Articles

Plain-English answers for the first 60 days after a layoff.

Just Laid OffHealth InsuranceUnemploymentSeveranceOld 401(k)Bills & Debt

Just Laid Off

A man sitting on a bench outside an office building with a box of his things

Just Laid Off

Just laid off? What to do in the first 60 days, in order

Most of the deadlines that cost real money land in the first 60 days.

4 min read

Health Insurance

A mother reading a health insurance letter at the kitchen table next to her son

Health Insurance

Health insurance after a layoff: COBRA vs. the marketplace vs. Medicaid

You have 60 days after losing job-based coverage to pick COBRA or a marketplace plan.

5 min read

Unemployment

A young man filling out an unemployment application on his laptop

Unemployment

How to file for unemployment after a layoff: Who qualifies, what you get, and how to keep payments coming

Most states pay for up to 26 weeks, and benefits usually start from the week you file.

4 min read

Severance

A woman reading a severance agreement at her desk

Severance

Before you sign a severance agreement: What you get and what you give up

If you're 40 or older, federal law gives you at least 21 days to decide (45 in a group layoff) and 7 days to take it back.

5 min read

Old 401(k)

A couple looking over a retirement statement on a tablet

Old 401(k)

Your old 401(k) after a layoff: Leave it, move it, or cash it out

Nothing forces a decision in the first 60 days, unless you have a 401(k) loan or $7,000 or less in the account.

5 min read

Bills & Debt

A man sorting his bills at a table

Bills & Debt

Paying the bills after a layoff: Hardship programs, free help, and what to avoid

Asking for a hardship plan before a missed payment keeps the most options open.

5 min read