If you’ve been let go from your job, one of the first questions you’ll have is:
How much severance pay should I get in Ontario?
A severance pay chart in Ontario can provide a general estimate of compensation based on years of service. In many cases, employees may be owed anywhere from a few weeks to as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on factors like age, position, and length of employment.
However, there is no fixed formula or standard chart that determines exactly what you’re owed.
Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of typical severance ranges — and how to estimate your entitlement.
Severance Pay Chart (Ontario – General Guidelines)
Below is a general estimate of what employees may be owed under common law:
| Years of Service | Typical Severance Range |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 2 – 4 weeks’ pay |
| 1 – 3 years | 1 – 3 months’ pay |
| 4 – 10 years | 4 – 10 months’ pay |
| 10 – 20 years | 10 – 18 months’ pay |
| 20+ years | Up to 24 months’ pay |
Your actual severance can be significantly higher or lower depending on your situation, especially for short-service employees — whose compensation can be many months.
Why There Is No “Exact” Severance Pay Chart
Unlike minimum standards under the ESA, full severance pay is based on common law.
That means your compensation is determined by several key factors, including:
- Your age
- Your position (seniority matters)
- Your length of service
- Your ability to find new work
- Your compensation (bonus, benefits, etc.)
Want an Exact Number? Use Our Calculator
A chart can only give you a rough idea.
To find out what you my actually be owed, use our free tool:
- Fast and anonymous
- Used by over 1 million Canadians
- Based on real legal outcomes
Most Employers Offer Less Than You’re Owed
Many employees are surprised to learn:
- Initial severance offers are often far below what the law requires.
Employers typically base offers on:
- Minimum ESA requirements
- Internal policies
- Cost-saving strategies
Minimum vs Full Severance (ESA vs Common Law)
It’s critical to understand the difference:
- ESA (minimum) → Often just weeks of pay
- Common law (full severance) → Often months (or more)
What Can Affect Your Severance Amount?
Even within the chart ranges, your compensation can vary significantly.
Factors that can increase severance:
- Long service
- Senior or specialized role
- Older age
- Limited job market opportunities
Factors that can reduce severance:
- Strong employment contract limiting entitlements
- Short tenure
- Easily transferable skills
Special Situations That Change Severance
Your severance may also be impacted by specific circumstances:
- 👉 Terminated Without Cause in Ontario: This is the most common scenario — and where full severance applies.
- 👉 You Quit Your Job: You may not be owed severance, unless there’s constructive dismissal.
- 👉 Salary Continuance in Ontario Instead of Lump Sum: Some employers pay severance over time instead of upfront.
- 👉 Severance Pay and Tax in Ontario: Your payout may be taxed differently depending on how it’s structured.
Average Severance Pay in Ontario
While every case is different:
- Many employees receive 4–12 months’ pay
- Some receive 18–24 months
- Very few receive only ESA minimums — unless they sign too quickly
Don’t Rely on Online Charts Alone
A severance pay chart is helpful — but it’s not enough.
Signing a severance package without legal advice could cost you thousands — or even tens of thousands — of dollars.
Speak to an Ontario Severance Pay Lawyer
Before accepting any offer:
- Have your package reviewed
- Understand your full entitlement
- Avoid leaving money on the table
At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our team has helped thousands of clients understand their rights and maximize their severance packages.
Bottom Line
- There is no fixed severance pay chart in Ontario
- Most employees are owed far more than they’re offered
- The only way to know for sure is to assess your specific situation