VRIF'S -QUESTION ON UNEMPLOYMENT...

Could someone please let me know what date we can actually start to apply for unemployment? I know we are paid thru 7/20. Can we go to the unemployment office before then or does it have to be after the 20th?

If anyone has any serious answers, will you please let me know? Thanks

Again, this is for the VRIF not involuntary layoff. Thanks

I'm not with GSK, but I am a displaced rep from another company passing through. If the 20th is your last day of "work", you need to wait until the 21st to file. You do not need to wait until the end of your normal pay period. And the fact that you took the VRIF shouldn't matter. It was part of a massive layoff--you probably were paid WARN money, right?

The good news is that most states require a one week waiting period between the time you left your job and the time you can start drawing benefits.

Since your last "official" day is a Tuesday, they may let you claim that week as your "waiting period"--and that means you may be able to start filing your claims on the 25th and you'll get paid a couple of days later. It might take longer to get everything processed before you can actually get your hands on the money, but you will have started to accumulate money almost immediately.

Hope that helps, and if anything is fuzzy, it will all be cleared up when you go in to file your claim on the 21st.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I'm not with GSK, but I am a displaced rep from another company passing through. If the 20th is your last day of "work", you need to wait until the 21st to file. You do not need to wait until the end of your normal pay period. And the fact that you took the VRIF shouldn't matter. It was part of a massive layoff--you probably were paid WARN money, right?

The good news is that most states require a one week waiting period between the time you left your job and the time you can start drawing benefits.

Since your last "official" day is a Tuesday, they may let you claim that week as your "waiting period"--and that means you may be able to start filing your claims on the 25th and you'll get paid a couple of days later. It might take longer to get everything processed before you can actually get your hands on the money, but you will have started to accumulate money almost immediately.

Hope that helps, and if anything is fuzzy, it will all be cleared up when you go in to file your claim on the 21st.

thanks so much for all the info. You are very helpful!!! So, you think it's ok if I go to file on the 21st? Thanks again!

Have you found another jobj?

I have been told after calling several times to the Employment Security Commission that I can't apply until I have gotten my vacation pay, I had 4 weeks vacation pay, so I can apply around Aug 20. I asked them how they would know how much vacation pay I had and they said the company would let them know, I have no idea if that is true but that is what I was told. You may not have any vacation paid out so in that case you should be able to apply as soon as your termination date. Each time I call I get a different answer about almost every question I ask but that was the latest I was told about when I can apply.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I have been told after calling several times to the Employment Security Commission that I can't apply until I have gotten my vacation pay, I had 4 weeks vacation pay, so I can apply around Aug 20. I asked them how they would know how much vacation pay I had and they said the company would let them know, I have no idea if that is true but that is what I was told. You may not have any vacation paid out so in that case you should be able to apply as soon as your termination date. Each time I call I get a different answer about almost every question I ask but that was the latest I was told about when I can apply.

Thanks for the info. I keep hearing different things too. I wonder what is true? I heard that we didn't have to worry about the vacation pay.

Does anyone know??

Anyone find a job yet ?

Unemployment for vrif has been questionable if vrif'rs are elligible. Has anyone had success in getting UE yet?

I was approved for unemployment benefits in NC (VRIF) once approved you have to file each week and acknowledge that you did not receive separation pay or make more than $300 for the week you are filing for - I'm still getting paychecks through the 20th of July so can't claim based on that, they asked for last working day (which was acutally June 11 for VRIF) and added 3 weeks to that for vacation pay, so I basically qualified as of July 2, but can't claim yet because I am still earning pay until July 20 - the severance payout is not taken into consideration.

I have been told in NC that I have to wait until July 20(termination date) and then add 4 weeks vaca to that so I would be eligible to apply around August 19 or so. Do you mean that you actually add the vacation to your last work day and not your termination date so I would be eligible for unemployment as soon as my termination date on July 20?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I have been told in NC that I have to wait until July 20(termination date) and then add 4 weeks vaca to that so I would be eligible to apply around August 19 or so. Do you mean that you actually add the vacation to your last work day and not your termination date so I would be eligible for unemployment as soon as my termination date on July 20?

thanks to you and the poster above for the info. I guess I'll state my last date was June 11 and see what happens.

