Is my employer required to give me a severance package?

New Jersey is an at-will employment state.  This means that, unless you have an employment contract that says otherwise, your employer has the right to fire you whenever they choose, even if it is for no reason.  If you have a contract or have been working at your job for a long time, your employer might offer you a separation agreement if they terminate your position.  The agreement sometimes includes a severance package, including several months of pay and health insurance coverage.

If you sign the agreement and accept the severance package, you forfeit the right to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.  Therefore, you should not accept the severance package if you think your employer is firing you because of your race or gender or to punish you for reporting misconduct you witnessed at your place of employment.  If you are unsure whether to accept the severance package, negotiate for a better one, or file a wrongful termination lawsuit, ask an employment lawyer.