How to Ask for More Severance (Without Burning Bridges)

SeverEase
May 8
3 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

Being let go is stressful enough — and receiving a lowball severance offer can make it worse. You may know you’re entitled to more, but the last thing you want is to come off as combative or risk losing a positive reference letter.

The good news? It’s entirely possible to negotiate your severance professionally — without damaging your reputation or future references. In this post, we’ll show you how to ask for more diplomatically, strategically, and effectively.

person looking stressed in front of computer

1. Understand What You’re Really Entitled To

Before you counter anything, take the time to understand whether the offer is fair. Many employers only offer minimum ESA entitlements, but under Canadian common law, you may be owed much more — sometimes 1 month of severance per year of service, or even more depending on your age, position, and job market.

Use SeverEase's resources to get a rough estimate of your entitlements based on:

Your length of service
Age and seniority
Position and industry
Availability of similar work

Arming yourself with this knowledge gives you the confidence and clarity to ask for more — without sounding emotional or unprepared.

2. Review the Release Before You Sign Anything

Most severance offers come with a Full and Final Release — a legal document that, once signed, waives your right to ask for anything further.

Do not sign anything immediately. Take time to review the offer and understand what you’re giving up. The signing deadline is often arbitrary and negotiable.

If the offer is lower than your estimated entitlement, you have every right to respond — and doing so doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you informed.

3. Be Respectful, But Assertive

Negotiation doesn’t mean confrontation. You can be respectful and firm. A good way to frame your request is to focus on fairness, not demands.

This keeps the tone cooperative, not combative — and opens the door for discussion without burning bridges.

4. Use a Template (So You Don’t Have to Guess What to Say)

Writing your own counteroffer can be intimidating — especially when emotions are high.

That’s why SeverEase offers lawyer-drafted templates to help you:

Professionally respond to a severance offer
Request an enhanced package
Ask for clarification on the release or benefits
Accept the revised offer once agreed

You don’t need to sound like a lawyer — but you do need to sound composed, informed, and strategic. Our templates help you get there.

5. Be Prepared for a Bit of Pushback

It’s normal for employers to respond with a “this is standard” line — but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong to ask for more. Remember: the first offer is rarely the best offer.

Stay calm, reaffirm your position, and keep the conversation focused on resolving things professionally. Often, employers are willing to increase their offer slightly if you ask — especially if you’re clear, respectful, and show that you’ve done your homework.

Final Thoughts: Advocate for Yourself, Without the Conflict

You don’t need a lawyer to have a fair negotiation — just the right language and strategy. With SeverEase, you get access to templates and resources used by experienced employment lawyers, so you can ask for what you deserve without damaging your professional reputation.