[VRM]

I got whacked last Feb. They paid my salary, medical, and 401K match right up to the end of March, and then gave me a lump sum cheque for my severance which included 2 months to cover costs for COBRA (the medical - not the car, unfortunately). They also paid my unused vacation. I was able to apply for and collect unemployment right away right after that separation date at the end of March.
The MA unemployment people did ask if I had any severance package, but it did not prevent me from getting unemployment. People from NH who also got whacked were able to receive full unemployment cheques. I understand that people in CA got the same, but they also had to be paid for any personal time; my company gave us vacation, personal, and sick time. Nobody got paid for sick time, and I don't think that any state has laws saying that sick time has to be paid out.

I do not know if it is true or not, but I have heard that unemployment benefits have been extended to last up to 57 weeks. This may vary from state to state as well. And don't forget that unemployment benefits are usually taxable. People who collect will have to pay income tax on those benefits.

Freddie,
My employers have been paying unemployment tax on my salary for many years - the three weeks of unemployment pay I got were paid for many years ago, so whose wallet are you concerned about? The world has changed a bit from when you were working (teachers union - tenure?). Company and employee loyalty is practically non-existent.

Steve