Unemployment Eligibility

[Stephanie3225]

My former employer and I finally came to an agreement on my severance package. I am getting my requested 6 months, however they will pay 3 months in a lump sum, and the other 3 months as continued salary. He suggested filing for unemployment immediately and he will sign off on the paperwork that no severance was issued.

My question... Is this feasible, or will this jeopardize future eligibility for unemployment? ( New York).

 

[cbg]

Unemployment eligibility is very state specific, and I don't know the rules for New York. In my state, however, it makes a difference whether it is severance, or pay in lieu of notice. I just had to lay off a number of employees, and because they had had to sign a release to get their severance, they were eligible immediately. Had we not asked for a release, or had we offered "pay in lieu of notice" they would have had to wait until the end of the time frame the payment covered before they could collect. It did not, however, affect their eligibility for unemployment; just the start date.

Your state may be different; you could try either checking their web site or placing an anonymous call to see if you can get additional information.