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Unemployment in TX / RIF’d with severance

RIF’d with severance package in TX - not to be confused with VSP. Would I be eligible to register for unemployment benefits? Anyone know?

I was denied unemployment benefits with option to appeal and have a hearing. Not sure it’s worth the trouble if they are going to deny me anyways.

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Post ID: @OP+1u8OG9kB

8 replies (most recent on top)

I was part of the December 2022 RIF and had absolutely no issues claiming unemployment in Texas.

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Post ID: @6ksi+1u8OG9kB

I live in TX and have experienced both ways. It might depend on ‘how’ you fill out the application. Typically, severance is not considered ‘payroll’. But I think getting a lump sum vs. the company paying out over several weeks blurs that line, as Commissions might be more likely to view this as income even though it is clearly not. Your last date of employment is definitely just that—your last day as an employee. Bonuses and stock don’t play a role in unemployment claims at all, and you might be able to argue that severance is a bonus.

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Post ID: @3vwf+1u8OG9kB

Most states, if you are RIF'ED allow you to file, however the severance amount will reduce the amount received from unemployment. However if it is the VOLUNTARY SEVERANCE PACKAGE, most states will not allow without good cause, because again it is VOLUNTARY LEAVING. Each state has its own rules for good cause. Say for example you were hired during covid in a different state and mow expect to return to the home office, this in most case would justify under a good cause, however each state is different look it up on your state unemployment they are listed

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Post ID: @1iqz+1u8OG9kB

I received a severance in 2023 and was denied unemployment by the state of Texas

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Post ID: @1dgd+1u8OG9kB

From what I recall looking into this (back in 2018 when I took my VSP), you should get unemployment benefits. Whether it's a RIF or VSP, you are unemployed. In some states you have to wait out your RIF/VSP payout, but not in Texas.

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Post ID: @zzf+1u8OG9kB

Spouse was RIF and given severance. Still getting unemployment and having a helluva time finding a new job!

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Post ID: @bdf+1u8OG9kB

Texas is very easy granting unemployment benefits. I was RIF and was given lump sum with life medical benefits and 3 months pay which did not have to go to work. Texas never question me on my status just signed up and a check by Texas was in the mail every week. My service time was 28 years, looking back that was the greatest thing that happen to me. Good luck

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Post ID: @xar+1u8OG9kB

In CA, Rif regardless of severance or not, gets unemployment with comes out at the max of $400 per week. VSP will not qualify because it is voluntary. But CA is a blue state loves to tax and give out benefits

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Post ID: @gke+1u8OG9kB

It’s worth a shot. Tell them the severance is mostly your accrued and unused vacation time.

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Post ID: @ltr+1u8OG9kB

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