Moneyzine
Contents
/Careers Guides/Contractual Termination Benefits

Contractual Termination Benefits

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
September 26th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

Definition

The term contractual termination benefits refers to compensation provided under an ongoing plan to individuals that have severed their employment relationship with a company. Termination benefits are typically classified as contractual, one-time, special and other postemployment.

Explanation

Under certain operating conditions, a company may institute programs aimed at encouraging employees to voluntarily terminate employment. Alternatively, a company may deem it necessary to involuntarily sever its employment relationship with a group of individuals. When this occurs, the company may provide early termination benefits to those affected individuals.

Contractual benefits are those provided to employees as part of an existing plan that outlines the assistance the company will provide to employees upon termination. That is to say, the company has a documented policy that outlines the benefits a former or inactive employee is entitled to upon termination, as well as the events that trigger this benefit. For example, a company may have a written policy stating employees that lose their jobs as a result of a manufacturing plant closing are entitled to two weeks of severance pay for every year of service with the company.

These benefits can include compensation paid in lump-sums, periodically, or a combination of the two. It may also include supplemental unemployment benefits, job retraining, as well as outplacement services. Companies record these costs according to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 712, Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits. This standard states that companies should accrue contractual termination benefits at the time it is both probable the employee will be entitled to this benefit and the employer can reasonably estimate the amount to be paid. The standard also specifically states the benefit should not be accrued based on an estimated rate of acceptance.

Related Terms

Related Content

  • Is It Worth Pursuing a Master's Degree?
    In an era where education is synonymous with opportunity, many consider pursuing a Master's degree a surefire way to advance their careers. However, is it really the golden ticket to success we've been led to believe?
    March 21st, 2024
  • The gender pay gap, the persistent disparity in average earnings between men and women throughout their careers, serves as a critical measure of wage inequality. This gap underscores the ongoing issue of income disparity, despite the ideal of equal pay for equal work.
    March 14th, 2024
  • 7 Essential Financial Moves After Losing Your Job
    Navigating the stormy seas of job loss? You're not alone.
    February 23rd, 2024
  • The Most In-Demand Skills to Get Hired in 2024
    Every job requires a combination of vital skills, but what skillset is valued most in 2024? As the job market evolves, staying ahead means it’s key to understand and acquire the skills that employers value most.
    April 12th, 2024
  • Key Productivity in the Workplace Statistics for 2024
    In 2023, global employee engagement saw a slight uptick, with 23% of employees engaged, up by two percentage points. However, a sizable 59% are categorized as disengaged, while actively disengaged employees, known as "loud quitting," declined to 18%. These figures highlight the persistent challenge for organizations to cultivate happiness and productivity in the workplace.
    January 31st, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.