Just got laid off, what should I do first? after 17 years as an insurance claims processor

They called a meeting on Thursday and 17 of us were let go. I had been there 17 years. I have a few weeks of savings and a rent payment due. What did you do in the first week?

Give yourself the first couple of days to be upset. I did, and then I felt able to plan.

File for unemployment right away. Do not wait for severance decisions. The date you file can matter.