Finances After Job Loss

List essential monthly expenses

Include rent/mortgage, utilities, food, insurance, minimum debt payments.

Calculate emergency fund runway

Divide liquid savings by essential monthly costs to get months of coverage.

Gather employment and income documents

Collect pay stubs, contract, termination letter, and recent bank statements.

Apply for unemployment or government benefits

File as soon as possible — use gathered documents for faster processing.

File income-protection or insurance claims

Submit any disability or income-protection claims if covered by policy or employer.

Check final paycheck, severance, and accrued PTO

Confirm amounts, payment dates, and tax treatment with HR or payroll.

Pause or cancel non-essential subscriptions and memberships

Freeze recurring costs that are not immediately needed.

Review bank and credit-card statements for recurring charges

Spot and stop unwanted recurring payments you missed.

Contact mortgage lender, landlord, and creditors to request payment relief

Ask about hardship programs, forbearance, or deferment options.

Review health insurance and coverage options

Check COBRA, partner plans, marketplace, or local alternatives.

Create a temporary lean budget

Prioritize essentials, set weekly spending limits, and postpone big purchases.

Explore short-term freelance or gig income sources

List platforms and apply to quick gigs that match your skills.

Update CV and LinkedIn profile

Highlight recent achievements, add current role details, and tidy formatting.

Reach out to recruiters and send targeted outreach to 5 contacts

Send short, tailored messages with your availability and target roles.

Access mental health and community support resources

List counseling, hotlines, and local job-seeker support groups.