#unemployment

For those who had a 9/4 VSP exit date, now that you’ve had some time away, do you have any advice or recommendations for those of us preparing for the 12/11 exit date?

Anything you wish you had done before your last day, things to be aware of during the transition, or tips for navigating the weeks immediately following departure?

I’d especially appreciate any insight regarding the severance process, benefits/COBRA, unemployment, or anything that may have caught you by surprise.

Thanks in advance! I’m sure many of us approaching December 11 would appreciate hearing about your experience.

My warn notice ends later this week. I plan on filing for unemployment right after my official end date which is around the 16th. For those that have been laid off by Citi, were you able to get unemployment right away or did you have to wait for the severance period to end? I know they pay us a lump sum but I understand it depends upon how it is documented.

New unemployment claims in the United States have reached a 57-year low, indicating a resilient labor market. Worker productivity also saw stronger-than-expected growth in the third quarter. This surge in productivity has depressed labor costs, suggesting the labor market is not a significant driver of inflation. Despite this, ongoing global conflicts are impacting hiring decisions. Employers are holding onto existing staff, with announced hiring largely consisting of seasonal positions.

Washington, D.C.

https://www.bnd.com/news/nation-world/national/article317939510.html

I took the VSP and my claim got denied. I have an appeal hearing in a few weeks. My co worker who also took the VSP got approved for unemployment. We’re both in texas. Make it make sense and also fu-k Centene. Xoxo

and if you have negative things to say about people collecting unemployment money to live, please keep your ugly ignorant mouth closed thank you :)

Yes — severance doesn't block UI

• California — yes
• Illinois — yes, even if paid over time
• Washington — yes, in most cases
• North Carolina — yes
• Michigan — yes, if severance is under 1.6x your weekly benefit; reduced above that

Yes, with conditions

• New York — yes if lump sum; no/delayed if weekly payments exceed $504/wk
• New Jersey — yes if lump sum; no/delayed if paid in installments
• Texas — yes if lump sum; no/delayed if salary continuation
• Georgia — conditional; lump sum often spread over weeks (severance ÷ weekly pay)
• Pennsylvania — yes up to 40% of state average annual wage (~$28,154 for 2026); deducted above that
• Massachusetts — yes up to $600/wk; reduced above that

No — delays or reduces UI

• Florida — no; counts as income, disqualifies weeks equal to severance ÷ weekly wage
• Minnesota — no; delays if severance is FICA wages
• Ohio — no; can reduce or delay

Rule of thumb everywhere: lump sum is treated better than salary continuation, and always report the severance. Rules vary and change — verify with your state unemployment office.

I was with the brand for 16 years until the last reorg, been trying to find a job since. Nike experience does not seem to translate anywhere else. Been looking for 4 months without much luck. a few interviews here and there but nothing great.

US unemployment claims decreased to 194,000 last week. This marks the lowest figure since mid-July. Layoffs have remained minimal. Most Americans are experiencing job security. The Labor Department reported this decline on Thursday.

https://www.kvue.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/us-unemployment-claims-dipped-to-194000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-low-and-most-americans-enjoy-job-security/616-e6a49f3f-d547-481b-9a00-c24453f77140

Centene is saying I chose to quit so I'm appealing the claim but wondering what I should do to prep. I don't have the email any longer where Sarah said she's going to lay people off but I have the initial VSP letter and Centene is all over the news. Would love some direction - positive comments only, thanks! ;)

Initial unemployment claims just hit 194,000, near a 57-year low, but employers added only 29,000 jobs in Sept. Companies aren't laying people off in large numbers, but they're barely hiring either. Only two states showed meaningful job growth last month. If you have a job, you're probably staying put. If you're unemployed or trying to switch companies, good luck finding anything decent. This might actually be worse than a traditional downturn for job seekers because there are so few openings and nobody knows when hiring will pick up.

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/articles/layoffs-near-57-low-why-132710835.html

1. Document your accomplishments and build a portfolio of your best work.
2. Duplicate important contact information to private accounts, where permitted.
3. Build relationships with your coworkers.
4. Build an emergency fund.
5. Get private unemployment insurance - cafii or https://safetynet.com.
6. Ask for an explanation of why you're being laid off, ideally in writing.
7. Ask when and how you'll receive your last paycheck.
8. Ask when your benefits (like health insurance) end.
9. Ask whether you'll receive any severance.
10. Do not resign.
11. File for unemployment benefits.
12. Be ready to document your job-hunting efforts (required for unemployment benefits).
13. Consider your options for short-term income.
14. Update your budget (or create one).
15. Call your creditors and update them if you cannot make payments.
16. Massively cut expenses you can live without.
17. Save, save, save…
18. Talk to friends and family / vent.
19. Make a plan for self-care. Take care of your health.
20. Ask for help if and when needed.

Originally posted September 10, 2019, by Anonymous. Post ID: @OP+10ZOP9GB

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/10ZOP9GB

Has anyone approved for unemployment benefits taking the VSP option ? any tips on how to appeal this do I have to wait after three months? I hope a job comes sooner than this, but has anyone heard anything as far as getting unemployment or has received unemployment?

Hi — I recently got VSP through Centene, but my NJ unemployment claim was rejected. Has anyone else had their unemployment benefits denied after getting Centene VSP? If so, how did you resolve it? Can anyone recommend a good unemployment/appeals attorney in New Jersey to help file an appeal? Appreciate any names, experiences, or tips. (Please don’t post sensitive info here — message me if you can share contact details.) Thanks!

