Lay-Off Toolkit

--From your local Workforce Center--

Helpful Information 

After losing your job, you're  probably wondering what's next? To minimize stress, we recommend that you immediately take stock of your current situation including your finances.  To be successful in your job search, you will need to get control of your time and structure your day.  Let others in your professional network know you are looking for work and establish a profile on LinkedIn if you haven't already. Get connected with your local workforce center and register for work. Put your resume in order, write a good cover letter, and update your references.  Business cards with your contact information and a summary of your skills may help you to network more effectively. 

Watch the videos on this site to learn more about the resources that are available to you before, during and after a layoff. 


Take control of your next steps...

When you lose your job,  you will likely lose your employer sponsored healthcare. The loss of your healthcare through no fault of your own is one of the circumstances that opens up a special enrollment period so that you can purchase healthcare insurance outside of the normal enrollment period.

To learn more about your healthcare options, click here.

Remember that Connect for Health Colorado is the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly costs of health insurance.

You can get free, virtual, and in-person help is available from certified Connect for Health Colorado enrollment experts located throughout the state. Visit https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/assisters/ to find assistance in your area.


If you've lost your job through no fault of your own, there is a financial safety net called unemployment insurance. Your employer paid into a fund from which you can draw benefits when you lose your job through no fault of your own if you are eligible.

For a quick summary of how to file for unemployment insurance benefits click here.

For answers to frequently asked questions such as the ones below, go here.


Managing your finances after a job Loss

Whether you've experienced a layoff, reduced hours, lost wages and tips,  or increased financial expenses,  know that many organizations are rallying to help those impacted by COVID-19.  That includes government, state, and local programs as well as programs available from many of your creditors.  Knowing where to go for help, what to ask, and how to document your situation are all key aspects of getting the help you may need.  In this video produced by Money Management International you will learn about four main strategies around managing your finances during and after the pandemic. You will learn to analyze your available resources to keep your household running and get the help you may need. This video will also share a priority based spending plan using the resources you've identified. You will also learn to work with creditors to ask for forbearance, payment arrangements, and other options. It will also discuss implementing a recovery plan after the pandemic is over and your finances are getting back to normal. 

Retirement and group term life insurance decisions after job loss

When you lose your job, if your employer offered a retirement plan in which you participated such as a 401K,  401a, 457 or other plan, you will need to make a decision about what to do with those funds when you leave the company.  There are typically several options from which to choose. These options may include leaving it, moving it, rolling it into another plan, or cashing out a portion or the entire amount.  Each of these decisions may have a negative or positive impact on your taxes, penalties, and unemployment insurance benefits,  so it is best to know as much as you can before making these decisions.

Did you know that some employer sponsored group life insurance plans may be portable which means that when you leave your company you can keep the plan?

Listen to this video to learn more about the options available to you.