Thread regarding Optum layoffs

Tuition reimbursement when getting RIFd?

I have a feeling that one of these layoff cycles I'm going to be next. The signs are all there. I took classes this semester, and when I was looking at the reimbursement for Optum it said that you get the reimbursement on the last paycheck of the year. Has anyone had experience where they were in the middle of a semester, or finished classes but hadn't received reimbursement yet? Were you still able to get reimbursement?

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| 2152 views | | 8 replies (last April 8, 2025) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1jr3azya4

8 replies (most recent on top)

As someone who used to work in that specific department, if you are involuntary terminated (RIF/layoff) then the clawback does not apply and you do not have to pay that reimbursement back.

It’s only when you voluntarily choose to leave the company between that 24 month mark or if you get fired due to reasons within your control.

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Post ID: @r7+1jr3azya4

Layoffs are specifically mentioned in the termination section of the tuition reimbursement policy.

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Post ID: @m1+1jr3azya4

Someone on my team was laid off 2 years ago and they were in the middle of a capella course at the time. Once their course was completed, they sent the information to me and it was submitted for reimbursement on their behalf. This was after their separation date. They were paid and didn't have to pay anything back to the organization.

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Post ID: @jg+1jr3azya4

Show in the policy where it says “being laid off” means that you don’t have to pay it back. You can’t.

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Post ID: @fv+1jr3azya4

I'm not sure why someone downvoted @c9+1jr3azya4's post, it was the correct answer:

"if you quit or get fired, it has to be paid back if less than two years.

if you get laid off, you don’t pay it back."

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Post ID: @fk+1jr3azya4

if you quit or get fired, it has to be paid back if less than two years.

if you get laid off, you don’t pay it back.

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Post ID: @c9+1jr3azya4

You get the reimbursement when you submit for it after that class term. Whenever that may be and after it’s approved. There’s a process.
Being laid off or quitting or fired, you will be responsible for paying it back. They will probably take it from your last check and then demand the difference.

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Post ID: @bx+1jr3azya4

Theres a policy outlined on Sparq about this. So long as your class has started you're still eligible for reimbursement.

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Post ID: @at+1jr3azya4

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