Your Employer’s Deadline Is Not Your Legal Deadline
Given two, three or five days to sign a severance offer?
A short deadline does not cancel your legal rights. You have two years to claim up to 24 months’ pay — but once you sign, you usually can’t undo it.
Before you sign, always check first.
Check Your Severance
How Much Severance Are You Really Owed?
If you’re let go from your job, your employer’s first offer is likely not your full severance package.
Severance isn’t just one week per year. Your age, position and length of service affect what you’re owed — it could be 24 months’ pay.
Before you sign, always check first.
Check Your Severance
Wrongfully Dismissed Without Knowing It?
Wrongful dismissal doesn’t mean your employer fired you for the “wrong” reason.
It often means you were let go without the full severance pay you’re owed. Your employer’s offer doesn’t decide your rights — you could be owed up to 24 months’ pay.
Before you accept the offer, always check first.
Check Your Employment Rights
Key Facts Before You Sign
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Your employer can’t force you to accept a severance package on the spot. -
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You have two years to legally claim severance — not just a few days. -
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Wrongful dismissal often means you were let go without proper severance. -
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Full severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay. -
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Once you sign a severance offer, you usually lose the ability to ask for more. -
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EmploymentLawyer.ca can help you get what you’re owed — often quickly and without unnecessary difficulty.
Not Sure What You’re Owed?
Don’t guess. Check your rights before you sign anything.
A Few More Work Rights Worth Knowing
The same rule applies in many workplace situations: Don’t assume your employer’s explanation is the final word.
Fired “For Cause”?
You Could Still Be Owed Severance.
Cause is a high legal standard. Many employees told they will receive nothing may still have severance rights.
Let Go During Probation?
You May Still Have Rights.
Being on probation does not automatically mean your employer can let you go without proper compensation.
Replaced By AI Or Restructuring?
Your Severance Rights Don’t Disappear.
An employer may eliminate your position, automate your job or restructure the company. You may still be owed severance.
Pay, Position Or Hours Changed?
Don’t Resign Before You Check.
A major negative change to your job could potentially amount to a constructive dismissal.
Pressured To Resign?
Be Careful Before You Agree.
Resigning can affect your severance and other legal rights. Don’t quit or sign anything under pressure.
Put On A PIP?
Your Job May Be At Risk.
A PIP can be a warning sign that your employer is preparing to let you go. You don’t have to wait to understand your options.
Your Employer Has Advice. You Should Too.
HR works for your employer. A severance package and release are written to protect the employer’s interests. Before you sign, make sure you understand:
What you may actually be owed
What rights you are giving up
Whether the offer is fair
What options you have if it is not
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Before You Sign, Always Check First.
Your employer’s deadline is not your legal deadline. Your employer’s first offer may not be your full severance package. And you can be wrongfully dismissed without even realizing it. Once you sign, you may lose the right to ask for more.