Severance pay until Feb 2025 - Should I apply for ESD benefits now or wait?

Apply for unemployment right away! You're already a few weeks behind. Severance pay under WAC 192-190-045 doesn't affect your UI benefits in Washington state - they're considered separate issues. What matters is that you're not working and you're available for work. You should go ahead and file your weekly claims during your entire severance period. When you file, you'll need to report your severance payments, but in most cases, it won't reduce your benefits. The system will calculate if any adjustment is needed. Don't wait until February - there's a limited time window to apply after job loss, and waiting 6 months could disqualify you completely. The base year calculation for benefits might also be affected if you wait too long.

wait i thought u cant get unemployment if ur getting paid??? my cousin got fired last year and his severence made him not eligible for benefits until it ran out. maybe its different for everyone but thats what happened to him

I was in a VERY similar situation back in April! Got laid off from my tech job and received severance through September. I waited about a month before applying for unemployment because I thought I wouldn't qualify while getting severance payments. BIG MISTAKE!! When I finally applied, I learned I could have been collecting partial UI benefits all along. The ESD agent explained that severance is considered payment for past services, not current weeks. In my case, they did reduce my weekly benefit amount a bit because of the severance income, but I still got something. Don't make my mistake - apply NOW and be completely honest about your severance payments when you file weekly claims. The system will calculate if you're eligible for full, partial, or no benefits each week. Also, start doing your job search activities right away (you need 3 per week) and keep detailed records. They're really strict about that part!

apply now apply now apply NOW!!!! i waited 2 months after layoff and they almost denied me!!! the time limit is strict and if u wait till Feb ur toast. severance doesnt matter for eligiblity in WA state, i got both at same time. just report the income when u do weekly claims.

I'm going through this same situation right now! I applied for UI immediately after layoff even though I'm getting severance through December. When I report my biweekly severance on my weekly claim, they reduce my benefit for that week, but I still get something. The week after (when I don't receive a severance payment), I get the full benefit amount. The system is super confusing though and the ESD website doesn't explain it well. I ended up calling them to make sure I was doing everything right, but it took FOREVER to get through. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes instead of trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Definitely worth it to get clear answers about your specific situation with the severance.

So much misinformation in this thread! The rules about severance in Washington are VERY specific. Whether your severance affects your benefits depends on how your employer classified it, not just what you call it. True severance (compensating for job loss) doesn't affect benefits. But if your employer classified it as "continuation pay" or "salary continuation" with full benefits, it might be considered pay in lieu of notice, which WOULD affect your benefits. You should: 1. Apply for UI immediately - you're already outside the recommended window 2. When asked about payments, accurately report your severance 3. Let ESD make the determination based on your specific situation 4. Appeal if you disagree with their decision And YES, you absolutely should be doing your 3 job search activities every week starting NOW, even if you end up not being eligible for payment during some weeks due to severance. This ensures your claim stays active.

You've gotten some great advice here! I'll just add that when you apply, make sure to clearly explain your severance arrangement in the section where they ask about other income. Be precise about the amounts and payment schedule. To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, apply now - don't wait until February 2. You may receive partial benefits during severance periods depending on the amount 3. You'll likely receive full benefits during weeks you don't receive a severance payment 4. Start your job search activities immediately and document everything One thing no one has mentioned: when you first apply, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. So even if you're approved, you won't get paid for the first eligible week. That's another reason not to delay - you're just losing potential benefit weeks by waiting.