Took the VRIF in N.C.... Since our situation was a "voluntary" RIF, how was it handled by the Employment Security Commission ? I have heard, but can't confirm, they may consider it a layoff since there was a 60 day WARN and our jobs were not replaced. Can anyone clarify this. Thanks !

I have talked to the ESC many times. They send in the information to GSK when you
apply for your benefits, if GSK responds back, I think they have two weeks, and rejects it, that is when you will have a problem. Many at the ESC say VRIF is a layoff but others have said it is not considered layoff. When you apply you need to classify it as a layoff/reduction in force. It is up to GSK whether they reject it or not, the ESC doesn't really make that determination. If there is no response from GSK in the time frame to deny, then you will get your unemployment. I live in NC.

I live in N.C. and contacted HR. They indicated they would list it as a voluntary reduction in force, but gave me no indication the claim would be rejected. The HR representative indicated the individual states would determine if that condition qualifies someone for benefits. Still unsure what the end result will be in terms of qualifying for unemployment in N.C., as I have not filed yet. Best of luck to all...

To the person in N.C. who has been approved for unemployment benefits - Did you file on line or deal with someone personally at the Unemployment office ? Someone had suggested I go by personally to improve my chances. Your help is appreciated. Thanks !

Originally Posted by Anonymous

thanks so much for all the info. You are very helpful!!! So, you think it's ok if I go to file on the 21st? Thanks again!

Have you found another jobj?

no, no job yet. no one really wants to talk to an unemployed drug rep--even people outside of the industry.

i'd still try to file on the 21st. they might fuss about it being "voluntary", but it really wasn't--especially if your area was hit really hard with the "involuntary" layoffs.

as for vacation... it was paid to me "in lieu" of taking vacation... since i was not permitted to take any of my vacation during the 60-day WARN period, i got paid instead. the unemployment folks in my state said that those earnings were exempt. i didn't have to report that income. it might vary by state, but that's how it went down for me.

Do we just not tell them about vacation pay? I would like to file as soon as possible.
Does anyone know if we can file on the 21st for VRIF's? GSK is not disputing it from what I heard, but it's up to your state to let you know if you can get it or not.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Do we just not tell them about vacation pay? I would like to file as soon as possible.
Does anyone know if we can file on the 21st for VRIF's? GSK is not disputing it from what I heard, but it's up to your state to let you know if you can get it or not.

I wonder if we can file tomorrow.

Does anyone know? Any info on this will be much appreciated. Please no rude comments. I need this money to pay bills for my family. Thanks

I think the first day which we a qualified is 7/21. You may be able to apply tomorrow but the first day you are unemployed is Wednesday of this week. I will be checking in with the state of Mass. tomorrow to get the details.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I think the first day which we a qualified is 7/21. You may be able to apply tomorrow but the first day you are unemployed is Wednesday of this week. I will be checking in with the state of Mass. tomorrow to get the details.

Thanks--please post if you find out anything. Thanks

Filed online today. Questions were very specific on exactly how much severance and vacation payout will be, when beginning and when ending. Called HR, transfered to payroll. They could give me no dates (4-8 weeks) and only a formula to estimate vacation payout. Filled it out as best I could, but now I have to wait for them to call me to discuss it. If approved, weekly payout is only made after documenting exactly what I am doing to find work. If paperwork is not filed weekly, no check. Waiting for a phonecall.

I actually drove to the unemployment office today and filed. I was a VRIF. I don't think I'll get anything for over a month, but I filed.

applied today online---NO questions about vacation--severance---already approved to receive my first check Aug 1st. I may need to go by the local ACORN office to see how to totally screw the govt---Im sure they will be very willing to help me out drag this on for 99 weeks---come on you damn dems and approve the extension---i need some help

Any VRIFs in N.C. approved for unemployment yet ?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

applied today online---NO questions about vacation--severance---already approved to receive my first check Aug 1st. I may need to go by the local ACORN office to see how to totally screw the govt---Im sure they will be very willing to help me out drag this on for 99 weeks---come on you damn dems and approve the extension---i need some help

You are full of it. They DID ask about vacation and severance.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Any VRIFs in N.C. approved for unemployment yet ?

