Everyone laid off, whether voluntary or involuntary qualifies for unemployment. Your HR rep should tell you about this when you are called in. If not, ask. I recommend that you follow the guidelines completely to maximize your unemployment benefits.
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Appreciate the info from Anonymous173104 about how unemployment works. This is a draining experience and can't imagine jumping straight back into looking for jobs. Would like to take at least a week to chill and absorb the transition before having to gear up for a whole new career. After working 30+ years for one company I don't really feel like jumping into the job market, That said the unemployment stipend would help to bridge the gap for the monthly fixed costs.
Thanks to "Anonymous173135" for the date info. I thought the timing was 21 days (calendar?) from date of notification. For a 10/6 notification that would be 10/27. Interesting that the last employment date was stated as 10/31...a few extra days is helpful.
I was laid off this morning, but the HR rep didn't mention anything about applying for unemployment. My official layoff date isn't until Oct. 31, even though today was my last day to work for the company. I'm actively looking for another job. But does this mean I have to wait until Oct. 31 to apply for unemployment?
People who take the steps to qualify for unemployment will receive a weekly payment EXCEPT for the week you receive any lump sum payments such as your severance. Also, even if your plan is to retire, remember it was not the timing of YOUR choice, and although you are required to apply for two jobs per week, it is easy to do on-line, AND no one is looking to hire someone of your age or pay scale. Most won't even give you an interview, because "like COP", they are all looking for someone (young and) cheap to employ. BEFORE ANYONE thinks this is wrong, remember YEARS of unemployment insurance has been paid for every month you have been employed!
One thing to remember. Take your pension in a lump sum and roll over to IRA. If you take it on a monthly basis that is considered income and you will not qualify for unemployment. I got unemployment when laid off by COP 5 years ago even though I got severance($175,000) and a $700,000 pension check, none of which was monthly income. I only stayed on it for 2 months because I found a job, so I got double pay for 10 months....Thanks COP!!!!
I did not say that. When I was laid off in April, I was "encouraged" by HR to seek unemployment benefits. Also, one of the single page documents provided in that meeting provided info used when applying for unemployment benefits.
HR does not decide on qualifications associated with unemployment benefits. The one piece of signed paperwork with the company letterhead will be required by the state for the application for unemployment benefits. The company can fight the unemployment claim but the company does not decide the claim.