Losing a job can be stressful, but knowing your rights can help you handle the situation with confidence. Employers must follow legal guidelines when conducting layoffs, and you may be entitled to certain protections. Understanding what you’re owed can make a difference in how you move forward.
Are you entitled to advance notice?
In Indiana, the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100 or more full-time employees to provide a 60-day advance notice before mass layoffs or plant closures. This notice period allows you time to seek new employment or pursue training opportunities. The WARN Act applies when a plant closing affects 50 or more employees or a mass layoff impacts at least 500 full-time employees, or 50-499 employees if they constitute at least 33% of the employer’s active workforce.
Can you collect unemployment benefits?
If you’re laid off in Indiana, you are typically eligible for unemployment benefits. To qualify, you must have earned at least $4,200 during your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters) and at least $2,500 in the last six months of that period. Additionally, you must be actively seeking new employment and be able and available to work.
How do you apply for unemployment benefits?
You should file an initial application for unemployment benefits as soon as you become unemployed. In Indiana, claims must be filed through Uplink, the online filing system. You’ll need a valid email address, personal identification information, details about your last employer, and your bank routing and account numbers if you choose direct deposit. After filing, you must submit weekly vouchers to continue receiving benefits.
What about your health insurance coverage?
Under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), you may have the option to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance after a layoff. However, you’ll likely be responsible for the full premium, which can be costly. It’s important to review your options, which may include seeking coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or exploring other insurance alternatives.
Understanding your rights and the resources available can help you manage the challenges of a layoff. By staying informed and proactive, you can better navigate this transition period and move toward new employment opportunities.