Just filed yesterday online. Website note said they need to have someone call me to discuss some information before approval. Haven't gotten a call yet. How about you?

Haven't filed, but visited unemployment office. I was told the word " voluntary " could be a problem initially, but when I explained the circumstances ( Had a 60 day WARN & my job wasn't replaced ), I was told I would probably be approved. Hope it works out. It may take a while to find another job.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

You are full of it. They DID ask about vacation and severance.

They did when I went to the unemployment office too. I don't think we'll get any money until after we get our vacation pay. They did ask about severance and vacation.

I filled out an initial app online, but then I have to g back inonline Sunday from what the rep there said. The one I filled out at the unemployment office was just some basic one whereby they then go back and check with GSK. I don't think GSK is denying these claims from what I've heard.

Every state is different. If you have questions you should talk to other VRIFers in your state.

For the last time, it is different for every state. You all could spend your time looking for a job and find one like I did instead of woring about unemployment. You must all be democrats who voted for obama and looking for your handout.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Just filed yesterday online. Website note said they need to have someone call me to discuss some information before approval. Haven't gotten a call yet. How about you?

They stated something about needing more info on my initial application too.

I just filled out a voucher for the first week, but I've heard nothing.
Does anyone know what is going on with this? I really would like some answers as I'm sure others do. I need the money to start paying bills due to not having a job.

I was hoping I would have a job by now.



If anyone else was a VRIF taker and knows anything additional, I'd really appreciate it.


PLEASE no rude and b.s. responses. Thanks, In advance!

Just received confirmation that my payment will be sent today, 27th. My state allows you to file on-line. I did so around the 14th of July. Had to submit weekly claims and was denied the week of the 17th as they indicated the I had to have a 1 week wait period after my last day of July 20th. By the way, I listed May 14th as the last day I worked and July 20th as the end of my "warn period". Hope this helps. If you haven't filed and took the VRIF, you need to get this done.

Wasn't getting called for additional info to complete my online claim. Went into office and sat for almost 3 hours. Severence has no bearing on UC payment, but vacation and bonus do. Because my Termination date was Tues. July 20th, they considered me paid that week because my 2 days of pay were greater than what my payment would be. But because I have 20 unused vacation days (don't lie! If they find out you are in BIG legal trouble). So this week is a waiting week with no comp, and then I have 4 weeks of no pay because of accumulated vacation time that they deduct. So my first check will not be until after the last week of August. Then when 2nd qtr bonus check comes, I cannot collect anything that week. In the meantime, despite not getting paid, I am required to continue applying for jobs and documenting it for review. Also they now notify GSK of my filing a claim, and GSK has 10 days to respond. Then they make the determination of benefits. Gotta jump through the hoops.

Has anyone who has taken the VRIF been rejected for unemployment ? IF so, what reasons were given ? I realize this can vary by state.

Any VRIF people find out anything definitive about unemployment and when we can get it? Thanks

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Has anyone who has taken the VRIF been rejected for unemployment ? IF so, what reasons were given ? I realize this can vary by state.

I would like to know this answer too. I can't get through in Illinois to the unemployment office. I don't know whether we qualify and if so when we qualify. I heard it is after GSK gets back with them and after all our pay and bonus and vacation.

Does anyone know? Thank you

Already been approved get first payment this week. At least here they dont care about vacation or holiday pay unless you were temporally laid off. I know of no one who has been disapproved except for some who couldnt keep their mouth shut. Some have had their claims denied because they filed too early or they didnt follow very clear instructions.

What state are you in, because in NC they def do care about vacation pay.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Already been approved get first payment this week. At least here they dont care about vacation or holiday pay unless you were temporally laid off. I know of no one who has been disapproved except for some who couldnt keep their mouth shut. Some have had their claims denied because they filed too early or they didnt follow very clear instructions.

