When an employee is laid off, it is a regular (though not legally mandated) practice for the employer to offer a severance package. This package includes severance pay that is usually based upon years of service to the company and current title. It may also include benefits such as stock options and performance bonuses. Severance benefits may also include extended health care coverage. With regards to this, employers are required to inform laid off employees about COBRA, which enables them to purchase the same health benefits they had while employed for up to 18 months. With the exception of COBRA, the employee is not legally obligated to provide severance benefits, unless they are specified in an employees' contract. Employers may also offer to help laid off employees in their search for new work.