Your Employment Details
At-Will Employment Status
Wrongful Termination Potential
State Exception Analysis
Estimated Severance
Unemployment Eligibility
COBRA Eligibility
Need Legal Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at-will employment? +
At-will employment means an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason (or no reason), without warning — as long as the reason is not illegal (discrimination, retaliation, etc.). Conversely, employees can also leave at any time. Every U.S. state except Montana follows the at-will doctrine, though many states have carved out exceptions through court rulings.
Am I entitled to severance pay? +
There is no federal law requiring severance pay. Most severance is negotiated through employment contracts, company policies, or collective bargaining agreements. However, if your employer has a written severance policy or you have a contract that includes severance, you may be legally entitled to it. Some states like California and Montana have stronger norms favoring severance, but even there, it's generally not mandated by law.
What counts as wrongful termination? +
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason. This includes discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or religion (protected by federal law); retaliation for reporting harassment, safety violations, or illegal activity (whistleblowing); refusing to commit an illegal act; taking protected leave under FMLA; or termination that violates a specific state's public policy, implied contract, or good faith exception to at-will employment.
When am I eligible for unemployment benefits? +
Generally, you qualify for unemployment if you lost your job through no fault of your own (layoffs, company closure, or being fired without misconduct). If you were fired for misconduct, quit voluntarily without good cause, or are self-employed, you typically won't qualify. Each state has its own specific rules — some are more generous than others. You must also meet your state's minimum earnings and work-history requirements.
What should I do immediately after being terminated? +
1. Don't sign anything immediately — ask for time to review any severance agreement or release. 2. Request your personnel file (many states require employers to provide it). 3. File for unemployment the same day you're terminated — don't wait. 4. Document everything: save emails, performance reviews, and write down what happened while it's fresh. 5. Consult an employment lawyer, especially if you suspect discrimination, retaliation, or have a contract. Most offer free initial consultations.