I only answered their questions truthfully. They asked if we received vacation or severance pay. I answered yes as we got it. I thought they'd be checking up with GSK anyway.
GSK is going to say "yes" we got severance and vacation. Maybe I should have just said "no", but I know they don't want us to lie. I wouldn't have answered the question if they had not specifically asked it on the form. Did they ask it of you? If they didn't ask it, I totally agree--I'd never have brought it up. I think it's standard procedure for them to ask it on every form though. I've never heard of them not asking. So, did you just lie? I'm curious. Good for you that you got it. I don't think though of us who answered their vacation/severance question will see anything for weeks!

Im in Colorado---guess I dont understand why vacation pay matters---money gsk owes you---Guess what you are still unemployed and looking for work----so if vacation pay is so important why isnt our severance package? I was never asked about that and surely they know that any large company with long term employees get some great severance.

No I havent lied about anything----the word FRAUD kinda catches my attention

In taking a look at the responses, it seems no one who took the VRIF has been rejected for unemployment benefits, but "when" you can start recieving payment varies by state. Correct?

So the bottom line is..no one who was VRIF has been (denied) UE benefits...right?

Well that is hard to tell right now---heard some very disturbing news today about what hr has been telling some of the unemployment offices who call. Will update as soon as possible

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Well that is hard to tell right now---heard some very disturbing news today about what hr has been telling some of the unemployment offices who call. Will update as soon as possible

Would you share what you have heard? Mine is tied up here in CA.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Im in Colorado---guess I dont understand why vacation pay matters---money gsk owes you---Guess what you are still unemployed and looking for work----so if vacation pay is so important why isnt our severance package? I was never asked about that and surely they know that any large company with long term employees get some great severance.

I know each state is different, in NC you have to wait for your vacation pay period from GSK to be over to get your unemployment benefits and its also my understanding that-- if you were to take a vacation during drawing your benefits and somehow told them this or you put that in when you did your weekly filing update then you would be denied pay that week also from the ESC for vacation.

As for the severance, up until last year in NC you could not get your unemployment while
you got severance but that changed end of last year and now that does not count against you, you can draw while you are getting severance. Some of the rules may not make sense but that is how they have been explained to me and how I understand them. Of course you
can get very different answers to the very same questions from different people at the ESC.

Please let us know if HR is rejecting UE claims. Haven't filed yet, but about to do so. Thanks

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Please let us know if HR is rejecting UE claims. Haven't filed yet, but about to do so. Thanks

When I filed last week, I was told they would notify GSK of my filing and they have 10 days to respond. Have not recieved word yet about approval. However, they do not contact GSK directly, but a vendor who handles this for GSK, c/o UCeXpress at a PO in St Louis. When the interviewer brought up the info for GSK in her computer screen it showed a different company name, but the same PO Box in St Louis. Also, when 2nd qtr bonus payout is sent, I cannot recieve benefits that week. Any week I receive holiday, vacation or bonus I have to notify them of the amount. If it is greater than my weekly compensation then I get nothing.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

When I filed last week, I was told they would notify GSK of my filing and they have 10 days to respond. Have not recieved word yet about approval. However, they do not contact GSK directly, but a vendor who handles this for GSK, c/o UCeXpress at a PO in St Louis. When the interviewer brought up the info for GSK in her computer screen it showed a different company name, but the same PO Box in St Louis. Also, when 2nd qtr bonus payout is sent, I cannot recieve benefits that week. Any week I receive holiday, vacation or bonus I have to notify them of the amount. If it is greater than my weekly compensation then I get nothing.

It shows SmithKline Corporation or something like that. GSK is not responding. When I called our State's unemployment office here in MI they told me that until GSK responds, we will get nothing , and it will continue to show some disputed issue. I think that's the wording. GSK doesn't care. We have to call HR and see if we can get to someone to get this worked out or we will never see a check.
I think we could have qualified for a check as early as next week if GSK would do their part.

Any updates from anyone else in the country? MI isn't helpful now.

Actually, the way it was explained to me, if GSK or their agent does not respond within 10 days, then they are not disputing your claim, and you will get paid.

Well they--hr--sure said something to our state----all of us who have filed are all on hold----