What To Do After Being Laid Off: The First 48 Hours
US employers recorded 21.2 million layoffs and discharges in 2025 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, JOLTS). If you're one of them, you're far from alone, and you likely have more time than it feels like. A few things are urgent; most aren't.
In the first 48 hours
- ☐ Breathe. Don't sign anything yet. Severance agreements usually come with time to review (see the severance agreement checklist).
- ☐ Save your paperwork: the layoff letter, the severance offer, your last pay stubs, benefits information. Forward only personal documents (like pay stubs and benefit statements) to your personal email, following company policy.
- ☐ Write down what you were told: last day, final paycheck, unused vacation, benefits end date.
- ☐ Ask HR questions in writing (questions to ask HR).
- ☐ File for unemployment with your state as soon as you're eligible (how to file).
In the first week
- ☐ Health insurance: compare COBRA, the Marketplace and a spouse's plan (COBRA vs. Marketplace). Deadlines apply.
- ☐ Money: list your cash, severance and unemployment, and cut the obvious costs (layoff budget).
- ☐ Call creditors early if you'll struggle to pay. Hardship programs work better before you miss payments.
- ☐ 401(k): you don't need to decide now (401(k) options).
In the first month
- ☐ Update your resume and LinkedIn
- ☐ Tell your network (LinkedIn post ideas)
- ☐ Set up a job application tracker
- ☐ Make a weekly plan, and keep one day a week for rest
Look after yourself
Losing a job is a real loss. Talk to someone you trust. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
The Laid-Off Action Kit has a first-48-hours checklist, a 30-day plan and a job search and money tracker.
Laid-Off Action Kit — $12
18-page workbook: first 48 hours, questions for HR, severance review, unemployment, COBRA vs. Marketplace, runway budget and a job application tracker. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Laid-Off Action KitFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- Questions To Ask HR When You Are Laid Off
- Severance Agreement Checklist: What To Review Before You Sign
- How To File for Unemployment After a Layoff
- COBRA vs. Marketplace After a Layoff: How To Choose
- Layoff Budget: How To Calculate Your Financial Runway
- What To Do With Your 401(k) After a Layoff
- Job Application Tracker: How To Organize Your Job Search
- How To Announce a Layoff on LinkedIn (With Examples)
- How To Negotiate Severance: A Polite, Practical Approach