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Hello I need some advice. I was just laid off from my job and have only 30 days to find another role or I will start receiving severance and benefits would be paid out of pocket via cobra( very expensive).

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Hello I need some advice. I was just laid off from my job and have only 30 days to find another role or I will start receiving severance and benefits would be paid out of pocket via cobra( very expensive). Im currently pregnant and was planning to take paid maternity leave with the company in the next few months. Now that this has happened, I dont know what to do. I have been applying for positions internally and externally and still nothing. Im more concerned about needing benefits for my maternal appointments upcoming. My employer did not know I was pregnant yet so I dont think I can file a discrimination claim. Any advice on what to do?

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  1. Anonymous

    I hadn't told my employer yet that I was pregnant. I was planning to tell them next month but then this happened, this month. So I don't think a lawyer would help

  2. Anonymous

    Go to your city's or county's EEOC office, and also, consult an employment attorney. Google those in your area as many offer free consults. Also, check to see if your city has free legal services, mine does. Then know that severance can help you, though reduced by COBRA, the thing is you will still be covered for healthcare, though it's expensive at least you will have something. Or if you are married, see if you can get onto their insurance. If not, know that this will pass. It's more important you take care of yourself and your baby. Each season brings reasons that we can never understand, but on the other side is good fertile green grass. You will find something else at the exact time you need it. If your company is laying off, it doesn't make sense to apply internally, that's not comforting at all to me. Unless, it's only your area they are letting folks go. Seek a good recruiter at a staffing firm that can help you get employed, and better yet, they may offer benefits. Hang in there and be sure to take care of you first and foremost.

  3. Anonymous

    I’m so sorry to hear this., especially at this sensitive time. Please check if Health Insurance Market place can offer a more affordable option. It’s cheaper than COBRA. Best wishes and you are not alone

  4. Cami Caudill

    I think pregnancy qualifies for Medicaid? you should check health and welfare with your state.

  5. Rebeca

    You can apply for Medicaid. I was laid off in February and I applied with no issue at all. Also, apply for EBT. Try to get any benefits that are offered.

  6. Anonymous

    Hi thanks for advice but I dont qualify for medicaid as I made too much money to qualify.

  7. Barbara

    Definitely apply for your unemployment as well. You are qualified if you were laid off.

  8. Anonymous

    If you qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you can apply for that and use it until you land your next job.

  9. Anonymous

    Get an attorney. There are laws about firing pregnant women for this and many reasons. Negotiate your severance well. I was able to negotiate severance and health insurance through the severance period when I was laid off during covid. Don’t just accept the first offer. Make it work for your situation. They shouldn’t be doing this.

  10. Anonymous

    Reading comments, choose very carefully who you choose to take their advice.

  11. CSKILLIN

    Hello. I do not advise getting legal advices since you stated that they didn't know you were pregnant and therefore the layoff doesn't sound discriminatory. Also, in order to sue for discrimination you'd need more than just being laid off to "prove" it was.....very time consuming.....very expensive and your priority right now is to have medical benefits and a job to pay your bills. Everyone that's ready to jump and sue needs to consider you may not have the resources to do so. Depending on your income (total income including spouses) you may qualify for state medical insurance, if not you can always ask about their third-party insurance. It s not covered by the state, but it a potentially less expensive route than marketplace insurance. I wish you luck, and try not to stress. ~Sincerely, Single mom of 2 (30+ years)

  12. Anonymous

    Thanks for the advice. As a corp executive, I made too much money to qualify for state medical insurance. I have decided to sign up for cobra even though its an added expense but at least I get to keep my same coverage

  13. Anonymous

    No I don't think they expected anything as I work remotely and they could only see my neck up on a video screen

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