Layoff Runway Calculator
First, find out exactly
how much time you have.
A layoff turns everything into questions. This answers the first one with arithmetic instead of anxiety: how many months your savings and severance actually cover, and when you need the next offer — not sooner.
Your runway will appear here.
Start with the two numbers that matter most: what you have, and what a month costs you. Everything is calculated on this page — nothing you type is sent or stored anywhere.
The first week, in four moves
None of these require energy you don’t have right now. Each one protects money you’ve already earned.
Don't sign the severance agreement on the spot
You're usually given time to review — if you're 40 or older, US law often requires 21 days (45 for group layoffs). Read what you're waiving, and ask calmly about more weeks of pay, extended healthcare, equity vesting dates, and a neutral reference. The worst realistic outcome of asking is hearing “no.”
File for unemployment insurance in week one
Benefits are something you already paid for — filing is not a favor you're asking. Claims generally can't be backdated to before you file, and severance affects timing differently by state, so apply first and let the state sort out when payments start.
Choose your health coverage deliberately
You typically have 60 days to elect COBRA, and it's retroactive to your last day — so you can wait, stay covered in effect, and only pay if something happens. Compare it against an ACA marketplace plan (losing coverage opens a special enrollment window) or joining a spouse's plan, usually within 30 days.
Leave your 401(k) alone for now
There's no deadline pressure here. Keeping it, or rolling it into an IRA or your next employer's plan, are all fine moves later. Cashing out early usually costs income tax plus a 10% penalty. Do check two things now: your vesting date and any outstanding 401(k) loan, which can come due after separation.
This checklist is general information for US workers, not legal or financial advice. Severance, unemployment insurance, COBRA, and retirement rules vary by state and by employer — when the stakes are high, get advice specific to your situation.
Questions people actually ask
How is my runway calculated?
Your total cash (savings + severance) is walked forward month by month: each month subtracts your fixed spending and any extra costs like COBRA, and adds unemployment benefits while they last (prorated at 52 ÷ 12 ≈ 4.33 weeks per month). Your runway is the point where cash crosses zero, reported to a tenth of a month.
Where does my data go?
Nowhere. Every calculation runs in your browser as you type. There is no server, no database, no account, and no analytics on your numbers. The only way your inputs travel anywhere is if you copy the share link yourself — the numbers are encoded in the URL, and only there.
How do I estimate my unemployment benefit?
Each US state sets its own weekly amount and duration — typically a fraction of your past wages up to a cap (roughly $300–$800/week in most states), for up to 26 weeks. Search “[your state] unemployment benefit calculator” for the official estimator, then plug the weekly figure in here.
Is this financial or legal advice?
No. It's arithmetic — useful, honest arithmetic — plus a general checklist. Severance, unemployment, healthcare, and retirement rules vary by state, employer, and personal situation. For decisions with real stakes, talk to an employment lawyer or a financial adviser.