[trojangal]

I am so sorry to hear about this...we went through this last summer when the college I taught at cut back 15 positions, and I was one of them. It was kind of a tough summer, but we managed to make it through until I landed my present position.

First things first. Take some time to yourself and don't panic! After you've gotten your head cleared, here's some information that may be helpful. I wish I had known a lot of this before I lost my position!!!

Find out if your company pays into unemployment and when your last date would be at your position. You most likely won't be eligible to start getting unemployment until your first week after your last paycheck.

Each state has different rules regarding unemployment, and even though you've visited the website for your state, it might help to go down to one of the offices in person. You should be able to find out which office is closest to you, and you will probably have to register there. That would also be the time that you register with the unemployment office as well as make yourself available and "actively seeking work".

One thing that a lot of people don't know about until they are in this situation. Unemployment compensation is considered taxable income because it is replacement wages.
You have the option of taking out federal taxes from your unemployment before they issue the check or direct deposit. I recommend this highly; if you choose not to have the taxes taken out, you'll have to pay later ( next year) come tax season.

Also, other things to take into consideration. If you have any credit card or student loan debt, notify them the day after your last day of employment. They can assist you in lowering payments or even using payment protection plan if you have those options. This will help avoid problems that can damage your credit.

Another thing to look at is your insurance benefits, if any, and what the COBRA payments would be. If it looks like continuing coverage would be too expensive, consider buying some short term health insurance to cover the time you aren't working.

I will keep you in my prayers and hope that something will come along soon!

Good luck hon!