Free tool
Severance pay estimator
Updated November 5, 2026. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Enter your salary, years of service, and a weeks-per-year rule of thumb. You'll get a dollar figure to discuss, the math behind it, and one sentence to open the conversation. This is not legal advice and does not mean you are owed severance.
How to use the number
- Ask for the full agreement in writing and enough time to read it before you sign.
- Separate the cash amount from benefits: health coverage, outplacement, and a neutral reference letter often matter as much as weeks of pay.
- Say the figure once, give your reason, then pause. If they can't move on cash, ask what else they can do.
- If a deadline feels rushed, ask for a short extension in writing.
What to say when they push back
"That's our standard package," "We need a decision today," and silence after you ask are where most severance talks stall. The Offer Kit gives you word-for-word replies for hard money conversations, plus Call Mode, a full-screen companion that shows your next line during the call. It's a one-time $29, with a 14-day refund policy.
How is severance pay usually calculated?
Many U.S. employers use a rule of thumb of one to two weeks of base pay per year of service, sometimes with a floor of a few weeks. There is no federal law that requires severance for most private-sector workers. What you are offered depends on company policy, your contract, and what you negotiate.
Is severance the same as unemployment?
No. Severance is money your employer pays under an agreement, often in exchange for a release of claims. Unemployment insurance is a state benefit you apply for separately. Taking severance can affect unemployment timing in some states, so check your state's rules.
Should I sign a severance agreement immediately?
Usually not. Ask for time to read it, note the deadlines, and check non-compete, non-disparagement, and release language. You can often ask for more weeks, a later end date, or continued health coverage. This tool is arithmetic only, not legal advice.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. The calculator does simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter.