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For what it's worth, I know several people who successfully collected unemployment while receiving severance. It's not automatic disqualification, just requires some extra documentation and patience with the process.
Final tip: keep detailed records of all your communications with Washington ESD about the severance issue. If you end up needing to appeal, having documentation of what you were told will be crucial.
i made the mistake of not reporting cash work early in my claim and when i finally called to ask about it the agent told me i needed to report it immediately and they'd adjust my past claims. it was scary but they didn't penalize me since i self-reported. honesty really is the best policy here
honestly i used that claimyr thing after seeing it mentioned here a few times. worked way better than trying to call directly
The bottom line is this: report ALL work, even cash jobs. Washington ESD has multiple ways to verify your earnings and the penalties for fraud are severe. But don't panic - most people who report work still receive partial benefits and stay in good standing with the system.
Final thought - don't let anyone tell you that you can't or shouldn't apply for benefits you might be entitled to. The worst they can do is say no, but if you qualify for both programs and can meet the requirements, you shouldn't feel guilty about accessing the support that's available.
Thanks for saying that. I've been feeling guilty about even considering applying for both, but you're right that I should pursue whatever help I'm entitled to.
Hope this all works out for you OP. Keep us updated on how it goes - your experience could help other people in similar situations figure out their own path forward.
Don't forget you can appeal if your claim gets denied. You have 30 days from the denial date to file an appeal. Sometimes initial denials get overturned if you can provide additional documentation.
Leo McDonald
One last thing - make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file. You'll need dates of employment, wages, and reason for separation for each job in your base period.
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Logan Chiang
•Should I gather all that before I start the application?
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Leo McDonald
•Yes, it'll make the process much smoother. Have your W-2s, pay stubs, and employment records handy when you file online.
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Jessica Nolan
Good luck to everyone dealing with unemployment right now. It's stressful but the benefits can really help bridge the gap while you're looking for new work.
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Logan Chiang
•Thanks! Feeling much better about the whole process after reading all these responses.
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Isla Fischer
•That's what this community is for - helping each other navigate these systems. Hope your claim goes smoothly!
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