Employee Rights When Laid Off: What You Need to Know

Losing your job can be really stressful, especially if you did not expect it. This situation can be confusing, and you might not be able to navigate your rights as an employee. 

Connecticut employment law attorney expertise can be very helpful in this situation, as they make sure that you understand your legal rights and protections. In Connecticut, employees have rights and protection when they are laid off. 

Knowing your rights can make a huge difference in how you handle this transition and secure your future. Read this article to understand employee's rights when they are laid off and how you should navigate in this hard time. 

Understanding Connecticut's Layoff Laws

Connecticut's layoff laws are made to protect the safety of employees who are laid off unexpectedly. These laws cover the whole layoff process, which includes notice periods, severance pay, and continued health insurance coverage.

• Notice Period

Under the federal WARN Act, employers with 100 or more employees need to give 60 days' notice before a mass layoff or plant closing, but Connecticut law does not have any specific notice requirement for layoffs. It is important for you to check your employment contract or company policies. 

• Severance Pay

In Connecticut, there are no legal requirements for employers to give severance pay to a laid-off employee, but in some cases, the employers may offer a severance package, which is mentioned in the employment contracts. 

Final Paycheck And Benefits Continuation

Every laid-off employee has the right to get his final paycheck as soon as possible, which includes all earned wages, vacation, and any benefit that he is entitled to get.

The final paycheck should be given to the laid-off employee by the next regular payday. Also, employees are often eligible to receive continued benefits from COBRA, which allows for the temporary extension of health insurance. 

It is important that you check the status of your retirement plans, pension, or 401(k) accounts. Also, you might have the option to roll over these funds into an IRA or into another employer’s plan without any penalties. 

Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits are very important for someone who has been laid off. This can help maintain financial stability while searching for other job opportunities. Receiving these unemployment benefits can be subject to some criteria.

• Eligibility Requirements 

One of the most important requirements is that you lose your job because of layoffs or business closures and not because of your mistake. Also, you need to be employed for a certain period of time with a certain amount. 

• Filing Immediately

You will not get unemployment benefits if you have not filled your claim. To get your benefits promptly, file a claim through the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Website to make sure that you get your benefits timely.

Know Your Benefits

The unemployment benefits are generally a certain percentage of your previous earnings, which is also subject to a maximum weekly limit. These benefits can be paid weekly or bi-weekly.

These benefits generally come with a duration that can range from 12 to 24 weeks. This can be extended if there is a high unemployment period. 

If you are receiving unemployment benefits, then you need to be actively searching for work, and you can be asked to provide proof of job search, like applying for jobs or going for a job interview. 

While receiving unemployment benefits, you also have to report any income that you earned from any part-time or temporary work. This can affect the amount of benefit you are receiving. 

Secure Your Future Today!

Facing a layoff is never easy, but it is important for you to understand your rights. Call an experienced attorney for legal help on how you can protect your rights and organize for a stress-free transfer.