Should I wait until my severance pay ends to file a claim for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Really? I thought severance would disqualify me completely. So I can file now even though I'm still getting paid?

Yes, you report the severance when you file but it doesn't stop you from filing the initial claim. Washington ESD will determine how it affects your weekly benefit amount.

Oh no, how much did you lose by waiting? I'm getting nervous I should have filed already.

Probably around $2000 in benefits I could have received. Don't make the same mistake I did!

What exactly happens during adjudication? Will they contact my former employer?

Yes, they'll verify your separation details including the severance terms. Just be patient - adjudication delays are super common right now.

Mine took 6 weeks in adjudication just for severance review. If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to a real person. Way better than trying to call yourself. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

So basically I'll get the same total amount just delayed? That actually makes me feel better about the timing.

Exactly. Think of it like Washington ESD saying 'you're still getting paid from your job during the severance period' even though you're not working.

It depends on how the severance is structured - lump sum vs. continuing salary, continuation of benefits, etc. Each case gets reviewed individually.

that explains it i guess. mine was lump sum, hers was weekly payments

Good point - I should start keeping track of applications even before benefits kick in. Do they require a minimum number per week?

Usually 3 job search activities per week but check your individual requirements when you file. Better to document more than less.

That's reassuring to hear. So the benefit weeks don't get eaten up by the severance delay?

Nope, your benefit year starts when you're eligible to receive payments, not when you file the claim.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like it might be worth it if adjudication drags on.

Way less than I expected and definitely worth it for the peace of mind. Beats calling 100 times and never getting through.

Yeah I looked on their site but couldn't find clear info about my specific situation. Sounds like filing ASAP is the consensus here.

Exactly - when in doubt, file. Worst case they tell you to wait, best case you preserve your filing date.

Good reminder about being honest. I have all the paperwork from my employer so I should be able to report everything accurately.

Perfect - having the documentation makes everything smoother. Keep copies of everything for your records.

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. Better to file and let them sort it out than miss out on benefits.

Interesting point. My HR person said I'd need to wait but maybe she doesn't actually know Washington ESD rules.

Exactly - HR knows company policy but not necessarily unemployment law. Let Washington ESD make the official determination.

Wow 10 weeks sounds awful. OK you've all convinced me - filing first thing tomorrow morning!

Smart move! And remember to keep filing those weekly claims even if you're not getting paid yet during adjudication.

No, unemployment benefits are completely separate from COBRA or other employment-related benefits. One doesn't affect the other.

Thanks for clarifying that. I was worried there might be some weird interaction between them.

Because every severance situation is different and they probably don't want to give blanket advice that might not apply to everyone's situation.

I guess that makes sense but it sure would be nice to have better info upfront.

Good luck! Feel free to update us on how it goes. And remember that Claimyr option if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD during the process.

Will do! Bookmarking that Claimyr site just in case I need it.

Great to get confirmation from someone in HR. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me understand this better.

Happy to help! The unemployment system is confusing enough without people missing out on benefits due to timing mistakes.

This is exactly the kind of real experience I needed to hear! So sorry you lost those 3 weeks of benefits - that must have been frustrating. It's crazy how many people (including employers) seem to give wrong advice about this. I'm definitely filing first thing tomorrow morning now. Did you have any issues during the adjudication process, or did it go smoothly once you finally got your claim in?

Thanks for sharing your experience @Chloe Robinson! This is super helpful. I'm actually in the same boat - got laid off 2 weeks ago with 8 weeks severance and was told by HR to wait. But after reading everyone's responses here, I'm convinced I need to file immediately. It's frustrating that so many employers give incorrect advice about this. Did Washington ESD give you any trouble about the delay when you finally filed, or were they understanding about the misinformation you received?

@Chloe Robinson Thank you so much for sharing your experience! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I m'the original poster and have been going back and forth on this all day. Your story about losing 3 weeks of benefits really drives home why I can t'afford to wait any longer. It s'infuriating that employers give such bad advice about this - my HR department told me the same thing about waiting until severance ends. I m'definitely filing tomorrow morning first thing. Did you end up having to deal with a long adjudication process once you finally got your claim submitted?