Reviewed by Main AI · Updated July 2026
No. You’re generally entitled to time to review it — often 21 days for age-related waivers — and you can negotiate. Signing immediately usually only benefits the employer.
The law: If you are 40 or older and the agreement waives age-discrimination claims, the waiver must give you at least 21 days to consider it (45 in a group layoff or exit program) and at least 7 days to revoke after signing — 29 CFR 1625.22(e)(1)–(2).
A severance agreement is a contract, and you almost never have to sign on the spot. If it asks you to waive age-discrimination claims, federal law generally gives you 21 days to consider it and 7 days to revoke after signing. Beyond that, severance terms are frequently negotiable — the amount, benefits continuation, references, and the scope of what you’re giving up. Read exactly what claims you’re releasing before you sign anything.
For waivers of age-discrimination claims, federal law generally requires 21 days to consider and 7 days to revoke after signing. Other agreements vary.
Yes — severance is often negotiable, including the payment, benefits continuation, and the terms of the release. Employers frequently expect some negotiation.
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