Ten Steps to Take If You’re Laid Off

With unemployment rates on the rise, some of you may fear that you are about to be terminated (and some of you may have been terminated) from employment. The following is a list of suggestions on steps you can take if you are laid off. This information is general and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

1. Record What Was Said in the Termination Meeting

As soon as you are able, write down what was said in the meeting while the events are still fresh in your memory. You may need it when you talk to an attorney. Even if you do not seek legal advice, it does not hurt you to have things written down.

2. Know What You’re Entitled to If You Sign a Severance Agreement.

Employers are not legally obligated to pay you severance upon termination of your employment, but it is not uncommon today for terminated employees to be offered some amount of severance upon termination. You can always ask about severance pay, the full amount of your final paycheck, accrued vacation and sick pay, personal days, pension benefits, expense reimbursements, bonuses, future commission, etc. Be aware that if you sign a release of liability that comes with your severance agreement, you are waiving all rights to sue. If your employer offers a severance agreement, it is a good idea for you to review it with an attorney before you sign it. Do not release your employer without consulting an employment lawyer first.

3. Apply for Unemployment Benefits Promptly.

Unemployment Compensation protects workers against job loss by providing temporary income support to people who become unemployed through no fault of their own. UC Benefits are paid, for a limited time, to individuals who are able and available for suitable work, and are actively seeking new employment. To qualify for UC benefits, you must have performed services covered under the Pennsylvania UC Law, and must have worked for an employer who is required by the UC Law or elects to pay into the UC Fund. Go to PA UC Benefits for more information.

Standing in line at an unemployment office is a thing of the past. Now, you may conveniently and easily file your initial application for benefits over the Internet (Keyword: unemployment). You may also file your application by phone through one of eight UC Service Centers statewide. After filing your initial application, claims for benefit weeks for which you are unemployed can be filed on the Internet, or by calling Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT).

NOTE: UC Service Centers experience a heavier call volume on Mondays. For faster service, call Tuesday through Friday when call volume is lighter.

Here’s what you need when you file an application:
Your Social Security Number
Your PA driver’s license number (if you have one)
Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Name and address of employer(s)
Your Employer Information Form (if you have one)
Your mailing address
Dates of employment and reasons for leaving
Your most recent pay stub (optional, but helpful)
Your Personal Identification Number, PIN (if you have one)

4. Update Your Resume and Put Together a Job Hunting Campaign

If you are filing unemployment compensation benefits, you must be diligently looking for a job. Now is a good time to update your resume and put together a job hunting campaign. As soon as you are able to, look for other work, send out your resume to as many employers as possible, and reach out to all your contacts.

5. Network, Network, Network

You should reach out to your professional and social networks, even if you are not asking them to give you a job. Meet with them, get their advice, pick their brains, and ask them to let you know if they hear of any job openings.

6. Apply for Health Insurance Through COBRA

Your employer, if it has over 20 employees, is mandated by law to offer health insurance coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). COBRA gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. You may be required to pay the entire premium for coverage up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan.

7. Prioritize Your Bills and Prepare a Monthly Budget

Money is going to be tight now. You need to go over your bills and set a budget so that it will be less stressful for you. Do you really need that pair of shoes? Do you really need HBO? Prepare to be without a job for a while in this economy and plan accordingly.

8. Maintain a Good Relationship with Your (Ex)Employer

To the extent that you can, maintain a good relationship with your former employer. You never know when you will need his/her recommendation letter. I know it’s hard not to feel bitter, but don’t burn any bridges. If your employer asks you to remove your personal belongings, do so at your earliest convenience (if you want to do that outside of regular work hours, make that request). Cooperate with your employer and give back all keys and ID badges if requested. Feel free to ask for a recommendation letter from your employer as soon as possible. Your pride may be wounded, but do not write a letter of protest to your employer or your Congressional delegation, engage in physical harm, remove anything that does not belong to you, refuse to return your employer’s property, or do anything that you may regret doing.

9. Talk to an Employment Lawyer

If you feel that you’ve been wronged, or that you were subjected to discrimination or retaliation, talk to an employment lawyer who is better able to evaluate your case. A lot of employment lawyers will offer free consultation and case evaluation. You need to understand your rights and the nature of your case so that you will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether to file a lawsuit.

10. Don’t Take It Personally

Losing a job can cause shame, humiliation, and embarrassment. You may feel depressed and lose your self-esteem. Yes, it’s a very stressful time. But don’t take it personally. Thousands and thousands of people have lost their jobs in this economy. Don’t hibernate, and be good to yourself. If you need it, seek emotional counseling. Let your friends and family be there for you. Remember, time heals everything.

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In communicating with us through this blog, you should not provide any confidential information to us concerning any potential or actual legal matter you may have.