Discover how to ask for relocation assistance from your employer. In this article, we will walk you through the steps for requesting relocation assistance.
How to Ask for Relocation Assistance?
Relocating to a new place for either personal or professional reasons can be exciting but also quite intimidating. It is a major decision and one that requires careful consideration and planning. One of the most important steps in the relocation process is to determine whether or not you need assistance from your current employer or future employer. Often, employers will provide financial assistance with moving costs if they deem it necessary.
Although you may be anxious to start a new chapter in your life, employers only look kindly upon employees who abide by their relocation policy. Such requests can also leave a negative impression on the employer that could reflect poorly on you. Therefore, it is important to follow protocol when requesting assistance with relocating costs.
How Relocation Assistance Packages Work?
A relocation assistance package can be written in a variety of ways. The employer might give you a lump sum to spend however you wish. Some companies require you to pay upfront and then reimburse them. The most advantageous arrangement for employees is a direct billing model, in which employers pay vendors directly. In most cases, you won’t be able to negotiate this type of relocation package.
Certain services have dollar maximums that are tightly structured. A structured policy may need to be negotiated if its benefits aren’t aligned with your needs. The relocation program is managed by some employers in-house; the relocation management company (RMC) is used by others.
A relocation management company (RMC) can be either traditional, in which relocation specialists coordinate new hires’ relocations, or a modern, tech-based one, which allows employees to manage their relocations online, with live assistance as needed.
Having all of these things in perspective will help you negotiate your relocation package by allowing you to weigh your needs against what your company offers you.
How to Ask for Relocation Assistance for a New Job?
It is important to submit your relocation request to your current employer as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may become more difficult for the employer to accommodate the situation. Submit a request for relocation assistance in writing format. In the letter, clearly explain why you need relocation assistance.
Explain that you would like to start at a new employer and ask them to reimburse half of the move expenses (travel costs, local housing charge, and other non-work related expenses such as rent). Make sure that you mention in the letter if you are going to be an employee or self-employed. This will help your employer determine whether they will cover all of these expenses or not.
Here are some more tips for how to ask for relocation assistance:
Be honest
If you do not follow their relocation policy, it can harm your job application. Therefore, be honest and upfront with your employer so that they understand the situation and can allow you to move on with your new job.
Request budget reimbursem*nt
Request budget reimbursem*nt based on the employer’s relocation policy.
Explain expenses
In the budget, state a separate line for the cost of your relocation or relocation assistance. Make sure you explain why you must move and include all supporting documentation. You can also include a note from your employer and ask them to reimburse half of the amount.
Keep a record of expenses
Keep records of your relocation expenses so that you can show them to your employer when you ask for a reimbursem*nt. Be sure to keep all receipts and other supporting documentation.
Receive your reimbursem*nt
After you have followed all the steps and your employer has agreed to reimburse your relocation costs, you should receive a check or reimbursem*nt within a reasonable amount of time.
Thank the employer
Finally, be sure to thank your employer for their cooperation and assistance with the situation.
Follow up
If you believe they still need to follow through with their relocation policy or are still waiting to receive reimbursem*nt after several weeks, contact them and let them know that you are still awaiting repayment.
Step 1: Ask to See their Relocation Assistance Policy
In many companies, relocation assistance policies explain what services they will provide and how they will be provided. To find out what to expect, ask for this policy before asking for anything. The following information can help you if you don’t have one in place or if you need assistance with something that isn’t explicit.
Step 2: Find Out What Your Employer’s Relocation Assistance Policy is
Relocation is an expensive process. Allied Global Workplace Mobility Survey reports thatrelocating a single employee can cost up to $100,000. As a result, companies are cautious about how much they spend. Smart employers realize, however, that once they’ve hired a talented employee, they will save the company far more in the long run than what they paid upfront.
If it will take more than six months to become productive and provide that return, companies will spend a little more on training to reduce that time. The best companies take this approach. It costs companies more than twice as much to onboard new employees who get up to speed quickly. In order to help you become more productive, your potential employer will be willing to help you if you can deliver the results they’re looking for.
Step 3: Weighing the Components of Relocation Assistance
Because relocation costs vary so much by distance, amount, and location, it is impossible to put a dollar amount on them. To get a more concrete idea of what’s covered by your policy, here are a few things to consider:
- A move to a new residence will require the transportation of household goods
- The assistance with the purchase or sale of a home or the search for a rental house hunting expenses
- Employees and their families have to move to a new location and incur travel expenses
- In case of need, temporary housing is provided along with temporary storage for household items
- The benefit of a tax gross-up. Many employers elect to cover relocation benefits because the tax is taxable to employees.
