What should I ask HR after being laid off?

Final pay and accrued time off, when benefits end, COBRA details, severance terms and the time to review them, the retirement plan, an unemployment letter, and the reference policy.

Should I email HR or ask in person?

Email. A written question gets a written answer, and you can forward it to your lawyer or the unemployment office.

How long do I have to decide on COBRA?

Usually 60 days from the date of the election notice or the loss of coverage, whichever is later. Use the COBRA vs ACA calculator on this site to compare options.

Email to HR with questions after a layoff

Layoff meetings are a blur. One clear email gets the answers in writing, and you can use them later for unemployment, COBRA and your severance decision.

Subject: Questions about my separation

Hi [hr contact’s first name],

Thank you for meeting with me. So that I have everything in writing, could you confirm the following?

1. My last day ([your last day]) and the date I will be paid for it.
2. How much accrued vacation or paid time off I will be paid, and when.
3. The date my health, dental and vision coverage ends, and how and when I receive the COBRA election notice.
4. The severance offered, how it is paid, and how long I have to review and sign the agreement.
5. What happens to my 401(k), and any retirement or savings plan, and whom to contact.
6. Whether you will provide a separation letter for my unemployment claim.
7. Who will give a reference for me, and what the company will confirm.
8. whether any bonus or equity vests before my last day.

Thank you for your help.

[your name]

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How to get it right

Ask for answers in writing even if you got them in the meeting. Verbal answers are hard to prove later.
Request a separation letter or the state’s unemployment form; most states ask for the last day and the reason.
Do not sign the severance agreement the day you receive it. Take the time the agreement gives you, and have it reviewed if it waives claims.
COBRA has a short election window (60 days) once you receive the notice. Put the dates in your calendar.
Save every email and take screenshots of your pay stubs and benefits pages before your access ends.

Questions about this message

What should I ask HR after being laid off?: Final pay and accrued time off, when benefits end, COBRA details, severance terms and the time to review them, the retirement plan, an unemployment letter, and the reference policy.
Should I email HR or ask in person?: Email. A written question gets a written answer, and you can forward it to your lawyer or the unemployment office.
How long do I have to decide on COBRA?: Usually 60 days from the date of the election notice or the loss of coverage, whichever is later. Use the COBRA vs ACA calculator on this site to compare options.

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