Can you apply for or get unemployment pay while still getting severance pay?

Yes. I know that first hand. At least I can verify that was how it worked in WV.
I was laid off in 2010 and given a 6 month severance. I was able to draw unemployment after 2 weeks and I stuck that in savings and used that to get me by after the severance was gone and I was able to find a job.

Not in any state that I have lived in. You have to wait until the severance runs out and then you can apply for unemployment after that.

@chyna That is shocking to me. You reported you received severance?

Edit: You can probably apply, but I don’t think we could start receiving money until the severance runs out. I’m sure it varies by state.

This question makes me wonder if I can collect unemployment while I’m getting SSA bennies.

I just googled it and it depends on the state you live in.

I know that times I have applied for unemployment, it’s a question they asked.

Most likely but you had better declare the severance pay. The amount that you receive in unemployment will be affected by it.

I just looked again at the NYS one, to see if I could find a link or a fact sheet. There’s so much info on the site, in reference to applying for benefits, and there’s a sheet to download (which I don’t feel like downloading) but I would say, since apparently it depends on the state the applicant lives in, the applicant (or you) should look at the website for that state’s Department of Labor to see exactly what the rules are for that state.

^^ Sure. They will. I just wanted to get a general idea.

I couldn’t when I got laid off in NC. They viewed the severance as paycheck. I had to wait until the severance ran out before being able to apply for unemployment. I had a job before that point.

I know my company will give severance in one big lump sum. So in two weeks you can file for unemployment.

@JLeslie Yes I reported the severance pay to the unemployment office. I wanted to be sure to do everything exactly right.

Yes you can. I too know this first hand. Even without severance, there is always a waiting/filing period. You can however file right away. Make sure you let them know of the severance as they will find out anyway and adjust the first payout week accordingly.

@chyna I hope I didn’t come across as though I thought you were trying to withhold the information on purpose, I never would think that of you. I just was wondering if the disclosure maybe wasn’t on the form. Interesting that WV will give unemployment while also receiving severance. I never would have guessed it.

^ I really didn’t think that at all.
It was a surprise to me, also.

In California, the state checks with your last employer to verify you left in good standing, and also asks about severance.

Yup. In Kansas.

I’ve heard discussions on the topic. It seems that the order in which certain things happen has a lot to do with that. Also, some states consider severance pay to be earned income which would automatically cause your ineligibility.

I believe it depends on how the severance pay is structured. Different states have different criteria. I was once laid off and given two weeks severance. The State of Illinois (in the 1980’s) considered that regular compensation and delayed my claim for two weeks. So the claim wasn’t denied, only delayed.

This question makes me wonder if I can collect unemployment while I’m getting SSA bennies.

My thought is go ahead and apply. Be honest on the application. They will let you know if you are eligible.

@Call_Me_Jay No unemployment with SSA. That’s one thing I remember!

@Strauss Are you saying that if I collect unemployment, the SSA may stop my benefits?
If not, then it may depend on the state, in which case I’ll follow @Call_Me_Jay‘s suggestion.