👋Hey everybody,

I made these instructions because this scenario we find ourselves in is incredibly confusing.

I wanted somewhere where I could learn all the facts about what I'm able to do and how I'm able to do it in reference to the recent 'role elimination' - so I made a Claude chat to ask questions to. You can do this with any LLM really, but I chose Claude because I'm trying to get sponsored (use referral code: *Donny* at checkout).

Hope you find this helpful!

Best,
Donny
[email protected]

📄Severance Document Analysis with Claude AI

A Complete Guide for Recently Laid-Off Employees

📢Current Context: Microsoft Layoffs May 2025

Microsoft began laying off about 6,000 workers Tuesday, nearly 3% of its entire workforce and its largest job cuts in more than two years as the company spends heavily on artificial intelligence. According to AP News, the layoffs will be across all levels, teams and geographies but the cuts will focus on reducing the number of managers, affecting employees in software engineering, product management, Xbox, LinkedIn, and international offices.

If you're one of the thousands of employees affected by this restructuring, this guide will help you maximize the value of your severance package using AI assistance.

🤖Why Use Claude AI for Severance Analysis?

Your severance packet contains 50+ pages of critical legal and financial information. Claude can help you:

  • Extract all key dates and deadlines (crucial for not missing benefits)
  • Decode complex legal language into plain English
  • Calculate your actual benefits based on your specific situation
  • Identify important conditions you must meet to receive benefits
  • Create action checklists tailored to your timeline
  • Answer follow-up questions about your specific situation

📋Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣Access Claude

  1. Go to claude.ai or download the Claude app
  2. Create a free account (no cost for standard usage)
  3. Start a new conversation

2️⃣Upload Your Documents

  1. Click the paper clip icon to upload files
  2. Upload your complete severance packet (PDF format works best)
  3. If you have multiple documents, upload them all at once
Include these key documents:
  • Job elimination letter
  • Severance Agreement and Release (SAR)
  • Summary Plan Description
  • Benefits overview
  • Employee checklist
  • Any appendices or exhibits

3️⃣Start with This Initial Prompt

I was just laid off from Microsoft and received my severance packet. Please: 1. Summarize all the key dates and deadlines I need to know 2. Explain what benefits I'm eligible for 3. Tell me what conditions I must meet to receive benefits 4. Calculate my severance pay based on my specific details 5. Create a prioritized action checklist for what I need to do immediately Please be very detailed and specific to my situation.

4️⃣Follow-Up Questions to Ask

⏰About Timing:
  • "How many days do I have to sign the SAR?"
  • "When does my access to Microsoft systems end?"
  • "How long can I search for internal positions?"
💰About Benefits:
  • "Exactly how is my severance pay calculated?"
  • "What happens to my stock options and awards?"
  • "How does COBRA work and what will Microsoft pay for?"
✅About Requirements:
  • "What are all the conditions I must meet to get severance?"
  • "What happens if I get rehired by Microsoft?"
  • "What assets do I need to return and how?"
🎯About Your Options:
  • "Should I look for internal Microsoft jobs during my continuation period?"
  • "What career transition services am I eligible for?"
  • "How do I apply for unemployment benefits?"

5️⃣Get Specific Calculations

Ask Claude to work through your specific numbers:

"Based on my hire date of [DATE], calculate my exact severance weeks" "If I worked [X years], how many weeks of severance do I get?" "Calculate the reduction for my continuation period"

6️⃣Create Action Plans

Request customized plans:

"Create a week-by-week action plan for my continuation period" "What should I prioritize in my first 48 hours?" "Make me a checklist for returning assets properly"

💡Sample Questions and Prompts

Comprehensive Analysis

"Analyze my entire severance package and create a complete summary including: - All critical dates with exact deadlines - Step-by-step process for maximizing my benefits - Hidden conditions or requirements I might miss - Recommended strategies for my job search period"

Specific Concerns

"I'm concerned about [SPECIFIC ISSUE]. Please explain: - How this affects my benefits - What my options are - What I should do to protect my interests"

Comparison Questions

"Compare the benefits of signing early vs. waiting until the deadline" "What's the difference between staying in my current health plan vs. COBRA?"

🚀Pro Tips for Better Results

🎯1. Be Specific About Your Situation

  • Mention your start date, role level, and any unique circumstances
  • Share your priorities (e.g., "I want to maximize my severance" vs. "I want to find another job quickly")

📖2. Ask for Examples

  • "Show me an example calculation"
  • "Give me a sample email template for [specific situation]"

📊3. Request Different Formats

  • "Summarize this in bullet points"
  • "Create a timeline view of all my deadlines"
  • "Make this into a simple checklist I can print"

🤔4. Get Multiple Perspectives

  • "What are the pros and cons of each option?"
  • "What questions should I ask HR about this?"
  • "What would you recommend in my specific situation?"

📚What Claude Can Help You Understand

⏰Critical Deadlines

  • SAR signing deadline
  • Asset return requirements
  • Access termination dates
  • Internal job search period

💵Financial Benefits

  • Severance pay calculations
  • Stock vesting schedules
  • COBRA premium payments
  • 401(k) impacts

⚖️Legal Requirements

  • Release agreement implications
  • Non-compete obligations
  • What claims you're waiving
  • Your ongoing protections

📋Practical Next Steps

  • Asset return procedures
  • Internal job search process
  • Career transition services
  • Unemployment applications

⚠️Important Disclaimers

  • Claude provides information, not legal advice
  • Always verify critical details with HR or legal counsel
  • Your specific situation may have unique factors
  • Claude can't replace professional financial or legal advice

🚫Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not reading everything carefully - Claude helps you catch important details
  2. Missing deadlines - Especially the SAR signing deadline
  3. Not understanding stock vesting - This can be worth thousands
  4. Forgetting about COBRA - Important for healthcare continuity
  5. Not exploring internal positions - You may find a better opportunity

📞Additional Resources

🏢Microsoft HR Support

[email protected]
(877) 274-1148

💼Internal Job Search

[email protected]

🚀Career Services

register.lhh.com

📰AP News Coverage

Microsoft layoffs impact 3% of workforce

✨Final Tips

  1. Start immediately - Don't wait to analyze your packet
  2. Save Claude's analysis - Screenshot or copy important summaries
  3. Ask follow-up questions - Claude can clarify anything confusing
  4. Share this guide - Help your colleagues navigate their severance too
  5. Take care of yourself - This is a stressful time, use all available resources

Remember: Your severance package is likely worth tens of thousands of dollars and affects your next several months. Taking time to understand it fully with Claude's help can make a significant difference in your transition.

🤖Start Using Claude Now