The severance package evaluator calculates the total value of your severance offer and compares it to industry benchmarks, so you know whether to negotiate or accept.
Note: Estimates for informational purposes. Consult an employment attorney before signing any severance agreement, especially if it contains non-disparagement, non-compete, or release of claims provisions.
Your Offer
Full premium (employer + employee share)
Enter your severance details to evaluate the offer.
Total Package Value
Package Breakdown
Industry Benchmark
How to Evaluate a Severance Package
The severance package evaluator helps you assess the full value of your offer — most people only look at the cash payout, but COBRA continuation, outplacement services, and equity can add 30-50% to the total value.
Industry Benchmarks
Standard severance is 1-2 weeks per year of service for individual contributors, 2-4 weeks per year for managers and directors, and 4-6 weeks per year for VP-level and above. If you're offered significantly less than these benchmarks, that's your opening position for negotiation.
What to Negotiate
The most common negotiation points are: (1) more weeks of severance pay, (2) extended COBRA coverage (valuable if you have health conditions or dependents), (3) a positive reference letter instead of just confirming employment dates, (4) removal of a non-compete clause (or narrowing its geographic scope), and (5) extended time to exercise stock options. Non-cash benefits like these can be easier to get than cash increases.
When to Consult an Attorney
You should consult an employment attorney before signing if: the agreement includes a non-compete clause, the release of claims is broader than standard, you believe the termination involved discrimination, or you're over 40 (the ADEA gives you 21 days to consider and 7 days to revoke). Many employment attorneys offer free 30-minute consultations for severance review.
FAQ
Is this severance package evaluator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run in your browser.
What is a fair severance package?
The typical severance is 1-2 weeks of pay per year of service, though executives often receive more (1-4 weeks/year). COBRA continuation, outplacement services, and vesting acceleration add significant value on top of cash severance.
Can I negotiate my severance package?
Yes, most severance packages are negotiable, especially if you're a strong performer or the termination is not for cause. Common negotiation points: more weeks of pay, extended COBRA coverage, extended vesting of stock options, removal of non-compete provisions, and a positive reference agreement.
Does severance affect unemployment benefits?
In most states, receiving severance delays when you can begin collecting unemployment insurance — you typically cannot collect UI during a period covered by severance pay. Check your state's specific rules, as they vary significantly.
What is COBRA continuation coverage worth?
COBRA allows you to continue your employer health insurance for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium (employer + employee share) plus 2% administration. The average employer-sponsored family health plan costs $22,000/year, so COBRA on a family plan could run $1,800+/month.