The information presented here offers guidance for anyone who's received a layoff or furlough notice. It can help you learn what to expect, understand implications for benefits, prepare to secure a new position, deal with emotional fallout, and more.

Five Things to Do First

If you've received a layoff or furlough notice, take these five steps right away. Even if you don't have time to read all the material presented on this site—or don't feel like it immediately—address the following:

1. Know your rights and responsibilities. Review information specific to your job classification and ask questions of your supervisor or local HR professional.
2. Learn what happens to your benefits. Some important deadlines can affect your health insurance or retirement accounts.
3. Review your paycheck for automatic payroll-deduction items. Cancel any you no longer need by contacting specific departments on campus (e.g. Parking to cancel a parking deduction).
4. Connect with Iowa Workforce Development to get information about unemployment insurance benefits.
5. Think about contacting the Employee Assistance Program to visit with a counselor. EAP provides free and confidential counseling for you and your family members, and can make a referral for free financial counseling consultation.