How To Negotiate Severance: A Polite, Practical Approach
Many people don't realize a severance offer can sometimes be improved. Not always, but asking politely rarely hurts if you do it respectfully and before the deadline.
When asking makes sense
- You have long tenure or strong performance reviews
- You're close to vesting (bonus, equity, 401(k) match)
- The offer seems low compared with company policy or what others received
- You're giving up meaningful rights in the release
- A non-compete would limit your next job
What you can ask for
- More weeks of pay
- Employer-paid COBRA premiums for longer
- Payout of a pro-rated bonus or commissions
- Accelerated vesting or a longer exercise window for options
- A neutral or positive reference and agreed wording
- Removing or narrowing a non-compete
- Keeping your laptop or phone
- Outplacement services
- Agreement not to contest unemployment
How to ask
- Read the whole agreement and note the deadline (severance checklist)
- Pick 1–3 requests, with reasons
- Ask by email, and stay friendly
- Get any changes in writing in a revised agreement
Sample email
Hi [Name], Thank you for the severance agreement. I appreciate the support during this transition. Given my [X] years with the company and [specific contribution], I'd like to ask whether the company could consider [e.g., extending severance to X weeks and covering COBRA premiums for X months]. I'd also appreciate confirmation that the company won't contest my unemployment claim. I'm happy to discuss. Thank you for considering it. Best, [Name]
Get advice if the stakes are high
An employment attorney can tell you whether you have claims that give you leverage. Many offer short consultations.
General information, not legal advice.
The Laid-Off Action Kit includes an editable severance negotiation email and a severance review page.
Laid-Off Action Kit — $12
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.
Get the Laid-Off Action KitAll 10 kits — $59More guides
- What To Do After Being Laid Off: The First 48 Hours
- Questions To Ask HR When You Are Laid Off
- Severance Agreement Checklist: What To Review Before You Sign
- How To File for Unemployment After a Layoff
- COBRA vs. Marketplace After a Layoff: How To Choose
- Layoff Budget: How To Calculate Your Financial Runway
- What To Do With Your 401(k) After a Layoff
- Job Application Tracker: How To Organize Your Job Search
- How To Announce a Layoff on LinkedIn (With Examples)