A friend got laid off and is getting severance package, almost the same as my VSP. She also gets to file for unemployment, but VSP people don’t? I’m confused. Anyone have info on this?
25 replies (most recent on top)
@h9 Same in my state
My interpretation of the VSP is that you get the 4 weeks extra (which was that portion labeled "Enhanced") than if you were laid off. The dollar amount each person receives is based on salary and number of years but the formula is the same. I had reached out before selecting the VSP to ask if the only difference would be the 4 weeks, but ofcourse did not get an answer as it's all subject to change. EVERYTHING is subject to change which is why we cannot get direct answers. I am sure the lay off will be in waves that coincide with the different dates people got with the VSP - So the september 4th date then December then March. So at each quarter they are assessing and their needs may change each quarter as they test out/ transition to this new structure/model. The best thing to do is update your resume, complete certifications to advance your career, get your finances in order and prepare for worst case scenario. Maybe even apply to jobs and get an interview in so you can brush up on interviews skills and test the market. Accept that you will not.be getting much details on what is happening, they are doing that to protect themselves which is understandable from their standpoint but frustrating and anxiety ridden for us. This is not our company, we were never guaranteed to be here for whatever we planned. We have always been replaceable in this company and the next. I accepted the VSP after being with the company for almost a decade. Being realistic I knew my position was at high risk and the fact that I got a 9/4 date shows me that even more. We all wish it were different but this is the reality of it all and some of us are having too high of an expectation from this LARGE corporation thinking about their pockets. We are small fries tjeubdont owe us anything. It would be nice if we could know more and things were addressed differently. This is life baby. Wishing all you the best, myself included. Hoping I can find a job within the next 2 months.
@OP What are the disclosures we have to sign to get a release for the RIF or VSP? Curious. I won’t get one until September.
Just review your state laws.Mine said because they used the verbiage voluntarily separation and in the same statement that there will be involuntary separation to follow you can still apply for unemployment.
@cy agree some of the comments are mean. They reflect the cruel culture of the mgmt here. Based on how I was told and cut by VP. This is a mental mind fu-k.
@ag I am guessing you didn’t actually apply while you are spreading inaccurate information lol, the people who took the VSP and leave at a later date absolutely does get their VSP offers re evaluated based on the number of years you have been hired in as of Oct 31, 2026. The email specifically stated we would be receiving a higher pay than the initial offer. Please know what you’re talking about before lying to these people
@OP "almost the same", do you mean in number of weeks given per year, or almost the same in the total amount of actual money?
The VSP gave an extra 4 weeks of severance pay.
So if you had been with company less years than her it very well could be that she was given the same number of weeks based on years worked.
If you are talking $ amount and have the same number of years, it would appear she had a higher salary, so her amount could be almost the same even though she was given less weeks of pay.
@a7 not really factual. These actions are directly related to government cuts to healthcare services.
@a2 easy to say if you still have a job. Very condescending tone you are taking with ppl who are facing a difficult time of uncertainly in a devastatingly bleak economy. Empathy and compassion are long gone.
The VSP would not have happened if they did not want to reduce work force. If you get denied in CA appeal
Not trying to be harsh, but personal responsibility matters here.State laws vary, and if your VSP is tied to a broader RIF, you may still qualify for unemployment. The issue is that a lot of people didn’t read the fine print or check their local UI and PTO rules — they just saw the payout and accepted without understanding the implications.
@ah one can only hope. For some people it’s a long wait to find out exactly what they will get now.
@ag the didn’t YET. They will be adjusted.
@a8 and don’t forget VSPs with later departure dates didnt get revised payout statements when their dates were pushed out. Make it make sense.
@a8 Our VSP IS considered Involuntary layoff in my state and eligible for unemployment. Depends on your state
Whether VSP or RIF both have to waive some rights when sign to get the money. True VSP seems like sweeter deal extra 4 weeks, but each state varies how long and how much can collect when RIF, my state actually comes out better deal spread out if takes time to find another job.
@OP not to state the obvious, but that is where the V in VSP came from. You are voluntarily leaving/quitting with an additional package to sweeten the deal. So depending upon the state, that is not the same as an involuntary layoff. In which case, involuntary layoff, you would be eligible for unemployment. With the voluntary layoff it is viewed in some states the same as quitting your job. Therefore, you would not be eligible for unemployment.
@OP 4-5 differences:
- VSP had 4 extra weeks
- VSP had an assumed bonus payout % - but RIF will get prorated bonus (and prob better than VSP)
- COBRA - longer for VSP
- Unemployment - Cannot get w VSP, can get w RIF
on the whole, RIF would be a better option slightly IF you want to find another job & may take time to get it. If retirement, VSP was great.
I don’t know the numbers for sure, but I heard through a couple people that Centene laid off around 4900 people this week and it was due to issues the company is having aligning with the federal government due to the company continuing to have so much fraud, waste and abuse.
@OP VSP incentive was basically one month extra pay. UE is based on state of employment. Are you both in the same state?
Yipes. Ok angry.
If it's almost the same yet one can also get the unemployment benefits while the other cant then that would mean that the layoff person is in a somewhat better position at least in this instance.
@OP this depends on the tenure of the employee. There were a few more perks with the VSP (healthcare coverage) but not much.
OMG, stop comparing, and just be grateful that you're both getting out, and with some substantial $$ to boot.
The people who will be let go afterward will more than likely not be getting as sweet of a deal as that which either one of you are receiving.
Focus on getting your next job instead of enviously and insecurely looking for reasons to wring your hands in angst, over inconsequential differences in severance!
Almost the same as the VSP doesn’t mean it’s the same. The VSP is known to be better sooo there you go.