The following is from the 2008 (i.e., covering 2009) Florida statutes, Title 31 (Labor), Chapter 443 (Unemployment), Section 036 ("Definitions"), Paragraph 16 (refer to the link at the bottom of this answer): "Earned income" (used to determine eligibility for
and amount of unemployment compensation) means gross remuneration derived from work, professional service, or self-employment. The term includes commissions, bonuses (i.e., severance), back pay awards, and the cash value of all remuneration paid in a medium other than cash . . . This is true in most US states, as well. In other words, severance pay is considered no differently than normal pay as regards "earned income". Since severance pay is usually paid immediately upon or shortly after being terminated or retiring, your claim and/or benefits would not be permitted until the week or so after your final regular pay and/or severance check have been paid (i.e., you may file at any time, but you won't receive a check until after your final check has been paid and/or officially recorded on your W2, so that the unemployment office may verify it). You must report all sources of income, except those not considered such by your State (i.e., for the most part, this includes welfare, social security benefits, certain pensions, etc); failure to report such is considered a felony in most US states. REFERENCE: www.leg.state.fl.us
and amount of unemployment compensation) means gross remuneration derived from work, professional service, or self-employment. The term includes commissions, bonuses (i.e., severance), back pay awards, and the cash value of all remuneration paid in a medium other than cash . . . This is true in most US states, as well. In other words, severance pay is considered no differently than normal pay as regards "earned income". Since severance pay is usually paid immediately upon or shortly after being terminated or retiring, your claim and/or benefits would not be permitted until the week or so after your final regular pay and/or severance check have been paid (i.e., you may file at any time, but you won't receive a check until after your final check has been paid and/or officially recorded on your W2, so that the unemployment office may verify it). You must report all sources of income, except those not considered such by your State (i.e., for the most part, this includes welfare, social security benefits, certain pensions, etc); failure to report such is considered a felony in most US states. REFERENCE: www.leg.state.fl.us
