How does filing for unemployment work after being laid off from ibm with 12 weeks severance? Has anyone been there before?
15 replies (most recent on top)
I got RA'd two years ago. Filed immediately for unemployment in NYS and received a weekly check for 6 months. The good news is now the max payment in NY is $869 week, two years ago max was $504. Good luck.
Severance agreement, love the last part about hire a lawyer
I thought I read here sometime in the past that the payment is technically not salary - it is a bribe to get you to sign the severance agreement with its heinous conditions.
@ye same in Mass thanks.
@nj, not sure how it works in NY, but in Illinois, a lump sum payment does not constitute severance pay, and you are eligible immediately following your last day of employment.
@c9 IBM used to be fighting unemployment claims in NY and elsewhere upto 6 years ago. It is NOT urban legend.
IBM HR and management are nothing more than a bunch of crooks and thieves, who would sell their mothers if they could make money off the deal.
The answer is . . . you are eligible for Unemployment Insurance after your Severance pay ends.
In the FAQs for the Department of Labor website it says:
If you are still unemployed when your dismissal or severance pay ends, you should file a claim for benefits. You should do this even if you are not sure if you have enough earnings, or if you filed a claim when you started receiving dismissal or severance pay. We will determine if you are eligible for benefits.
How much an individual receives on a weekly basis is based on their previous income. The maximum benefit rate is $869 per week.
@nj it is laid out pretty well here with FAQs. https://dol.ny.gov/dismissalseverance-pay-and-pensions-frequently-asked-questions
I know how to apply but wanted to know how severance in a lump sum effects when I will start receiving
Here is information from the New York Department of Labor on:
How to apply for Unemployment Insurance ==> https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment-claimant-benefit-process-0
Here is an online calculator so you can estimate what your payment will be https://ux.labor.ny.gov/benefit-rate-calculator/
If you are eligible, It typically takes 3-6 weeks to begin receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. Complex claims, claims missing information, claims being adjudicated, and hearings will take longer.
New Yorkers who are receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits are eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits.
Agreed. At OP you paid for it via taxes. It is not a handout.
So if you get 12 weeks severance do you file right away and wait until week 13 to collect?
@ap is correct. Apply day 1 and make it your Job 1 after IBM. Many feel badly or embarrassed about filing. DO NOT!!!!! Hopefully it is super easy either online or via phone. Once you get thru the initial hassle of filing than it should be on auto pilot and you will likely have to log in or phone in and answer a few questions weekly about what you did that week to look for work and then your will get auto deposit. Answer the questions about severance and do not lie. As far as IBM HR fighting your claim, I do not believe that and think that is urban legend. Your are entitled to it. The severance might delay it but it will not disqualify you.
@ap Be prepared for delays and lack of responses from IBM HR to the Unemployment Office. They lie about everything from your severance through to benefits you should be receiving when asked.
Indian Business Machines...a one way trip to He-l.
Yes. File for nys unemployment insurance on the first day you are no longer working at ibm. There will be a question somewhere In the process, asking whether there is a payment owed by the company, make sure to pick the right option. Sorry, I cannot recall the exact terminology used, just that a severance or being laid off for reasons non correlated to work performance, will not prevent unemployment insurance.
Answer that question carefully.