Document checklist: what to gather after a layoff
Most claims stall because of missing paperwork, not missing eligibility. Gather these now and you'll move through every support program faster.
Identity & employment basics
Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). Social Security Number (US) or Social Insurance Number (Canada). Last 2 pay stubs and your most recent W-2 (US) or T4 (Canada). Bank routing + account numbers for direct deposit.
If you held more than one job in the last 18 months, gather each employer's full legal name, address, payroll contact, and your start + end dates.
Separation documentation
Termination letter or layoff notice (request it in writing from HR even if they only told you verbally — most jurisdictions require employers to provide it).
In Canada: confirm your Record of Employment (ROE) was filed electronically with Service Canada — your employer must do this within 5 days. You don't need a paper copy.
Severance agreement (if applicable) — the unemployment agency will need to know dollar amounts and the period it covers.
Health coverage paperwork (US)
COBRA election notice from your employer (must arrive within 14 days of your last day). Proof of coverage end date (HR letter). Estimated current-year household income — you'll need this for ACA Marketplace subsidies, which are usually cheaper than COBRA.
If you're considering Medicaid: 30 days of recent pay stubs or proof of zero income, household size documentation, and proof of residence (utility bill or lease).
Food, rental, and utility support
Recent utility bills (electricity, gas, water — last 2 months). Lease agreement or mortgage statement. Eviction or shutoff notice if you've received one. Proof of all household income (or attestation that you have none).
Most food assistance programs (SNAP in the US, provincial food support in Canada) need household composition + last 30 days of income. Local nonprofits often have emergency funds with much lighter paperwork — call 211 (US/CA) to find them.
Organize it once, use it everywhere
Create a single secure folder (encrypted cloud drive or password-protected local folder) with all of the above. Name files clearly: `2026_ID_DriversLicense.pdf`, `2026_LastPaystub_EmployerName.pdf`.
When you start each claim, you'll be pulling from the same set. That alone often saves a week of back-and-forth with agencies.
Apply this to your own situation
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