#unemployment

Based on the way the VSP is written, will an unemployment claim be approved? Assuming yes, when should you file the unemployment claim?

https://www.inc.com/georgia-fearn/63-percent-of-workers-from-this-group-do-not-file-for-unemployment-benefits-heres-why/91361014

Weekly jobless claims decreased last week. The weekly total dropped to 215,000. This figure was below analyst expectations. Job cuts remained minimal amid economic concerns. The national job market shows resilience.

https://www.wral.com/news/ap/6c38e-us-jobless-aid-filings-fall-to-215-000-last-week-as-layoffs-remain-low-despite-economic-headwinds/

I put this in a reply to another thread but thought it was something that might be it's own topic. VSP is not for the benefit of the employee, it's for the benefit of the Company, Board and Shareholders

Something I don't think anyone is considering, and a point that Centene would like to keep quiet is Unemployment benefit requires you to lose your job through "no fault of your own". (check your state) If you resign or take a standard severance package on your own, you generally won't qualify. So if you do take VSP you should plan on making that money go as far as possible since Unemployment is not going to be an option.

Asking the AI the question, how long someone in our position could expect to be out of work.

In 2026, laid-off professionals from health insurance giants like Centene or Molina can typically expect a job search to last 4 to 6 months. While the general timeline to secure a role can stretch to 5–6 months on average, specialized roles often take longer to fill. Navigating a job search after leaving a payer company involves several factors.

General Insurance Market Average: In the broader white-collar and insurance sector, the typical duration ranges from 3 to 6 months.

Healthcare Specifics: Because of strict credentialing, compliance requirements, and extensive application reviews, hiring processes within the healthcare sector can be slower, sometimes taking up to 8 months to fill specific roles.

Company-Specific Context: Centene (which offered Centene Offers Staff Buyouts Ahead of Potential Layoffs) and Molina (which filed WARN notices for their headquarters Molina Healthcare Layoffs 2026 - 156 Jobs Cut) have recently navigated structural downsizing. This means many former colleagues may be applying for similar roles at competing payers like CVS Health, Elevance Health, or UnitedHealth Group, temporarily increasing competition for equivalent roles.

Over 5,000 Tennessee workers faced layoffs or closures halfway through 2026. The total reached 5,001 affected workers as of Monday. Recent WARN notices included Hard Rock Cafe, YesCare Corp., and Smurfit Westrock. These companies affected 61, 150, and 52 workers respectively. Tennessee's unemployment rate remained at 3.6% for four consecutive months.

Nashville, Tennessee

https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/06/22/warn-notices-5000-working-tennesseans-affected-by-closures-layoffs-halfway-through-2026-heres-what-we-know/

Washington's unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% in May. The state economy added 10,600 jobs during the month. This represented the largest one-month gain this year. However, the unemployment rate was 4.5% in May 2025. Overall jobs decreased by 0.2% since that time.

https://www.kuow.org/stories/wa-employers-added-jobs-in-may-but-unemployment-rate-stayed-stuck-at-5-2

Vermont's initial weekly unemployment claims rose slightly. For the week ending June 13, 2026, 324 new claims were reported. This figure represents an increase of 38 from the prior week. Manufacturing and the service industry comprised the majority of these claims. The state's Unemployment Trust Fund remains well-capitalized at $334.3 million.

Vermont

https://vermontbiz.com/news/2026/june/21/weekly-unemployment-claims-edge-324

https://fathomjournal.org/6f4be010/11abdcfdLCZEHh8cGhUZAQk

Register below for a FREE Layoff Transition Resource Fair where you will:

Learn how to apply for Unemployment Insurance, healthcare coverage, and resources available through WorkSource Portland Metro during the Layoff Transition Assistance Session
Discover free training opportunities in growing fields like clean energy, healthcare, and early childhood education
Build a stronger resume in a hands-on workshop with tips you can apply right away
Connect with experts who can link you to community resources that meet your needs
Get a new professional headshot
Space is limited. There is room for 125 attendees.

Registration form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkJx_6bwTpjq0a4gFNMoHYrHdbk0U-NOU4nww40KM1Y9qJ8w/viewform?usp=dialog

If your job relocates and you decline to move with it but have the time to retire, would you be eligible for unemployment benefits in the state of Alabama. Does receiving a severance package play a factor?

Register below for a FREE Layoff Transition Resource Fair where you will:
Learn how to apply for Unemployment Insurance, healthcare coverage, and resources available through WorkSource Portland Metro during the Layoff Transition Assistance Session
Discover free training opportunities in growing fields like clean energy, healthcare, and early childhood education
Build a stronger resume in a hands-on workshop with tips you can apply right away
Connect with experts who can link you to community resources that meet your needs
Get a new professional headshot
This event was created for workers who have been recently laid off (or are about to be laid off) from Multnomah County, the City of Portland, Sunstone Way, Portland State University, and Gresham-Barlow, Reynolds, Parkrose and Portland Public School Districts. All are welcome. Space is limited. There is room for 125 attendees, and we will be cutting off registrations when the event is filled.

