk to Washington ESD directly rather than guessing. The consequences of getting it wrong aren't worth it.