[blindlaw] concerned for a friend

[Albrektson, David M CIV 70, FFSC]

The folowing post has no disability-related issues although I wonder if there may be some issues re: age-discrimination - not sure if it's OK to post to this list.  My apology if this post is outside the list's scope.  I'm just interested in getting some feedback, ideas, etc.

A friend of mine, 61 y/o, was told recently by her employer that 'your skill-set no longer matches our needs' and she was let go from her job.  She's worked as a bookkeeper for this small company for almost 10 years.  Strangely, the employer is paying her some kind of a severance pay, although rather than lump-summing it, they're giving her a weekly check.  My friend has no idea what the amount of her severance will be...severance  was never discussed, never spelled-out, and she has been unable to obtain clarification from the employer despite her requests for same.  My friend says she cannot apply for unemployment compensation at this time because she is still receiving money from her former employer.  She is dubious she will find another job here in Rhode Island - lousy economy and she says 'Who's going to employ a 61 year-old woman?'.  She is worried that if she does not apply for unemployment benefits within a certain time period, she may miss-out on the government's offer for 'extended benefits'.  She's also concerned that while she was formerly identified as 'fully vested' in the company's retirement plan, her current status has been changed  to '80% vested'.  I've advised her to consult an attorney and she is considering so doing but has not moved on this matter as yet.  

Dav eA
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