AI-Safe Careers - Job loss support and next-steps checklist
Reviewed: 2026-07-12

NEED IMMEDIATE HELP?
In the U.S., call or text 988. In immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.
Outside the U.S.: https://findahelpline.com/

FIRST 72 HOURS
[ ] Keep the records you already have
    Save your separation notice, final-pay information, benefits contacts, recent pay stubs, and non-confidential evidence of your own work. Note any response deadlines.
[ ] Start the unemployment process
    Use the U.S. Department of Labor state-office finder and follow your state program's current instructions. Keep confirmation numbers and copies of what you submit.
    https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
[ ] Confirm when job-based health coverage ends
    Compare the current options described by HealthCare.gov and the Department of Labor. Record the dates and contacts that apply to your plan before choosing.
    https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/
[ ] Make a one-page cash and bills list
    List available cash, expected income, essential bills, due dates, and automatic payments. Contact providers early if you may miss a payment.
    https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/unexpected-job-loss/
[ ] Protect food, housing, medication, and utilities first
    If any basic need is at risk, call 211 in the U.S. or use its local-resource search. Government benefit finders can identify additional programs.
    https://www.211.org/
[ ] Tell one trusted person what happened
    Ask for a check-in and name one practical kind of help you would welcome, such as reviewing paperwork, sharing a meal, or making an introduction.

NEXT 7 DAYS
[ ] Follow every open benefits and separation item
    Keep a short list of applications, requested documents, contacts, and next dates. Use the official source for each current rule.
[ ] Review health and retirement documents without rushing
    Locate plan statements and the employer benefits contact. Use Department of Labor guidance to understand the choices before making an irreversible move.
    https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/workers-and-families/changing-jobs-and-job-loss
[ ] Write a factual accomplishment inventory
    While the work is fresh, list projects, scope, tools, outcomes, and people who can verify them. Do not take confidential employer material.
[ ] Update one clear resume version
    Start with verified facts from your accomplishment inventory. A usable first version is more valuable than waiting for a perfect rewrite.
[ ] Reconnect with people who know your work
    Tell former colleagues, clients, mentors, or friends what kind of work you are exploring and the specific help you need.
[ ] Give job search and paperwork separate time
    Use distinct blocks for applications, networking, benefits, and finances so urgent administration is not buried under job boards.
[ ] Find free local employment support
    CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, connects job seekers with American Job Centers, training, and layoff resources.
    https://www.careeronestop.org/HowTo/AfterALayoff/after-a-layoff.aspx
[ ] Revisit the short-term financial plan
    Update your cash and bills list with real information from benefits, severance, and household income. Contact lenders or providers before a missed payment when possible.
    https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/unexpected-job-loss/

OFFICIAL AND VERIFIED RESOURCES
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
- Find A Helpline: https://findahelpline.com/
- SAMHSA treatment locators: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/locators
- 211: https://www.211.org/
- USAGov Benefit Finder: https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder
- HealthCare.gov after job-based coverage: https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/
- CFPB unexpected job loss tools: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/unexpected-job-loss/
- U.S. Department of Labor unemployment insurance: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
- DOL job-loss benefits guidance: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/workers-and-families/changing-jobs-and-job-loss
- CareerOneStop after a layoff: https://www.careeronestop.org/HowTo/AfterALayoff/after-a-layoff.aspx

Practical information and resource signposting, not medical, legal, or financial advice.