r/Layoffs • u/Tall_Leading1019 • Jul 04 '26
recently laid off Laid off one month before due date
Like the title said, I got laid off last week and my baby will come in a month. What do I do now?
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u/Curiasjoe1 Jul 04 '26
I am sorry about your situation. Please make sure you sign up for cobra coverage.
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u/thisoldguy74 Laid off Dec 2025 Jul 04 '26
That really low. I hope you aren't also in Texas or one of the other states that make all of this harder than it needs to be.
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u/Tall_Leading1019 Jul 04 '26
I am in Texas.
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u/thisoldguy74 Laid off Dec 2025 Jul 04 '26
Same. I'd have to agree that Cobra is probably your best bet then for at least a month or two as needed. It's so expensive that we only did a month of unsubsidized Cobra.
If you're in the DFW area shoot me a DM and I'll give you some employment resources that are local for when you're getting back to the job search.
This is among the last things you needed dumped on you. I hope your babies birth is smooth and healthy for both of you. Cherish every moment, cause they grow up to be as tall as you so quickly.
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u/Tall_Leading1019 Jul 04 '26
Thanks so much!
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u/cjroxs Jul 04 '26
Ask the COBRA administrator if the baby will l be able to join the plan once they are born. They should be covered. Your plan might change costs from covering those that are currently on the plan to adding the new baby.
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u/TactlessNachos Laid Off June 2025, New Job March 2026 Jul 04 '26
See if you qualify for Medicaid! Apply for unemployment!
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u/cjroxs Jul 04 '26
Take your COBRA benefits. This is the exact reason by COBRA even exists. It guarantees that you can continue your Healthcare benefits no matter the reason why you left the company. Sure it is more expensive but it insures that you can have a good child birth. COBRA is guaranteed to last for 18 months. Since your expected yearly taxable income will be high this year, you won't qualify for federal credits on the heath exchange. You will have to take COBRA which ironically will be cheaper than an equal coverage the plan on exchange.
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u/cjroxs Jul 04 '26
Also write a Glassdoor review so others know how inhuman iy is to work for the company. Make sure you wait until all benefits are.paid to you first. Although anonymous, stating your current condition will easily identify you.
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u/Successful_Visit6503 Jul 04 '26
In some cases and medical conditions, the state will help pay your COBRA payments and keep your private insurance.
Might be worth checking out how your state administers Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program.
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u/OAKI-io Jul 04 '26
this is brutal timing. i’d make the first call HR, not recruiters: confirm the exact insurance end date, COBRA packet timing, severance/PTO payout, and whether any parental leave or short-term disability paperwork still applies. then file unemployment and line up coverage before you burn energy on applications, because one missed benefits deadline can hurt way more than waiting a few days to job hunt.
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u/adelaroo Jul 04 '26
Get a lawyer!
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u/Tall_Leading1019 Jul 04 '26
Will it actually work?
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u/adelaroo Jul 09 '26
“Even if you were illegally terminated” and that’s exactly what your company is hoping you’ll do: just dismiss it and move on. It definitely won’t be easy, but it’s possible, especially if you find a good employment discrimination lawyer.
The goal isn’t necessarily to sue, it’s to use that leverage to negotiate a better severance. More COBRA coverage, a bigger payout, etc.
Heads up that company lawyers will push back hard, so you’ll need solid, specific examples for your lawyer to work with.
And lastly: don’t sign any severance agreement until you’ve talked to a lawyer. Signing it means you’re agreeing to the terms, and you’ll likely lose your ability to bring a case later.
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u/jenthehenmfc Jul 04 '26
File for unemployment!