Required During Layoffs

Are you wondering if there are specific actions required during layoffs? The actions that you'll need to take if you are laid off from work will vary based on your specific circumstances, the requirements for receiving unemployment compensation in your state, and what steps you need to take in order to secure new employment. There are several things that you can – and should – do to minimize the financial impact of job loss and to secure new employment as quickly as possible.

Why do layoffs occur?

Typically, filing an unemployment compensation claim is the first action required during layoffs. The sooner you file your claim, the faster you'll be able to begin receiving benefits (assuming you meet the eligibility criteria). To apply for benefits, you'll need to find out and follow the procedures required for your state. See the list of state labor offices published on the United States Department of Labor's (DOL) website to find contact information for the agency in charge of unemployment compensation in your state.

Each state has its own specific requirements for what actions individuals who have been laid off must follow in order to remain eligible for benefits. Be sure to verify exactly what is expected of you when you are approved for benefits so that you will not experience any problems, such as an interruption in benefit or unexpected loss of eligibility for unemployment compensation.

Generally, to keep receiving unemployment benefits following a layoff, you must be engaged in an active job search process and be available and able to work. You'll likely be required to provide some type of documentation of your efforts to seek employment. Reporting may need to be made each week, or it may not be required so frequently. In some states, registration with the local Career One Stop center is also required during layoffs, or unemployment for another reason, in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

Depending on the type of funding available for Workforce Investment Act retraining programs your state, you may be eligible to participate in federally funded job training opportunities after you lose your job. While there is no requirement for workers who have experienced a layoff to participate in workforce training, it may be a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity if it is made available to you.

If you are out of work for a while, you may want to apply for financial assistance programs beyond the scope of unemployment compensation. Depending on your financial and family situation, you may be eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, WIC, reduced fee school lunches.

If you participated in your employer's group health plan, you may have an option to elect continuation of coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The law applies to all U.S. employers with more than 20 employers that offer group health insurance coverage.

Your employer will provide you with details regarding what you need to do to continue your coverage, assuming that you chose to do so. Be sure to complete the COBRA paperwork within the required time frame and submit all payments for coverage on time to ensure continued participation. Details about COBRA are available on the DOL website.

The sooner you take care of all the important details that are required during layoffs, the faster you'll be able to begin recovering from the difficult situation you are facing. Once you have taken care of the things you have to do, you can begin to focus on additional activities that will allow you to engage in a full-scale job search, such as updating your resume, joining a job seeker or professional networking group, and applying for jobs and registering with reputable employment agencies.

• Top Job Search Websites
• Proper Dress for Job Interviews
• Rules for Collecting Unemployment
• Perfect Job Quiz
• Career Choice Quiz

• K-Mart Job Applications
• Sears Online Employment Application
• Target Job Applications
• Taco Bell Job Applications
• Winn-Dixie Employment Application

• Category:Job Loss
• Definition of Layoff
• Criteria for Employee Layoffs
• Layoffs Employee Rights
• Qualifying for Unemployment