⚡ First 72 Hours

These are your most time-sensitive actions. Do them before anything else.

🔴 File for unemployment benefits immediately

Your benefit year starts from your file date, not your first payment. Every day you delay is money lost.

🔴 Do NOT sign the severance agreement yet

You have at least 21 days (45 days for group layoffs) to review. Signing immediately forfeits your review rights.

🔴 Download all your work documents

Pay stubs, W-2s, performance reviews, offer letter, equity agreements — your access may be cut off today.

Copy important contacts

Save your manager's and colleagues' personal email/phone before your corporate email is deactivated.

🔴 Check your health insurance cutoff date

Coverage usually ends at end of the month. Confirm the exact date and start comparing COBRA vs ACA marketplace.

Photograph or forward any relevant evidence

If you believe your termination was discriminatory or retaliatory, preserve evidence before access is revoked.

📋 First Week

Once the immediate shock has passed, take these steps to protect your finances and legal rights.

🔴 Review your severance agreement carefully

Read every clause. Look for: release of claims, non-compete, non-disparagement, equity terms, COBRA.

Calculate your real severance value

Use our Severance Calculator to check if the offer is fair for your tenure and level.

Calculate your job search runway

Use our Runway Calculator to know exactly how many months you have.

🔴 Elect or waive COBRA coverage

You have 60 days to elect COBRA. Compare it with ACA plans at healthcare.gov — often cheaper for healthy individuals.

🔴 Roll over your 401(k)

Avoid cashing out (taxes + 10% penalty). Roll to an IRA or new employer's plan.

Update your LinkedIn to "Open to Work"

The job market favours speed. Get your profile updated and visible within the first week.

Tell your network — personally

Send personalised messages to 10–15 key contacts. 70% of jobs are filled through referrals.

🔴 Check your final paycheck deadline

Use our Final Paycheck Calculator to know your state's legal deadline.

📅 First Month

Strategic steps to set yourself up for a strong recovery.

🔴 Negotiate your severance — the first offer is rarely final

Ask for more weeks, extended benefits, equity acceleration, or removal of non-compete clauses.

Consult an employment attorney if anything feels wrong

Free consultations are common. Take our lawyer quiz to assess your situation.

Update your resume with measurable achievements

Numbers get interviews: "grew revenue by 40%" beats "responsible for growth".

🔴 Check your non-compete before applying

Take our Non-Compete Checker to understand your restrictions.

🔴 File EEOC charge if discrimination was involved

The deadline is 180–300 days from the discriminatory act. Do not miss this.

🔴 Review your equity and stock options

Use our Equity Calculator — ISOs must be exercised within 90 days.

Set a weekly job-search routine

Treat it like a job: 3 applications, 2 coffees, 1 new skill per week.

Look into freelance/consulting income

Even part-time income extends your runway significantly and keeps skills fresh.

Layoff Survival Checklist — What to Do Right Now

⚡ First 72 Hours

📋 First Week

📅 First Month

Get the Free Severance Negotiation Guide