Severance Pay Blog
Educational guides on negotiation, taxes, the legal context, and more
Try Our Free CalculatorGoldman Severance Package 2026: Project Voyage + Dallas Move Decoded
May 22, 2026 • 11 min read
Goldman's Project Voyage is moving $1.3B of cost out by 2027 through Dallas/SLC relocation, AI offshoring, and rolling performance-based layoffs. Here's the discretionary package structure and the garden-leave lever VP+ employees can actually move.
companiesWalgreens Severance Package 2026: Sycamore PE Squeeze Decoded
May 22, 2026 • 10 min read
Walgreens went private in Sycamore's $10B deal in August 2025. Now there's an active WARN investigation into the February 2026 layoffs. Here's what affected employees can actually negotiate.
companiesWells Fargo Severance Package 2026: Asset Cap Lift Decoded
May 22, 2026 • 11 min read
The Fed lifted Wells Fargo's seven-year asset cap in June 2025, yet the bank is still cutting harder than JPMorgan, Citi, or BofA. Here's what the Salary Continuation Pay Plan actually pays, plus the negotiation leverage that paradox creates.
companiesCVS Severance Package 2026: 13-44 Week Grade-Tier Cap Decoded
May 21, 2026 • 9 min read
CVS publishes its severance formula on SEC EDGAR. Non-exempt staff capped at 13 weeks, directors at 44. Here's what the filed plan actually pays, plus the Aetna integration leverage that's worked since 2024.
taxesCalifornia's 6.6% Severance Withholding Method Explained (2026)
May 20, 2026 • 3 min read
California's 6.6% percentage method can apply to certain separately paid supplemental wages, but it is not the only method. See when payroll may use it and why withholding differs from final tax.
industrySeverance Package Trends 2026: What Layoffs Are Actually Paying This Year
May 20, 2026 • 8 min read
Severance packages in 2026 are tightening for tech (down ~30% from 2023 peaks) and holding steady in finance and healthcare. Here's the year-over-year breakdown by industry, role, and what's driving the shift.
taxesSeverance Tax Rate by State 2026: All 50 States + DC Compared
May 20, 2026 • 13 min read
The complete 2026 severance withholding reference: federal 22% supplemental + each state's published method + FICA for all 50 states + DC, every row linked to the state's own 2026 publication before FICA.
taxesSeverance Pay and Social Security: What's Withheld + How It Affects Your Benefits (2026)
May 15, 2026 • 8 min read
Severance is generally subject to Social Security tax up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500. Whether it is excluded from the retirement earnings test depends on the SSA special-payment rules and the facts.
legalSeverance Pay While Pregnant or on FMLA: Your 2026 Rights & Options
May 15, 2026 • 13 min read
Pregnant workers can be laid off, but the PDA, FMLA, and the 2023 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act limit when and how. Here's what your severance offer must match and where you have negotiation leverage.
taxesCalifornia SDI and Severance: 2026 Payroll Rules
May 13, 2026 • 5 min read
California's 2026 SDI rate is 1.3% with no wage cap for subject wages, but EDD's dismissal-and-severance table includes a statutory exception. Learn what payroll must classify.
legalFired Without Severance? Your Rights and What to Do Next
March 19, 2026 • 12 min read
No federal law requires severance pay, but you may still be entitled to it. Learn when employers must pay severance, 7 situations where you have leverage, and how to negotiate a package even after being fired.
taxesCalifornia Severance Tax 2026: 6.6% State Withholding Explained
March 19, 2026 • 7 min read
California may use 6.6% state withholding on separately paid severance in 2026. See how federal withholding, payroll taxes, SDI, and final tax liability differ.
Calculate Your Severance Package
Use our free calculator to estimate your severance pay, tax withholdings, and take-home amount.
Open Calculator