Severance Pay Calculator

In the US, there is no federal law requiring severance. Most private employers offer 1–2 weeks of pay per year of service. A common formula: 2 weeks × 5 years = 10 weeks of pay. Executives often receive more (e.g., 6 months to 2 years). Check your employment contract, employee handbook, or company policy.

No. US federal law does not require employers to pay severance. Exceptions: some states have rules, collective bargaining agreements may require it, and the WARN Act requires 60 days notice or pay for mass layoffs at covered employers. Most severance is voluntary company policy.

It depends on state law and company policy. States like California, Colorado, and Illinois require payout of accrued vacation. Others do not. Sick leave is often not paid out. Use your accrued PTO days and daily rate to estimate — the calculator shows PTO payout separately from severance.

Divide your total lump sum (severance + PTO) by your monthly expenses including COBRA. For example, $16,000 severance + $3,000 PTO = $19,000. At $5,000/month (expenses + COBRA), that covers about 3.8 months. Our calculator shows runway to help you plan your job search.