Sears Severance (June 2017)

As someone who was part of the layoffs in Feb, I can say that the Sears paperwork for severance is terrible. Conflicting language to start with, but very little help from the HR dept who directed all questions to the 88-sears number (and they're terrible, too).

The basics of the severance are;

You have to fill in and fax the paperwork back in order to be eligible for severance.

Once you start getting severance, if and when you get a new job you are required to tell them within 5 days of starting.

Once you have that new job, you forfeit the rest of the severance pay.

Also - the way it worked in Illinois, was that the 'severance' pay was in fact continuing pay for your position, but you were on a 'leave of absence' which means you couldn't get unemployment until that severance was finished. This goes back to conflicting language, because they called it severance, but ALSO 'leave of absence' in the paperwork. I also could not touch my 401k until the severance period was complete. (I cashed out, needed the money).

It's in your best interests to get the paperwork in and get the severance pay. They won't take out 401k, but they DID continue my medical coverage (not cobra, but regular coverage) for the duration of that severance. It was basically paychecks on time until it was done.

Good luck - I look forward to hearing what departments were most effected by todays events.

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How much is your severance pay?

I’ve only received a partial payment, 88 sears hangs up on me and refuses to get me to a superviser and the hr market manager won’t return any emails or calls.

I’ve only received a partial payment, 88 sears hangs up on me and refuses to get me to a supervised and the hr market manager won’t return any emails or calls.

@1izr @1iiq

There was no option for the lump Doedoubt anyone will be getting that offer unless they're a director level or better.

I called IDES in Illinois and I asked if benefits are affected by severance pay and they said no. Friends of mine have also verified you can collect both. You're unemployed, you can collect.

I'm classified as an older worker and it appears there is a different severance package. Does anyone know if this is true? Only two of us were eligible.

MY severance was paid out like a regular paycheck. You will sign your severance paperwork on your last day of work. We closed on March 26th., and we stayed 2 weeks after to clean the build. We signed our paper work on April 5th. 8 Weeks of severance for little over 18 years.

They don't offer lump sums because they have no lump sums, they are out of cash. I just wonder where they will get the money to pay salaries to those who are still around and severance for the next rounds of closings and layoffs. Maybe they will stop severance all together?

@NLvN5Gf-1izr

Correcto mundo - if able to take a lump sum severance payment can then apply for unemployment immediately

SHC is trying to prolong the misery of associates by not offering lump sums most likely to conserve cash and when file BK wouldn't have to pay severance except where laws require it

@smt- I think it also depends on how the severance is paid out. If it's paid in a lump sum you may qualify for unemployment sooner. Mine was paid out like regular checks for 3 months.

had the same experience as 1smt. UI every week except the week I was paid my lump sum severance (company was not Sears, state is Michigan)

I received unemployment benefits and my severance also. The week I received my severance I did not get unemployment benefits, depends on the stat you live in.

@1sjy - Wow, that is unfortunate! In my state a representative from the office of unemployment was in our store a week after the announcement of our closing to help guide us through the filing procedure. My unemployment compensation started the week after my severance ended. I would still suggest that those affected by a layoff contact their state bureau of unemployment asap to find out what benefits are available to them and when they can apply.

@1npq- the unemployment office in my state would not allow me to file until after my severance ran out.

Why would anyone "report" to Sears about a job they have obtained after leaving Sears? Screw Sears, in the same manner that Sears screwed you.

Although you may not be eligible to collect unemployment while receiving severance, you should still apply for unemployment asap. That way, as soon as your severance ends your unemployment will begin. Otherwise you could experience a gap where you would have no income at all.

About unemployment...it depends on the state. I know when I collected severerance I wasn't eligible for unemployment until the severance ran out.

Don't forget to apply for unemployment right away. You are entitled to it even if you accept severance.

One of the things about the severance is that while you are supposedly "required" to notify them if you get another job, there is no way for them to know if you do. There has been some debate about whether you can't take another job anywhere or just another job with Sears Holdings (including subsidiaries, etc.). The language in the form is vague. But, like I said, they will never know if you get one or not. So, collect your checks and keep your mouth closed.

When I left 1 year ago - they "forgot" to pay my unused vacation pay! If I would not have caught it I would not have gotten it. Obviously they thought they needed it more than me!!!!! Crappy company so glad I left

if you not sure dont sign the serveranve no one forcing you

they're not entitled to know you have a new job - keep ur F'ing mouth shut

Once you have that new job, you forfeit the rest of the severance pay.

Kinda seems like stealing to me but I guess you though you were entitled to that.

Thread regarding Sears layoffs

Sears Severance (June 2017)

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