When can you apply for unemployment after severance from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I should file now even though I'm getting severance? I don't want to make a mistake on my application.

Yes, file now. Washington ESD will handle the severance calculation automatically when you report it during your initial claim.

That's old information or your HR was wrong. Washington ESD changed their process a few years ago. You file immediately but benefits are delayed, not the application itself.

Wow, I probably missed out on weeks of benefits then. I waited 3 months after my severance ended to apply.

I had the same problem until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents. I watched their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and it actually works. Got connected within 15 minutes instead of calling for hours.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

The service was worth it for me because I was losing my mind trying to call. Much better than spending entire days redialing.

That makes sense. So I should calculate this before I file to know what to expect?

Don't worry about calculating it yourself. Just report the severance amount accurately and let Washington ESD do the math. They'll send you a determination letter explaining the delay.

Mine is a lump sum payment. Does that make it easier?

Yes, lump sum is more straightforward. Washington ESD just calculates the total delay period and you know exactly when benefits will start.

Yikes, that sounds stressful. I'll definitely report everything accurately.

Same thing happened to me. The overpayment process is a nightmare. Better to be upfront about severance even if it delays your benefits.

You still need to file weekly claims during the delay period, but job search requirements depend on your specific situation. Washington ESD will clarify this in your determination letter.

That's confusing. Why file weekly claims if you're not getting paid?

It maintains your claim status and ensures you don't lose your place in line once benefits start. Plus you need to report any work or income during that time.

Thanks! I'll look for that. Every bit of information helps.

I tried using that calculator but it gave me a different result than what Washington ESD actually determined. Close but not exact.

Vacation payout is typically treated differently than severance. It's considered wages for services already performed, while severance is compensation for future periods. Both affect your claim but in different ways.

This is getting complicated. I might need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly.

Have you tried using claimyr.com to get through to an adjudicator? Sometimes talking to someone directly can move things along faster than waiting for mail responses.

I haven't heard of that service. Is it legitimate?

Yeah, it's legit. They help you get through Washington ESD's phone system. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

That's good to know. I was thinking about doing some freelance work while waiting for benefits to start.

Just make sure to report every penny. Washington ESD is very strict about unreported income.

So I should file this week then? I was laid off on Tuesday.

Yes, file as soon as possible. Don't wait. Your benefit year starts when you file, not when payments begin.

Mine was just a standard severance agreement. No non-compete or anything unusual.

Standard severance is the easiest to deal with. Washington ESD has clear rules for that situation.

Don't overthink it. The application process is straightforward, and Washington ESD will guide you through the severance reporting. The important thing is to file promptly.

You're right. I'll file this weekend when I have time to focus on it properly.

Good advice. I have everything in a folder already since I figured I'd need it for something.

Smart thinking. Being organized with unemployment paperwork saves so much stress later.

Glad we could help! Remember to file your weekly claims even during the severance delay period.

Good luck! And if you have trouble reaching Washington ESD later, definitely check out that claimyr service mentioned earlier.