State laws vary regarding receiving severance and unemployment simultaneously. In California, employees are allowed to get unemployment through the Employment Development Department (EDD) at the same time they are receiving severance. So, employers should not try to prevent this in any way.
What is the downside to severance? The downside to severance includes financial drawbacks such as loss of steady income, potential loss of benefits, and uncertainty about future job prospects, as well as the impact on retirement savings and benefits.
Adam Neumann, the main founder of WeWork, negotiated a ~$1.7 billion severance package from SoftBank, operator of the Vision Fund, the largest venture capital fund in the world.
Severance packages are intended to help ease the transition out of your terminated position. But while a severance package offer can be a great benefit, it can be important to give any offer careful consideration before accepting it because it is a contract between you and the company.
If your employer presents you with a severance agreement at this time, thank them and let them know you plan to review the document carefully before signing. In most cases, employees have 21 days to determine whether they accept the terms of the agreement.
Refuse, quit, or are fired from a job. Receive other income. Attend school or training full-time without Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) approval. Become self-employed.
Most employers offer a severance agreement established by company policy that outlines the financial terms on which the employee will leave the company. Sometimes, employees can negotiate those terms. Regardless, they must sign the agreement to receive their severance package.