Left with December wave of 2024 VSP. Filed for unemployment in my state. Was denied because Verizon told unemployment commission that I left voluntarily for personal reasons and there was plenty of work for all employees. I can’t find my copy of the VSP documents but didn’t it say that VZ wouldn’t fight any applications for unemployment by those taking the VSP? Anyone else had this experience?
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This kind of oversimplification is part of the problem. Just because the program is labeled “voluntary” doesn’t mean the choice was truly free. Many VSPs are offered under the shadow of pending layoffs — and unemployment eligibility often reflects that. The law looks at the substance of the situation, not just the label. Repeating corporate talking points doesn’t help anyone. Let’s be real: this mindset is exactly what’s helped steer Verizon into decline.
That’s a common misunderstanding. While VSP stands for Voluntary Separation Program, many states — including New York and California — do allow unemployment benefits after a VSP, depending on the context.
🔹 New York State Department of Labor:
If a VSP is part of a reduction in force (RIF) or your job was at risk, you may still be eligible for unemployment insurance. From their official guidance:
“If your employer offered you a separation package to avoid layoffs, and you accepted it, you may still be considered to have left involuntarily and be eligible for benefits.”
Source: NYS DOL
🔹 California EDD (Employment Development Department):
They also note that quitting a job “for good cause” — such as to accept a VSP during a layoff period — can still qualify for unemployment benefits.
Source: California EDD Guide
✅ The key question is why the VSP was offered and what would’ve happened if you didn’t take it. If it was to avoid a layoff, and you’re now jobless and seeking work, the state may treat it like a layoff.
Bottom line: Don’t assume you’re ineligible. File and let your state evaluate the facts.
At this point, it’s water under the bridge.
I took the VSP with the understanding—outlined clearly in Article 17—that Verizon wouldn’t contest unemployment claims. I even received confirmation from an HR Business Consultant. And technically, they didn’t. But when the state reviewed it, they labeled it “voluntary” and denied benefits. After decades of paying into the system, that was a sobering moment.
Yes, they offered two weeks per year of service—capped. And like many others, my pension had already been frozen. Over time, the long-term value that once defined corporate employment—stability, growth, retirement—quietly disappeared.
I’ve moved on. Verizon doesn’t need me, and I don’t need or use any of their products. I also don’t invest in the stock—it’s not a growth story anymore.
Leadership feels hollow. Execution is weak. The vision? Blurred. To my disappointment, Hans Vestberg has been a failure of epic proportions. That may not be fully reflected yet, but the signs are there—and they’re only going to grow more obvious.
To younger professionals: Verizon can be a good place to start. You’ll gain valuable experience. Just be honest with yourself—know what you’re building toward, and whether that path still exists where you are. Don’t mistake tenure for trajectory.
I have no regrets. I moved on, and quite successfully. I genuinely wish the best for everyone—whether you agree with me or not. Each of us has to evaluate our own situation and define what we’re working toward. Whatever that is, I hope you find it—and protect it.
You are not immediately eligible for unemployment after taking a package. I have heard of people applying and getting unemployment after a period of time. I think it’s 6mo to a year after taking the package.
I love all of the corporate toadies who post on here thinking that somehow that will protect them from a layoff. NOPE! Your turn is coming! Remember what you posted here when they tell you that it's time to go! It's coming!
I took the VSP. The V in VSP stands for voluntary. that means you choose to do it, which means you don't get unemployment.
you’re not eligible for unemployment if you voluntarily except a buyout. I can understand why you’d be upset if you had a different expectation, but you were not laid off -you voluntarily left.
you were not sc--wed. You had a false expectation.
- If I volunteer to leave Verizon under the Voluntary Separation Program, will I be
eligible for Unemployment Compensation?
Eligibility for unemployment benefits is determined according to various state laws and handled by state agencies, subject to their regulations and interpretations. Only the state agency can determine eligibility for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility, the state agency may take into consideration any payments, such as separation pay, pension, etc., as well as whether the separation was voluntary or involuntary. Most states disqualify applicants who leave employment voluntarily. Since Verizon does not determine eligibility for unemployment, we
recommend you contact your local unemployment office for guidance.
Separation under this program is voluntary. Verizon is offering many incentives, some of which
may entice employees to volunteer to leave Verizon who otherwise may have continued to work
for Verizon. Each employee should evaluate his or her own personal situation considering all of the program's options and incentives, and the possibility that they may -- or in most cases, may not -- be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. An employee's decision is based on personal circumstance and is strictly voluntary. Unemployment Compensation is not an absolute benefit, and the fact that this is a voluntary program will disqualify employees in many states.
If you took the VSP, you can't file for unemployment. They didn't lay you off.
@a4 I don’t understand. You volunteered to take the vsp package right? Nobody was laid off or told they had to take the vsp
If you are ever wondering if Hans and his HR executioners, torture techs and spies will sc--w you over, fear not. Just know that no matter how bad you think that they can sc--w with you, they will always find more ways.
Oh, I had the same front-row seat to the NJ Unemployment Comedy Hour. Verizon HR gave me written assurance they wouldn’t contest my claim after I took the VSP. Adorable, right? Because apparently that letter is just decorative—like one of those “Live, Laugh, Love” signs, except corporate edition: “Lie, Deny, Disappear.”
So what happened? The State of NJ bought Verizon’s fairy tale that I “left voluntarily,” as if I woke up one day and said, “You know what sounds fun? Giving up my paycheck during a recession.” I didn’t resign—I was packaged out with a corporate grin and a boot in slow motion.
And let’s talk about the real joke: I paid into unemployment for decades. Full freight. Never took a dime. Then when I finally need it? DENIED. Just a polite slap and a brochure on budgeting. Meanwhile, Verizon and the state are out here playing tag team while we foot the bill.
I funded the system, got shoved out, and still got told to go pound sand.
Corporate doesn’t work for everyone—it works for the narrative.