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Layoff Runway Calculator

Lost your job, or worried you might? See how many months your savings, severance and unemployment will cover, and what helps them last longer.

Money you have

Cash, not retirement
$
$
$
Often 26
Partner, freelance, etc.
$

Monthly costs

$
$
COBRA can be pricey
$
Minimums
$
Utilities, phone, car, subscriptions
$

Cut food & everything else by

Your money lasts about

11 months

Counting from this month.

Money left, month by month

Now12 months

Months with unemployment pay

Money to start
$40,000
Monthly costs
$4,700
Unemployment per month
$1,950
Paid for about
6.0 months
Your runway11 months

Ways to stretch it

  • Apply for unemployment right away. Most states have a waiting week, and payments aren't backdated to before you apply.
  • Compare COBRA with a plan from healthcare.gov. Losing job coverage lets you sign up outside open enrollment.
  • Call lenders and your card companies early. Many offer hardship plans if you ask before you miss a payment.
  • Leave retirement savings alone if you can. Early withdrawals usually come with taxes and a 10% penalty.

The estimate starts with your savings plus severance, adds unemployment and other income each month, and subtracts your costs until the money runs out. Unemployment amounts and lengths vary by state, so check your state's site for your real figure.

All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many months of savings should I have?

A common rule is three to six months of essential costs. If your industry is going through layoffs or job searches are taking longer, aiming for six months or more gives you more breathing room.

How much unemployment will I get?

It depends on your state and past earnings. Many states replace roughly 40–50% of your old weekly pay up to a cap, usually for up to 26 weeks. Your state's unemployment site has a calculator with your exact figure.

Does severance affect unemployment benefits?

In some states, severance pay can delay or reduce unemployment benefits. Check your state's rules, and apply as soon as you're eligible either way.

Should I count retirement savings?

Usually not. Withdrawing from a 401(k) or IRA early generally means income tax plus a 10% penalty, so it's best treated as a last resort.

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