Registration form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkJx_6bwTpjq0a4gFNMoHYrHdbk0U-NOU4nww40KM1Y9qJ8w/viewform?usp=dialog

Florida experienced a significant drop in initial unemployment claims. There were 5,167 first-time filings for the week ending May 30. This marks the third consecutive week of declining claims in the state. Earlier in May, Spirit Airlines layoffs caused a surge in jobless claims. Florida's overall unemployment rate has been steadily increasing.

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/800725-florida-first-time-jobless-claims-see-sharp-drop-for-final-week-of-may/

Still can’t find a job. Got laid off

I've been on both sides of this, and the fear of not having a job is just as bad as the misery of having one you hate. Watching your savings drain and your health coverage get closer to expiring is its own special kind of he-l. You still got a paycheck coming in, don't waste that advantage. Even if you think you're safe, it won't hurt you to start looking, just in case. There's a huge difference between getting to do it while still employed than when you're already without a job.

downplaying inflation and saying unemployment is all time low. all i see and hear around the country are people getting laid off and cant afford to take care of their families

Massachusetts reported over 5,500 layoffs through May 2026. These job cuts were announced via WARN notices. Dover Saddlery, Christianbook, and Cardinal Health are among those affected. Dover Saddlery plans 112 cuts, Christianbook 50, and Cardinal Health 58. The state's April unemployment rate was 4.7 percent.

Massachusetts

https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/major-job-cuts-hit-massachusetts-2026

Pennsylvania experienced widespread job losses in early 2026. The state's unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent. Amazon cut nearly 1,000 employees across several counties. Other companies like Vertex, Saks, and Liberty Home Choices also announced significant layoffs. Store closures and AI adoption contributed to these workforce reductions.

https://patch.com/pennsylvania/across-pa/major-store-closures-job-cuts-hit-pa-2026

Spirit Airlines, a Florida-based airline, recently shut down. This shutdown affected thousands of workers. Employees across three counties lost their jobs. Florida jobless claims spiked after these layoffs. New data indicates the labor market is now stabilizing.

Orlando, Florida

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/05/31/jobless-claims-dip-after-spirit-led-spike.html

Bay Area businesses have laid off disabled workers. Hope Services, a nonprofit, supports these individuals. Twenty percent of its 250 clients lost jobs last year. These roles included janitorial work and retail positions. Economic factors and an expired federal tax credit contributed to the cuts.

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/layoffs-bay-area-workers-with-disabilities/4091574/

Americans filed 215,000 initial jobless claims last week. This represented a 5,000 increase from the prior week. Economists had predicted 211,000 claims. Layoffs remained low despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Continuing unemployment benefits recipients also increased by 15,000.

https://www.reuters.com/business/us-weekly-jobless-claims-increase-marginally-amid-low-layoffs-2026-05-28/

Over 4,000 Tennesseans have been affected by layoffs or closures in 2026. Dura-Shiloh and Shimmick Construction Company issued the latest WARN notices. These notices impact more than 250 workers in Di-kson and Hamilton counties. Tennessee's unemployment rate held steady at 3.6% for the third month. This rate remains below the national average.

Nashville, Tennessee

Dura-Shiloh |

https://www.wsmv.com/2026/05/27/warn-notices-more-than-4000-working-tennesseans-affected-by-closures-layoffs-nearly-halfway-through-2026/

I know the obvious answer is because of who the POTUS is. But how does the market continue to rise despite unemployment likely to hit 30-40 percent by Q1 2027

Louisiana's initial unemployment claims declined for the week. Claims totaled 1,394 for the period ending May 16. This figure is down from 1,490 the previous week. Continued unemployment claims also decreased to 5,987. However, the four-week moving average rose slightly to 1,398.

Louisiana

https://www.businessreport.com/article/louisiana-sees-initial-jobless-claims-decline-from-previous-week

Given the latest layoffs and the constant threat of more cuts, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much cash I have available and how many months of unemployment it would carry me through. I didn't like the number at all. Three months tops. I’m curious where other people stand when it comes to fully liquid savings, not stocks, retirement accounts, mutual funds, or anything you’d have to sell or wait on. Just money you could access immediately if things went sideways. Am I the only one who's utterly unprepared in all of this mess?

Is it on Michigan's unemployment website?

