This calculator provides estimates based on industry averages and publicly available data. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute legal, financial, tax, or employment advice. Actual amounts depend on your employment agreement, employer policies, and state law. Consult a qualified employment attorney and financial advisor before making decisions. Not affiliated with any employer, the U.S. Department of Labor, the IRS, or any state unemployment agency.
Estimates Are Not Guarantees
Every figure produced by the LayoffCalc calculator — severance pay, unemployment benefit amounts, COBRA premium estimates, financial runway projections — is an educational estimate derived from national averages, state-published benefit tables, and publicly reported industry benchmarks. These outputs are starting points for your own research, not commitments or predictions.
Your actual results will depend on factors the calculator cannot know, including:
- The specific terms of your employment contract or severance agreement
- Your employer's internal policies and discretionary practices
- Your individual earnings history as verified by your state unemployment agency
- Changes in state benefit schedules, tax rates, or federal regulations after our last data update
- Your personal tax situation, filing status, and deductions
- Health insurance plan details that differ from our modeled averages
Treat all outputs as directional estimates with a meaningful margin of error. Do not rely on them as precise figures when negotiating severance, making financial commitments, or filing claims.
Not Legal Advice
Nothing on LayoffCalc — including the calculator, the guides, the FAQ, or any other content — constitutes legal advice, creates an attorney-client relationship, or should be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney.
Employment law is complex and highly fact-specific. Important legal questions that require qualified counsel include:
- Whether your employer is required to provide notice under the federal WARN Act or a state equivalent
- Whether your severance agreement complies with the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), including the 21-day review and 7-day revocation periods for workers 40 and older
- Whether a non-disparagement, non-compete, or non-solicitation clause in your severance agreement is enforceable
- Whether you have grounds for a wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation claim
- The enforceability of any equity acceleration or bonus proration provisions
If you have questions about your legal rights following a layoff, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state. Many offer free initial consultations.
Not Financial or Tax Advice
The financial runway, tax withholding, and COBRA cost estimates on LayoffCalc use simplified assumptions designed to provide a reasonable ballpark — not a precise financial plan. They do not account for your complete financial picture, investment portfolio, debt obligations, family circumstances, or long-term goals.
Specifically:
- Tax estimates assume a simplified effective rate and do not model your full federal and state tax situation, filing status, credits, deductions, or quarterly estimated tax obligations
- Unemployment benefit estimates use each state's published formula but may not reflect recent legislative changes, benefit extensions, or your specific base period wage history
- Runway calculations do not account for investment returns, inflation, or irregular expenses
- COBRA premium estimates are based on published national averages and may differ substantially from your actual employer plan
Consult a certified financial planner (CFP) or CPA for advice tailored to your situation, particularly regarding retirement account decisions, tax planning, and multi-year financial projections.
Data Sources and Accuracy
LayoffCalc draws data from publicly available government and industry sources, including:
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) state unemployment insurance program data
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) employer health benefits survey
- IRS publications for tax withholding guidance
- State workforce agency websites for weekly benefit amounts and duration limits
- Industry compensation surveys and benchmarks for severance norms
We review and update this data periodically. However, benefit amounts, tax rates, and program rules change frequently, and there may be a lag between when changes take effect and when our data reflects them. Always verify current figures directly with the relevant government agency or your employer's HR department before relying on any estimate for a real decision.
No Affiliation
LayoffCalc is an independent website operated privately. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to:
- Any current or former employer, staffing agency, or HR platform
- The U.S. Department of Labor or any division thereof
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Any state unemployment insurance agency or workforce development board
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or Healthcare.gov
- Any labor union, professional association, or advocacy organization
References to government programs, regulations, or agency data are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement by or association with those agencies.
External Links
LayoffCalc contains links to third-party websites, including government agencies, health insurance marketplaces, financial resources, and affiliate partners. These links are provided for your convenience and reference.
We do not control the content, accuracy, privacy practices, or reliability of any third-party site. Linking to an external site does not constitute an endorsement of that site or its content. We are not responsible for any loss or damage arising from your use of, or reliance on, any third-party website or its content.
Some outbound links are affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy for details on affiliate relationships.
Use at Your Own Risk
LayoffCalc is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. We make no representations that the calculator will be error-free, uninterrupted, or that its outputs will be accurate for your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that:
- You are using the calculator for informational and educational purposes only
- You will seek qualified professional advice before making legal, financial, or tax decisions
- You are solely responsible for any decisions you make based on information obtained from this site
- LayoffCalc and its operators shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of this site or reliance on its outputs
If you do not agree with these terms, please discontinue use of the site. For questions about this disclaimer, contact us at privacy@layoffcalc.com.