Layoff happened 5 days ago, feeling lost after 5 years as a home health aide

They called a meeting on Tuesday and 5 of us were let go. I had been there 5 years. I have a box of my things and a short letter about benefits. Which steps were urgent?

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

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