US applications for unemployment benefits decreased last week. Filings fell by 3,000 to 209,000 for the week ending May 16. This figure is lower than analysts' forecasts. Layoffs remain historically low despite ongoing economic uncertainties. Inflation and global conflicts contribute to market instability.

https://www.telegraphherald.com/magazine-websites/biztimes/ap_wire/article_db770c85-a417-580b-b5a2-1e952919bbbc.html

Several U.S. states are experiencing increased unemployment. This trend occurs despite national economic resilience. Layoffs, slower hiring, and economic uncertainty contribute to the issue. Technology, manufacturing, and tourism sectors are particularly affected. California, New York, and Florida are among the impacted states.

https://www.mibolsillo.co/unemployment-is-rising-in-these-10-states--is-the-u.s.-job-market-starting-to-slow-down-t202605160034.html

I've been unemployed for months after being laid off and I'm starting to lose hope. I'm not sure what's worse, the rejection emails or the silence on the majority of applications I send out. I honest to goodness don't know how much longer I can keep doing this.

I've been unemployed since Cisco showed me the door in the last round and I'm starting to question everything. I see job postings everywhere, but I'm not sure any of them are real. I apply to five or six a day. I've done this for months. I've gotten maybe a handful of responses, all rejections. And every rejection is the same generic form letter. No feedback, no explanation, nothing that could help me improve. Just sorry, moving on with other candidates. If they're not actually hiring, just tell us. If I'm doing something wrong, tell me what it is. The silence and the mystery are making me crazy.

London, Ontario, now has Canada's highest unemployment rate. The region lost approximately 1,800 jobs in April. Nationally, Canada unexpectedly lost 17,700 jobs last month. Full-time positions decreased by over 46,000 nationwide. Economists view London's crisis as a warning for Canada's industrial economy.

https://easternherald.com/2026/05/10/canada-jobs-crisis-ontario-unemployment-surges/

Windsor's jobless rate decreased to 8.1 percent in April. This drop occurred despite 3,700 people leaving the labor market. Overall employment in the region fell by 2,400 individuals. However, Windsor-Essex added 2,600 manufacturing jobs. The Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant's third shift contributed to this growth.

Windsor, Ontario

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-jobless-numbers-april-2026-9.7193199

Canada's economy lost 18,000 jobs in April. The national unemployment rate rose to 6.9 percent. This marks a six-month high for joblessness. Full-time employment saw a net decline of 46,700 positions. The labor market continues to show signs of weakness.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-jobs-april-2026-9.7192292

In my experience unless you have someone higher-up actively advocating for you, this is often Cisco's legal way of pushing you out - the goals are usually vague enough that they can later say, u just didn’t meet expectations. Thanks for playing and now fu-k off.

If you genuinely believe it’s nonsense, start saving copies of anything that supports your performance such are emails, annual reviews, awards, praise from mgrs, anything showing you were doing well. once you’re let go, you will lose access to all of it, and things will become hard to find if you decde to challenge it legally. Also, if u end up using unemployment check whether your state offers a training or careerchange program near the end of your benefits. U usually only get to use it once so choose carefully. I used it as a stepping stone into a new career. Larned a lot at Cisco but it was an ugly divorce for me.

Anyone getting those furlough requests for the summer months yet? I have not heard of any so far, which is strange considering the layoffs. I am on the west coast. The next time it happens, and it will, I swear I am applying for unemployment and taking off the time in weekly chunks rather than one day here and there like I usually do.

4.3 percent. That is from Reuters.

• Did you receive any severance?
• Or were you asked to resign without severance?
• Were you able to qualify for unemployment (especially if you lived a long distance away, e.g., 100+ miles)?

I was impacted from the last layoffs, never been on unemployment before, how do you file, do you file and add severance package and PTO or do you not include that info reading online you don’t have to add that info in. I know it would not kick in till the 2 month being on the payroll .

A new House bill proposes changes to student loan forgiveness. H.R. 8475 would allow unemployment deferral months to count toward forgiveness. Currently, these months do not advance the forgiveness timeline. The bill aims to expedite relief for borrowers who lose their jobs. Representative Rosa DeLauro introduced the legislation with Democratic co-sponsors.

https://www.newsweek.com/student-loan-forgiveness-could-change-for-workers-hit-by-layoffs-11910112

Texas added nearly 47,000 nonfarm jobs in March. This marked a reversal from February's job losses. Mining, logging, and professional services saw notable gains. The state's unemployment rate decreased to 4.1%. This trend mirrored national job market improvements.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/economy/article/texas-adds-jobs-march-bleak-february-22236672.php

This varies by state, but in my state (Ohio) severance pay is deductible income that will reduce unemployment benefits 1:1. Does anyone know if it's possible to negotiate having the severance assigned entirely to the week of separation so that we can begin collecting unemployment right away?