Thread regarding Dell Inc. layoffs

I am in Texas. was laid off from Dell in April 2020. I signed a waiver and release in exchange for a lump sum payment based on my years of service. For example, let's say the lump sum was equal to 10 weeks of my salary. I was DENIED for unemployment benefits until the beginning of the 11th week. I consulted with an attorney who specializes in unemployment representation, and asked her to represent me at my appeal hearing. She refused to take my case. She said the ONLY way I could win would be to file a lawsuit against Dell under Title VII. I pointed out that several of my team members were laid off on the same day, under the same circumstances, and signed the same separation agreement, yet they are all getting unemployment benefits. She told me that they will eventually be found out and have to pay back all the money they have received for the number of weeks that are covered by their lump sum payment. She is familiar with the language on the TWC website that says the signing of a release and waver does not make ineligible for benefits. She said that is true; I am not completely "ineligible," I am just "disqualified" for the first 10 weeks of my unemployment. If I am still unemployed at week 11, I can start collecting benefits at that time. She said the language on the TWC website is misleading and is causing a lot of confusion.

#1 - It depends each state is different and it depends on how the severance is paid out. If paid out as single lump sum you may be able to collect immediately. If its "continuation pay" to an "inactive" employee, you may not be eligible until that ends. Find out about your state, you may jeopardize some unemployment benefits by filing to soon

In Spain, if you are 55 or older and have 10+ years in the company and you are let go then the company has to pay you 75% of your last salary until retirement. In Germany its even more expensive to WFR. In the US its relatively easy for companies to get rid of people.
Dell is letting people go all over the globe, not just the US. Its just easier in America

In CA, you can apply after separation date. But it just seemed timely starting 9/29 -10/5 that EDD is updating their systems and cleaning up their backlog. So you can’t submit any new claims until after 10/5 in CA. Too many people still haven’t received their money overall wherever they worked due to the number of claims that started in March. In CA. Not talking about any other state.

1. Yes
2. Not sure
3. Overall a very good experience, most other companies are much worse.

I was laid off last year at age of 50 plus. Here is what I experienced.

1. You can have both unemployment benefits and severances at the same time. But to apply unemployment benefits takes more than a month.
2. No more benefits if you are over 50.
3. Dell doesn’t care as long as you are off its book.

Hope this helps and good luck everyone impacted.

Answer to #1... you have to report the severance amount to UI. It does not affect your weekly payment because it is paid to you in one lump sum. It takes about 4 weeks for the first payment. I don't believe there is anything extra for those over 50.

Wait until your severance check is posted until you file for unemployment. This will muddy the waters.

#1 Yes you can still get unemployment. The 2 are totally separate and no it does not reduce your unemployment amount.

Apologies...am not aware of #2 & #3