Electing the Layoff Severance Program

Division/Department:

• Directs the employee to the policy, procedures, and the packet of information and forms contained in the appendices.
• Certifies employee eligibility, determines years of service, and calculates amount of severance pay.
• Obtains necessary signatures on the Layoff Severance Program Agreement and provides severance benefits information.
• Forwards the original signed agreement, with a copy of the layoff letter to Employee Benefits for retention.
• Enters appropriate information into the HRMS system.

Employee Benefits:

• Verifies division/department calculation of pay out and years of service.
• Assists division/departments when questions arise concerning eligibility, determination of years of service, and calculation of severance pay.
• Assists employee with questions regarding the program and its benefits.
• Processes lump-sum and vacation payments.

Employee Steps to Follow:

1. Complete and sign the Layoff Severance Program Agreement and the Benefits Election form by the last day of employment or earlier. Note that you have the right to consult with an attorney.
2. Return the Layoff Severance Program Agreement and the Benefits Election form to your department. Your application must be handed in to the responsible administrator/supervisor by (a) the last day of employment, or (b) by the ending date of this program, whichever occurs first.
3. Sign the Release on your last day of employment. (A Release signed prior to the last day of employment will not be accepted.)
4. Send the Release to Employee Benefits. Your benefits under this program will NOT be paid until the signed Release has been received by Employee Benefits.
5. Contact the Employee Benefits Service Center at (612) 624-9090 or (800) 756-2363 (option 2) with questions.

This procedure should be followed in a timely manner to avoid a delay in severance payment and/or continuation of insurance coverage. Severance payments should be received no later than four weeks after last day of employment, provided that the Release is received in a timely manner.