If you know someone at HP or HPE who is dealing with possible layoff or retirement, or has recently left, send them this link. Practical advice from alumni who have gone through past cycles -- including action to quietly take now even if not expecting to leave. Leaving HP or HPE (Public website. No password required.)

Helping each other with life after HP/HPE. Forums and updates with Q-and-A discussions on details of COBRA and retiree health benefits, transition to Medicare, stock, 401(k), pensions, and other financial issues. Operated by volunteers. Not officially endorsed or supported.

Join our forums. If formerly a regular, direct U.S. employee of HP or HPE -- or in the process of leaving. We welcome others who could benefit from our forums and updates: spouses/partners, those receiving company benefits -- dependents, DEC and EDS retirees -- and heirs with HP/HPE-related stock. No charge, thanks to HPAA's Supporting Members. Join at hpalumni.org/join

(Feb 3, 2024)

HP (HP Inc.) contacts for former employees:  HPAA's directory of HP contacts  

HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company) contacts for former employees:  HPAA's directory of HPE contacts

2. HPAA member advice  

If leaving or recently left: ASAP Checklist. Practical advice from HP/HPE alumni on what to do before losing access to company systems -- and in the following few weeks. Supplements the official checklists.

Classification as a "retiree." If an employee left at 55 or older with at least 10 years of service, or left after 2010 with age-plus-years-of-service of at least 80, or left under an early retirement program -- HP and HPE generally classify the employee as "retired" -- regardless of how they left and whether or not they have any retiree benefits. (HPE also mentions "...or age 55 or older with at least 70 age-plus-service 'points' for equity grants.") This is reported to outside payroll and employment verification services, but doesn't seem to have any negative consequences. Inquiries from state Unemployment Dept. claims examiners go to a specific group in HR, which replies via letter. Over the years, members have reported that HP did not block their UI claims. 

To determine if you have any HP, HPE, or DEC retiree or dependent health benefits:
- Download the most recent HP or HP Enterprise Enrollment Guide here on the HPAlumni website: Enrollment Guides.  Lots packed into an Enrollment Guide. Even if you have a paper copy, download the current file and Use Adobe Reader's search feature to find specific words or phrases (Ctrl-F; Command-F on a Mac.)
- Then call the appropriate Benefits Center to go over your specific situation in detail -- which may include COBRA, reimbursement accounts, Medicare, coverage for dependents, etc. Phone numbers and member advice: HPAA's Contacts page  

To determine if you have any forgotten HP, HPE, DEC, or EDS pension benefits:  HP    HPE    EDS    DEC   

Received a "Potential Private Retirement Benefit" letter from U.S. Social Security? It shows your last transaction ("Year Reported.") Look up the "Type of Benefit" and "Payment Frequency" codes on the back. Who to contact: Potential Benefit letter

Make sure that the legal successor to every company you ever worked for has your current postal address. Even if not classified by the company as a "Retiree" or if long gone -- in case of pension plan changes, employment lawsuits, settlements, or other issues. (HP Inc. is the legal successor to companies acquired by Hewlett-Packard before the company was split into HP Inc and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, including DEC, EDS, etc.) Update address at former company

Service at predecessor companies. Of HPInc's many predecessor companies, only HP and DEC ever had retiree healthcare programs. Only HP, DEC, and EDS ever had pension plans. Over the years, HP, DEC, and EDS set aside money in dedicated trust funds to pay for those programs. Therefore, employees of other acquisitions did not get credit under HP's retiree healthcare or pension programs for service at the predecessor -- but generally did get service credit for other benefits. Details: DEC Benefits  EDS Benefits

Which HP-related companies have me classified as a retiree or former employee? Due to acquisitions and spinoffs, this may not be obvious. Check here: Which Company

Info for those who worked at:  Agilent    Autonomy    Compaq    DEC    DXC    EDS    HP    HPE    Keysight    Micro Focus    Perspecta    Tandem    Other acquisitions and spinoffs 

Update and strengthen your LinkedIn profile. Even if not currently looking, you need a strong, credible profile on LinkedIn. Reconnect with people who know your work. Strengthen your profile to be found by recruiting bots. Your profile may have been automatically changed. Member advice: hpalumni.org/LinkedIn

Join the "Hewlett-Packard / HPE - Unofficial" group on LinkedIn (HPAA membership not required.) 

Sorting out the different types of financial salespeople and advisors. Member Advice: How to Choose a Financial Advisor.

Question? Email: info@hpalumni.org