Can I get unemployment with severance in Iowa?

by Cog_in_the_corp_machine Wed Feb 13, 2013 5:23 pm

Code:: Hi all, have a question, when given a low rating by my employer for performance, I was given 30 days to decide if I want to either take a "mutual separation agreement", also called a mutual separation agreement, or be put on a 30 day performance improvement plan. Does anyone know which would be best as far as getting unemployment benefits? The severance offers a lump sum payment and other benefits (not much), which I would lose if I did the performance improvement plan, which is very difficult. I can't seem to get any information from the unemployment office in Iowa, noone wants to tell me which would be best, very frustrating, as I'm sure I'm the only person that has ever experienced this, um, yeah, right. :) why is it such a secret?, I'm not wanting to get UI benefits to mooch off the government, I have bills to pay, etc. Anywho, has anyone been down this road in Iowa? , will I be able to get benefits by take the severance, or is it better to try to get through the PIP, and either get fired for performance , or keep my job? In my old state they would help with this, not in iowa I guess... Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

by **DesperateInRI** Wed Feb 13, 2013 7:23 pm

Have you asked Human Resources at the company you work for? I'm sure this has happened before there, and they would know about your eligibility for unemployment. Either way, you wouldn't be denied unemployment, you aren't "qualified for the position" and that is not your fault. As far as the severance, again, try asking HR. Some states count severance as weeks actually worked and you can't apply for benefits until it runs out.

Good luck!

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/ui/claimants/70-6200factsforworkers.pdf

by Cog_in_the_corp_machine Thu Feb 14, 2013 12:53 am

Okay, thanks, yeah, I asked HR but they just said I have to call the Iowa UI office, who refuses to say if I can get it or not if I take the severance, I mean , I'm sure they hear about similar situations every day...