Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

Questions To Ask HR When You Are Laid Off

It's hard to think clearly in the layoff meeting. You don't have to ask everything then. Send a polite email afterward and keep the replies.

Pay

☐ What's my official last day?
☐ When and how will I receive my final paycheck? (Timing rules vary by state.)
☐ Will unused vacation/PTO be paid out? (Depends on state law and company policy.)
☐ Are commissions or bonuses I've earned paid out? When?
☐ How do I submit final expense reports?

Severance

☐ What's the severance amount and how is it paid (lump sum or salary continuation)?
☐ What's the deadline to sign the agreement?
☐ Can I have the agreement reviewed by an attorney?
☐ Does severance affect my unemployment benefits?

Benefits

☐ When does my health insurance end? (Often the last day of the month, but not always.)
☐ When will I receive the COBRA election notice?
☐ Does the company pay any COBRA premiums as part of severance?
☐ What happens to my HSA, FSA, life and disability insurance?
☐ Can I convert group life insurance to an individual policy?

Retirement and equity

☐ Am I vested in the 401(k) employer match?
☐ Do I have an outstanding 401(k) loan, and when is it due?
☐ What happens to my stock options or RSUs? Exercise window?

Other

☐ Will the company confirm my dates of employment or give a reference?
☐ Is there outplacement or career support?
☐ How do I return equipment?
☐ Is this a group layoff? (It can affect WARN notice and age-discrimination review periods.)

A short email

Hi [Name], thank you for meeting with me today. To plan my next steps, could you please confirm in writing: my last day, final pay date and PTO payout, when health coverage ends and when I'll get COBRA information, the severance terms and deadline, and what happens to my 401(k) and equity? Thank you, [Name]

General information, not legal advice.

The Laid-Off Action Kit includes this list as a printable page and an editable HR questions email.

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18-page workbook: first 48 hours, questions for HR, severance review, unemployment, COBRA vs. Marketplace, runway budget and a job application tracker. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.

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