Update: I managed to get through to ESD yesterday! The agent confirmed that properly structured SUB Program payments under Revenue Ruling 90-72 are NOT reportable as income for UI purposes in Washington State. However, she emphasized that the program must meet all the requirements: 1. Payments can't be in a lump sum 2. Payments must be linked to UI eligibility 3. The program must be properly registered with the state She advised me to get written confirmation from my employer that their program meets these criteria and to keep it for my records. She also noted this in my claim file. Thank you all for your help! For anyone else facing this situation, definitely try to get an official answer directly from ESD rather than relying on secondhand information.

Thanks for sharing your update! This is really helpful for others who might face the same situation. I'm glad you were able to get official confirmation from ESD directly - that's exactly what I would have recommended. Your experience highlights how important it is to get answers straight from the source rather than relying on conflicting information from different representatives. The fact that the agent noted it in your claim file is huge - that documentation could save you a lot of headaches if any questions come up during a future audit or review. For anyone else reading this thread, Anastasia's approach is the gold standard: get written confirmation from your employer about the program structure, get official guidance from ESD (preferably documented), and keep everything for your records. SUB programs are uncommon enough that not all reps will be familiar with them, so persistence in reaching the right person really pays off.

Good luck! The waiting is definitely the worst part of this whole process. Once you actually talk to someone it usually gets resolved pretty quickly.

Hang in there! I know it's stressful but you'll get through this. The adjudication process sucks but most people do get approved eventually if they qualified for benefits in the first place.

Thanks everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! Just to update - I went ahead and filed my initial claim today. The ESD website actually had a specific section for reporting upcoming severance pay, so that was easier than expected. I reported that I'll be receiving the lump sum next week representing 8 weeks of pay. I've also started my job search log since I need to report activities each week even during the severance period. The ESD agent I spoke with (finally got through!) confirmed that once the 8-week severance allocation ends, my regular benefits should start automatically as long as I keep filing my weekly claims. Really appreciate all the help navigating this!

Great job getting everything filed! That's exactly the right approach. Just a heads up - make sure you keep detailed records of your weekly job search activities during those 8 weeks even though you won't be getting benefits. ESD can audit your job search log at any time, and you don't want any issues when your regular benefits kick in. Also, if you find a job before your severance period ends, you'll need to report that too. Sounds like you're on the right track though!

I wish you luck but I'm on month 3 of waiting for a decision on my pandemic waiver and can't get ANY updates when I call. They'll make you jump through 50 hoops just to apply then let it sit in some digital pile for months. The whole system is a joke. Make sure you keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, copies of everything you submit. ESD is notorious for "losing" documentation.

I just went through this exact same situation! The collections number (360-486-5817) that Omar mentioned is definitely the right one to call. When I called, I had to wait about 20 minutes but got through to someone who was actually helpful. They emailed me the PUA overpayment waiver form the same day. One tip - when you call, have your Social Security number and the overpayment notice reference number ready because they'll ask for both right away. Also, don't be discouraged if the first person you talk to seems confused about the waiver - I had to explain that I received a letter saying I might qualify for a waiver and they transferred me to someone who knew exactly what I was talking about. The form itself took me about an hour to complete once I had all my financial documents together.

Just wanted to update everyone - I had my appeal hearing yesterday and it went much better than expected! The judge seemed sympathetic when I showed my evening-only class schedule and all the daytime job interviews I've had. I also submitted a letter from my academic advisor explaining the program's flexibility, and presented my job search log showing I'm applying for full-time positions consistent with my previous work. I don't have the decision yet, but I feel cautiously optimistic. The judge specifically mentioned that being a student isn't automatically disqualifying if you maintain availability for work. Will update when I get the final ruling! Thank you all for the advice and support - it made a huge difference in how I prepared!

Congratulations on what sounds like a successful hearing! Your preparation really shows - having that academic advisor letter and detailed job search log makes all the difference. I went through a similar appeal process last year (also for student disqualification) and the judge's comment about it "not being automatically disqualifying" is definitely a positive indicator. One tip for while you're waiting for the decision: keep documenting everything you're doing to show work availability. Continue your job applications and keep that search log updated in case ESD tries to appeal an unfavorable decision (though that's pretty rare). Really hoping you get good news soon - this thread has been so helpful for others dealing with the same issue. Please do update us when you hear back!