Layoff happened 5 days ago, feeling lost after 5 years as a paralegal

They called a meeting on Thursday and 5 of us were let go. I had been there 5 years. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I have a box of my things and a short letter about benefits. What did you do in the first week?

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

Ask for your final pay, unused leave and any documents in writing before you leave, if you still can.