Anyone file for UIdue to turning down relocation? Company contested it. What did you state in response?
By laws in my state I’m entitled to UI if the company moves X number of miles. I didn’t accept the relocation package.
I can’t afford to hire an attorney and the company knows that it’s lopsided.

New unemployment claims saw a minor uptick last week, reaching 199,000. This figure remained below the 200,000 mark for the fifth consecutive week. The labor market continues to show stability due to low layoff rates. Employers are experiencing sluggish hiring amidst economic headwinds. Continuing claims for unemployment benefits also decreased.

Washington, D.C.

https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/talent-management/us-weekly-jobless-claims-rise-marginally-amid-low-layoffs/134985404?utm_source=latest_news&utm_medium=homepage

Since signing the "Agreement and Release" is required to receive severance, you may also qualify for unemployment benefits. I applied expecting unemployment payments to begin after my severance ended, but I have been receiving both simultaneously. While I live in a state that offers relatively high benefits and a longer collection period, I would encourage you to apply regardless of where you live.

Michigan's unemployment rate stands at 5%, placing it third highest nationally, though this figure is historically low. An economist notes the market is unpredictable due to factors like aging demographics and a decrease in job seekers. Rising interest rates and potential federal policy shifts create headwinds for businesses. Pfizer is laying off 150 employees at its Portage plant due to reduced product demand. Kroger has also announced significant corporate-level job cuts.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-unemployment-rate-pfizer-layoffs-economy-ai-covid-tariffs-upjohn-institute-money-community-kalamazoo-county-state

For those who were laid off in New York, when did you apply for unemployment? Did you file as soon as your job ended or wait until the severance period was over?

If I'm laid off with severance, can I still apply for unemployment or not?

Small businesses and distributors across Pennsylvania are scrambling to remove skill games from store floors before a court-ordered deadline. Failure to comply will result in seizure by law enforcement. This action follows the state legislature's inability to reach a regulatory agreement. Local distributors like DeLeo Games are working to retrieve hundreds of devices from area establishments. The sudden enforcement has led to immediate unemployment for workers and financial strain for business owners.

Altoona, Pennsylvania

https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/altoona-workers-face-layoffs-as-hundreds-of-skill-games-are-pulled/

NALI is at it again, sending out documents to move decliners that the company, “accepts your RESIGNATION”. Push back on this. The language matters, you’re not resigning, you’re being layed-off, terminated, etc for your inability to accommodate a significant change in location. Resignation vs termination matters to your ability to claim unemployment and eligibility for severance.

September U.S. job growth saw a sharp decline, falling well below economist expectations. This slowdown, coupled with downward revisions to prior months' figures, has diminished the likelihood of an October interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly as more individuals entered the labor force. Despite the disappointing numbers, experts suggest this may not signal a broad labor market deterioration. Financial markets have adjusted their expectations for a near-term rate increase.

Washington, D.C.

https://www.irishsun.com/news/279348153/us-job-growth-slows-sharply-dims-chances-of-october-fed-hike

After months of unemployment after being cut and a brutal job search, I finally have an offer in hand. I'm still processing the fact that I can actually stop applying.

For the people who took the VSP. Did reporting your severance affect it and what state r u in

Are you managing to get any interviews? I've sent out hundreds of applications with no luck. I'm now starting to get really worried.

Nothing for me yet, but I'm wondering about others who were laid off in the last round. Any luck?

Is there anybody in Arkansas that took the VSP and was approved for unemployment?

EDD conducted a phone interview with me because I listed my departure due to "Layoff". EDD told me that Centene listed it as something different. I'm hoping I get approved. Anyone have a similar experience?

It was not good for me. I have never been "medicated" in my life, but I am now. Never experienced it before. Been having many "dark thoughts".

Still unemployed.

I am in North Carolina and trying to see if I should go ahead and file for unemployment or do I wait? Can others share their experience?

Despite layoff news, California's job market is outperforming national trends in 2026. Layoff notices have decreased by 8% compared to the previous year. The number of unemployed workers has also dropped by 3%. Weekly unemployment claims are down 7% year-over-year. These indicators suggest a surprisingly strong state economy.

California

https://www.ocregister.com/2026/09/26/economic-surprise-california-layoffs-on-the-decline/

Saw this article and I’m not sure what to make of this EM sycophant’s stance against Alberta separation. He claims Alberta will thrive by doubling oil production through a united Canada, yet he’s perfectly fine with laying off employees and offshoring jobs, driving unemployment even higher in the province. How exactly does that support Albertans?

https://stocks.apple.com/AblE8yZruTGOJa2bTOreMKQ

those who got approved for unemployment what state are you in?

Unemployment figures for the central San Joaquin Valley in August continued to exceed the state average. All four counties within the Business Journal's reporting area experienced this trend. Specific data for each county was not detailed in the provided text. This situation indicates a persistent challenge in the regional job market. The article does not specify a particular company's layoffs.

Fresno, California

https://thebusinessjournal.com/fresno-valley-unemployment-august-2026/

I signed the severance 9/11 and will be getting mine on Friday per Dayforce. My amount on Optum/Cobra was also corrected which I paid today. yeehaw. Now if my unemployment gets approved all will be well lol - wishing everyone peace and relief after all this!

Has anyone who got laid off been able to collect PA unemployment?

Anyone who took the VSP get approved for unemployment? Or can share their experience with applying for it? No negative comments, thanks :)

How can you find your first day of unemployment with Centene to put on an unemployment application? My company was bought by Centene several years after I started.

When you filed for unemployment, which address and phone number for Wells Fargo did you use?