Education

Clinton Savings Bank is not a financial advisor. Please consult with a licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Out of Work?

Getting layoff from job unexpectedly can leave you feeling unsure of what to do next. There are a few important steps to take that can help you shore up your funds while you search for your next job.

Emergency Funds

A healthy emergency fund is one of the most vital ways to protect yourself in periods of unemployment. In general, it’s recommended that you save up 3 months of essential living expenses. This can give you time to search for a new job without the stress of needing funds immediately.

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If you don’t have an emergency fund already prepared, do what you can to make the money you have available last. Restructure your current spending and pull from savings as needed to create a cushion.

Collecting Unemployment

To see if you're eligible for unemployment insurance, simply apply at your state's local unemployment agency office or online. Rules vary from state to state, as does the income you're eligible for. If you’re approved, your benefit lasts until either you find a new job or the insurance expires. The term is usually 26 weeks, though it may be extended in times of large-scale unemployment. Anything earned through unemployment is considered taxable income.

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for other government assistance programs that can help you and your dependents.

Rolling Over Your Retirement

If you participated in a retirement savings plan with your employer, you'll be asked how you want your plan assets handled when you no longer work for them. You own your contributions and any earnings on those contributions. Your employer's vesting schedule determines if you own the contributions your employer has made to your plan.

You may be able to leave the assets in the plan, at least for the time being, but you always have the right to move them into an IRA.

Staying Insured

It's essential to ensure that you have health insurance for yourself and your dependents. If you're married or in a long-term relationship and your spouse or partner has insurance, they may be able to cover you. Most employers offer family plans and some provide coverage for domestic partners. In all likelihood, this will be the least costly option.

If you were insured through your employer's plan, you may be eligible for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for up to 18 months. Unfortunately, it's not cheap. You generally pay the full premium your employer pays, plus up to 2% in administrative fees. But at least you’ll stay covered, which is what matters most.

Early Retirement

Being offered an early retirement package may be less traumatic than being laid off, but it will still require some immediate decisions. If you're part of a pension plan, you may have to choose how your retirement income will be paid. If you don't need the money right away, you might want to ask if you can postpone income until you reach regular retirement age.

If you participated in a 401(k) or other retirement savings plan, you'll want to investigate whether it will be better to start taking income or roll over your account balance into an IRA. It's wise to discuss the alternatives with your employer's human resources officer and ask your financial advisor to recommend a retirement specialist.

You also need to check out health insurance coverage. Your employer may provide benefits until you're eligible for Medicare or you may be eligible for continuing coverage under COBRA under the same terms as people who have been laid off. The one thing you don't want to do is let coverage lapse.

The good news is that retiring doesn't have to be the end of your working life unless you want it to be. There are usually no restrictions against earning a salary while you are drawing from a pension unless you're a state employee who wants to work for another agency covered by the same retirement plan. A new job may also be the solution to the health insurance dilemma—and it may be the perfect opportunity to try a new career.

Making the Transition

It may be worthwhile to ask your employer for a few things before you finish packing up your desk, such as:

• The extension of your health-insurance benefits for as long as possible
• A prorated bonus for the months you've worked
• A faster vesting period for stock options so you can exercise them
• Cash for any unused vacation and sick days

As you figure out what to do next, it’s wise to make some adjustments to your current budget. It may be in your best interest to scale back in certain areas and focus on necessities until you have your next job lined up.

Finding Your Next Job

Of course, the options for finding your next job will vary widely depending on your field and desired role. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start, it may be worth considering a few of these options:

• Search online job boards – A LinkedIn account may be a  great resource
• Reach out to former coworkers, friends, or other connections about job opportunities
• Check the websites of companies in your field for job listings
• Contact your alumni network for connections or assistance
• Take online classes or do training to earn additional certifications
• Apply with a temp agency to get short term jobs while you search

Being proactive can make a job loss much easier to manage. No matter your situation, you have options that can help catapult you to your next position.

Disclaimer

While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today.