Employee Benefits When Leaving Your Job

Employee Benefits When Leaving Your JobEmployee Benefits When Leaving Your JobEmployment-related benefits that you may be eligible for when you resign, get fired or get laid-off from your job. Heres information on unemployment, ?severance packages, giving notice, writing a resignation letter, health insurance, retirement plans, workers compensation, disability, references and mora resources for people who are changing jobs. Quitting Your Job Providing two weeks notice is customary. Even if your employer doesnt ask for notice, it is a good idea to offer it. Even though its not easy, it is best to tell your boss in person. Try to remain positive since you may need a reference in the future. In some cases, you will need to resign in writing. A well-written resignation letter can help you maintain a positive relationship with your old employer while paving the way for you to move on. Getting Fired Getting firedcan happen to the best of us. Sometimes theres a personality conflict. In other cases, the job can be difficult or there simply may not be a good match between you, the job and/or the company. Try not to take it personally. It doesnt mean that you are a failure. Rather, it means that you werent meant to be doing this job. Managing a Lay-Off Getting laid-offcan happen to the best of us also. As soon as you receive a pink slip, or if you know its coming, ask what benefits terminated employees are eligible for. Find out about unemployment insurance, health insurance, pension benefits and severance pay. In most cases, the company has no obligation to offer a severance package, however, depending on circumstances, a package may be offered. Employment Related Benefits Before you leave your job, you will need to know what benefits you are eligible for. You are entitled to receive some benefits by law. Your employer may opt to provide additional benefits other than those mandated by state or federal law. Ask about severance pay, accrued vacation, over time and sick pay, pension benefits, and eligibility for unemployment insurance. Request information on the continuance of health and life insurance benefits. If you have any questions on what is offered, check with your State Department of Labor for clarification. Unemployment Benefits Dont wait to file for unemployment. The sooner you file, the sooner you will start receiving checks. Look up the details on where to file for unemployment, how to file, what you need, eligibility requirements, disqualifications, extended benefits and more unemployment insurance information.Health Insurance (COBRA) Your employer, if the firm has over 20 employees, is mandated by law to offer health insurance coverage through Cobra to terminated employees for 18 months. You will need to pay for this coverage. In some cases, employers will pay for coverage for a limited time as part of a severance package. Health Insurance (Obamacare)The governments Health Insurance Marketplace provides individuals a wa y to shop for coverage on their own, to see how individual and family plan prices compare to COBRA and decide which option is the best for you.Pension Plans If you are enrolled in a 401(k), profit sharing or another type of defined contribution plan, your plan may provide for a lump sum distribution of your retirement money when you leave the company. If you are a participant in a defined benefit plan, your benefits will begin at retirement age. References Having good references can be the clincher that gets you that new job. Heres how to request references and how to write them. Dont wait to ask for a reference. Whether you have been laid-off or resign, ask while your employer still knows who you are. If you have been fired, you may be able to ask a colleague for a reference.Workers Compensation and Disability Insurance Are you unable to work because of an injury or illness? If so, you may be eligible to receive workers compensation or disability benefits.