My company had a reduction in force and I was laid off. Are they required to pay me for unused leave time?

Question

My severance package includes one week of pay for each year I've been there with a max of 4 weeks - but I've heard that they also have to pay for any accrued, unused leave time. Does anyone know for sure?

Answer 1

no. they don't have to. leave time is usually offered so you can take a break from work but if its not used and you leave, get laid off, etc then its gone. some companies do pay for it and some don't. where i work they will only pay up to 2 weeks and if you have more its lost. that's because they encourage you to take it so your work performance doesn't slack off.

Answer 2

Absolutely!  They have to pay you for the PTO you didn't use........

Answer 3

I don;t think it's a law - be thankful you're getting the 4 wks severance - that is not a requirement either - I;ve never gotten severance beyond my unused vacation and maybe a week's pay, so I don;t know what most companies normally do

Answer 4

That varies by jurisdiction.  In California they do.

Answer 5

No, they don't have to. Check your company handbook. I'd be willing to bet they address this. Similar to the way you can lose vacation time if you don't use it within the year.