You should identify the benefits that are most important to you and compare them with what the company is offering. You may want to request accommodations as part of the larger negotiation process for a job offer.
Step 4: How to Ask for More Relocation Assistance
Negotiations are expected between employers and employees, including relocation. It is possible that the company will reject your request. Therefore, it’s best to frame your counteroffer so that both parties benefit from it.
Employers who make job offers indicate that they want you on their team. The company is showing its desire to get you up to speed as soon as possible by offering relocation assistance. You’re more likely to get what you want if you tie your requests to these objectives.
Ask for short-term housing and temporary storage if you expect to need more time to sell your house and buy another. Explain that a tax gross-up will provide peace of mind, which will help you be more productive. A compromise may be necessary if you cannot accept everything. Get your agreement in writing if you’re successful in your negotiations.
Conclusion
Relocation can be tough on you mentally and financially. We hope that this article has helped you better understand how to ask for relocation assistance, and everything flows smoothly for you if you are relocating to another area. If you need help with auto relocation, keep RCG Logistics in mind to get the best prices and the friendliest service! We can help get your vehicle to your destination safely, and our agents handle everything for you so you don’t have to worry about it.
FAQs
1. How much do I have to pay for moving costs?
When it comes to moving, you’ll need to pay for something. If you are looking at company policy, you should know that most policies only cover some portion of the actual expenses associated with your move. This is why it’s a good idea to work closely with the company’s HR department or management to determine how much money should be set aside for this purpose. You can also research average moving costs and use this information to determine how much money should be set aside.
2. Do I still get paid while on my relocation?
If you work for a large company, you still get paid while being relocated. The only time this would not apply is if you were fired and laid off. In this case, you would not be paid while being relocated.
3. What is moving expense?
As the name implies, relocation expenses include money related to your move and help with the process. It can include money for travel, storage, and on-site services that are necessary for your move.
4. What does a moving company do?
When you talk about moving companies in general terms, it’s important to note that they offer a wide range of services related to different aspects of relocating. You’ll find that some companies only focus on your move, while other companies offer services like packing and unpacking assistance.
5. What are the general rules for moving?
When you talk about moving, certain rules and regulations should be followed to ensure that it will run smoothly and as planned. Things to keep in mind regarding general moving regulations include creating a plan (on paper or otherwise) for your move and sticking to the plan whenever possible. Also, remember that all expenses associated with your move should be budgeted ahead of time, with a breakdown of the costs and their estimated cost using a standard rate.
6. What is a moving company policy?
When discussing moving company policies, it’s important to note that they apply to different situations. For example, certain policies only apply if you move into another city. Other policies may apply when you move within the same city or state.
7. What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is basically money that can be used and given to people who qualify and meet certain criteria in the form of a deduction on their tax documents. The advantages of getting a tax credit include that it’s much easier to claim the credit than to claim an actual deduction for your expenses. Other financial benefits are associated with getting a tax credit, such as making higher payments toward your taxes and reducing the amount of money you end up paying in taxes.
8. What is an exemption?
An exemption is basically a type of tax credit that is only given to people who qualify and meet certain criteria in the form of a deduction on their tax documents. The advantages of getting an exemption include that it’s much easier to claim the exemption than to claim an actual deduction for your expenses. Other financial benefits are associated with getting an exemption, such as making higher taxes towards your taxes and one less thing on your mind while filing your taxes each year.
9. What are the costs of a company moving policy?
When you talk about companies that offer moving policies, it’s important to note that there is no set price for their services. This is why it’s so important to look at the different needs of your company and determine what options would benefit you the most. In doing so, you’ll be able to determine what price range your services should fall into.
10. What is a tax deduction?
A tax deduction is basically money that can be used and given to people who qualify and meet certain criteria in the form of a deduction on their tax documents. The advantages of getting a tax deduction include that it’s much easier to claim the deduction than to claim an existing exemption for your expenses. Other financial benefits are associated with getting a tax deduction, such as making higher payments toward your taxes and reducing the amount of money you end up paying in taxes.
11. What is an allowance for moving?
An allowance for moving is a type of reimbursem*nt that is given to people who are relocating or moving from one place to another, but this allowance comes from their employer or company.
