7-Day Layoff Recovery Checklist
A day-by-day action plan for the critical first week after a layoff
Note: Every situation is unique. This checklist provides general guidance. Consult professionals for legal, tax, and financial advice specific to your situation.
How to Use This Checklist
The first week after a layoff is critical. You have urgent deadlines for severance decisions, unemployment filing, health insurance enrollment, and benefit deadlines. This checklist breaks them down by day.
Not all items will apply to your situation, but they're designed to help you catch important deadlines and make informed decisions.
The 7-Day Plan
Confirm Layoff Details & Collect Documents
- Get your written layoff notice and separation agreement
- Request copies of all employment documents (offer letter, handbook, pay stubs)
- Note the layoff date, last day worked, and any severance details
- Save emails confirming job loss for your records
- Ask HR about COBRA eligibility, unused PTO, and benefits deadlines
Review Severance & Review Deadlines
- Review severance offer and calculate net amount (use our Severance Tax Calculator)
- Check for severance conditions (non-compete, non-disparagement clauses)
- Note all deadlines (when severance is paid, when benefits end, COBRA election period)
- Consider negotiating severance if it seems low for your tenure
- Consult an employment attorney if the offer is confusing or you want to negotiate
File Unemployment or Review Eligibility
- Visit your state unemployment office website (Google "[State] unemployment")
- File for unemployment benefits immediately (waiting reduces your total benefits)
- Provide layoff documentation and severance information (required by most states)
- Estimate your weekly benefit using our Unemployment Benefits Estimator
- Note the first payment date and verify direct deposit setup
Compare Health Insurance Options
- Review your COBRA notice from your employer (you have 60 days to elect)
- Compare COBRA cost vs. ACA Marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov
- Use our COBRA vs Marketplace Calculator to see real costs with subsidies
- Enroll in your chosen plan within the 60-day deadline
- Set up autopay so you don't miss a premium and lose coverage
Build Your Emergency Budget
- List all monthly expenses (rent, utilities, food, insurance, debt payments)
- Calculate essential monthly expenses vs. discretionary (use our Emergency Budget Calculator)
- Identify quick cuts (subscriptions, dining out, entertainment)
- Create a realistic monthly budget for the next 6-12 months
- Add emergency buffer to your budget for unexpected costs
Update Resume, LinkedIn & Job Search
- Update your resume with recent achievements and skills
- Update LinkedIn profile with current title and open to work status
- Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor
- Reach out to 5-10 people in your network about opportunities
- Research target companies and roles that interest you
Review 401(k), Benefits & Financial Decisions
- Understand your 401(k) options (leave, rollover, withdraw) using our Decision Helper
- If rolling over, open an IRA and coordinate with a CPA
- Review life insurance, disability, and dental benefits expiration dates
- Plan how to extend health insurance after COBRA/Marketplace plan
- Calculate your financial runway using our Runway Calculator
After Day 7: Next Steps
By the end of day 7, you've addressed the critical deadlines. Now focus on:
Job Search
Ramp up your applications and networking. Your runway determines how much time you have.
Financial Planning
Monitor your burn rate, look for ways to extend your runway, and plan for next steps.
Mental Health
Layoffs are stressful. Give yourself time to process, lean on your network, and take care of yourself.
Use the Financial Tools
This checklist references several free calculators. Use them to make informed financial decisions during your recovery.
Access Financial ToolsKey Resources
Important Disclaimer
This checklist provides general guidance only. LayoffNext does not provide legal, tax, financial, unemployment, insurance, or employment advice. Verify all decisions with official sources and qualified professionals. Every layoff situation is unique—consult appropriate professionals (attorney, CPA, financial advisor) for personalized guidance.