How we analyze your severance
The Severance Position Method (SPM)
Your plan isn't an opinion. It's a transparent, four-factor assessment computed from your inputs and primary public data — so you can pressure-test every number. Here's exactly how it works.
Benchmark Fit
Sector weeks-per-year accrual + tenure band → a fair severance range and where the offer lands as a percentile.
Grounded in: BLS job tenure & unemployment duration · industry severance norms
Equity Exposure
Grant-by-grant forfeiture at separation, the next vesting cliff, exercise cost + estimated tax, and acceleration value.
Grounded in: IRS supplemental-wage & equity tax treatment
Runway Survivability
Net monthly burn vs. cash on hand → conservative/baseline months of runway and a 0–100 survivability score.
Grounded in: DOL unemployment-insurance durations · HealthCare.gov / COBRA cost data
Leverage & Terms
A benchmark-anchored counter-offer range plus an optional UPL-swept clause-by-clause read of the agreement.
Grounded in: OWBPA/ADEA review & revocation windows · state labor-department rules
Primary sources
The benchmarks and assumptions trace to public, primary data — not made up. You can check the math:
- BLS — unemployment duration & job tenure →
- DOL — COBRA continuation coverage →
- HealthCare.gov — ACA marketplace costs →
- IRS — supplemental wage withholding →
See the method applied to a full plan.
A complete sample plan, built from one (made-up) person's numbers, so you can see exactly what you get.
Severance Position Method v1.0. Maintained and reviewed by the Severance Report editorial team. Educational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice; using it creates no adviser relationship.
This is an educational benchmark, not legal advice. Using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state.