Washington ESD unemployment with severance pay - can you get unemployment if you get severance?

Thanks! Should I report the severance when I file my initial claim or wait until my weekly claims?

Report it on your initial application and then on your weekly claims. Washington ESD needs to know about all income sources to determine your benefit amount correctly.

That's really helpful to know. Did you have to provide documentation about your severance package to Washington ESD?

Yes, I had to submit a copy of my severance agreement and a letter from my employer explaining the terms. Make sure you keep all that paperwork handy.

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD about my severance questions. Someone on another forum mentioned this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents. I was skeptical at first but tried it last week and actually got connected to someone who could explain how my severance would affect my benefits. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

No, that's a common misconception. Severance pay doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. Your HR department might not have had complete information about how Washington ESD handles these situations.

Ugh, I probably missed out on months of benefits because of bad advice. Is it too late to file now?

You can backdate a claim in some circumstances, but there are time limits. You should file as soon as possible and explain the situation to Washington ESD.

That's actually a really good question that depends on how Washington ESD treats each type of payment. Generally, lump sum payments might be treated differently than ongoing wages, but you'd need to check with an agent to be sure.

This is exactly why I need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, but the phone situation is impossible.

Adjudication for severance issues can take a while because they need to review the specific terms of your agreement. Usually takes 2-4 weeks in my experience.

It's been 5 weeks already. I'm starting to panic about my bills.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me. I was able to get through to an adjudicator who could actually check on my case status and explain what documentation they still needed.

The amount will mainly affect timing rather than your weekly benefit amount. Washington ESD calculates your weekly benefit based on your previous wages, not your severance. But a larger severance might delay your benefits longer.

That makes sense. I guess I need to plan my finances around a longer delay then.

Good point! My severance does include COBRA coverage. Should I mention that to Washington ESD?

It wouldn't hurt to mention it, though health benefits usually don't affect unemployment eligibility directly.

Absolutely file! The worst thing you can do is not file at all. Even if there's a delay, you'll at least have your claim in the system.

Thanks for the encouragement. Going to file tomorrow morning.

This is exactly what I needed to hear from someone who actually worked there! Thank you so much.

Wish there were more former employees like you answering questions online since it's so hard to reach current staff!

I understand the frustration with phone wait times. The system has been overwhelmed for years now.

Yes, you'll need to report any severance payments on your weekly claims, whether it's lump sum or installments. Be accurate about the amounts and dates.

Got it, thank you!

I totally understand the frustration. The system is complex because they're trying to prevent abuse while still helping people who genuinely need it. But you're right that it can be overwhelming when you're already dealing with job loss.

thanks i guess i just need to file and figure it out as i go

That's reassuring to hear. How long did the whole process take from filing to getting your first benefit payment?

About 8 weeks total - 2 weeks for initial processing plus the 6-week severance delay. But every situation is different depending on your specific severance terms.

Vacation pay is typically treated the same as severance - it can delay benefits but doesn't disqualify you. Report both on your application.

Thank you, that helps a lot!

I tried it last month when I had questions about how my severance would affect my benefits. It actually worked - got connected to an agent who could pull up my claim and explain everything. Way better than the endless busy signals I was getting before.

That's awesome! Congratulations and thanks for the update. This gives me confidence to file my own claim.

Great outcome! Shows how important it is to file even when you're not sure about the severance impact.

Great advice! I'll make copies of everything before I file.

Yes! I learned this the hard way when they asked for my severance paperwork and I had to scramble to find it.

That's exactly what these discussions are for - helping people navigate these complicated situations. Good luck with your claim!

Agreed! This thread has been a lifesaver. Going to file my claim first thing Monday morning.