Final Paychecks, Benefits & Paperwork

Your Rights When You Leave a Job

Tips on severance packages, health insurance (COBRA), unemployment insurance, and final paychecks.

Chart: Final Paychecks for Departing Employees

Learn your state's law on when you have to provide a departing employee with the final paycheck.

COBRA: Continuing Health Insurance After a Job Loss

If you lose your job, you may have the right to continue your health insurance coverage for 18 months -- but you'll have to pay the full premium.

State Laws on Insurance Continuation

In addition to the federal COBRA law, state laws also give employees the right to continue health insurance after a job ends.

Should You Sign a Release When You Lose Your Job?

Waiving your right to sue a former employer: what it means and when not to sign on the dotted line.

Private Pensions

Many employees still have some form of pension plan, although they aren't as common as they used to be.

401(k) Deferred Compensation Plans

Learn more about this popular retirement benefit choice.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Basic information on the nation's retirement plan.

Shouldn't my final paycheck include my sales commissions?

I'll have to wait several months before I see the money. Can they do this?

Should my final paycheck include vacation time?

I've earned 15 days of vacation, but didn't get a chance to take them off before I got fired.

Can my employer ask me to leave -- after I quit?

Am I legally entitled to be paid for a full two weeks?

My employer's gone -- where's my 401(k)?

I called the Department of Labor, but it was of little help. How do I find my money?