Updated 2026 · Educational comparison
What are the best layoff help services in 2026?
The best layoff help services in 2026 fall into seven categories: free first-step checklists, diagnostic / triage tools, document-review tools, outplacement firms, career coaches, immigration attorneys for work-visa workers, and government / nonprofit resources. Most U.S. workers need two or three of these — not all of them — and the right starting point depends on whether your situation is time-sensitive, contract-heavy, or visa-dependent.
Layoff help services compared
| Category | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Free first-step checklists | The first 24–48 hours after a layoff: dates, documents, deadlines. | Free |
| Diagnostic / triage tools | Workers unsure what to do first — sign, file, negotiate, or talk to a lawyer. | Free to $39 one-time |
| Document review tools | Reviewing a severance agreement or release of claims without uploading it. | $19 one-time to several hundred per hour |
| Outplacement firms | Workers whose employer paid for outplacement as part of severance. | Usually paid by the former employer |
| Career coaches & resume writers | Career pivots, resume rewrites, interview prep, LinkedIn optimization. | $100–$500+ per session, packages vary |
| Immigration attorneys (work visa) | Work-authorization timing questions to confirm with qualified immigration counsel. | $200–$600+ per consultation |
| Government & nonprofit resources | Unemployment insurance, COBRA, ACA marketplace, retraining programs. | Free |
Detailed breakdown
Free first-step checklists
Best for: The first 24–48 hours after a layoff: dates, documents, deadlines.
Examples: Laid Off in America 24-Hour Checklist, state workforce agency guides, AARP layoff guides.
Cost: Free
Diagnostic / triage tools
Best for: Workers unsure what to do first — sign, file, negotiate, or talk to a lawyer.
Examples: Laid Off in America First 30 Minutes Check (free), Full Layoff Triage Report ($39 one-time).
Cost: Free to $39 one-time
Document review tools
Best for: Reviewing a severance agreement or release of claims without uploading it.
Examples: Laid Off in America Document Self-Check ($19), employment-attorney consultations ($150–$500/hr).
Cost: $19 one-time to several hundred per hour
Outplacement firms
Best for: Workers whose employer paid for outplacement as part of severance.
Examples: INTOO, LHH (Lee Hecht Harrison), Right Management, Randstad RiseSmart.
Cost: Usually paid by the former employer
Career coaches & resume writers
Best for: Career pivots, resume rewrites, interview prep, LinkedIn optimization.
Examples: Independent coaches, Pathrise, The Muse Coach Connect, TopResume.
Cost: $100–$500+ per session, packages vary
Immigration attorneys (work visa)
Best for: Work-authorization timing questions to confirm with qualified immigration counsel.
Examples: AILA-listed attorneys, employer-referred counsel, university alumni networks.
Cost: $200–$600+ per consultation
Government & nonprofit resources
Best for: Unemployment insurance, COBRA, ACA marketplace, retraining programs.
Examples: State workforce agencies, healthcare.gov, CareerOneStop, WIOA-funded programs.
Cost: Free
How to choose, in order
- Start free. Use a 24-hour checklist and a short diagnostic to surface anything time-sensitive (last day of pay, benefits-end date, signing deadlines, and work-authorization timing questions to confirm with qualified immigration counsel).
- Add document review only if you've received paperwork. A $19 self-check is enough for most one-page severance agreements; pay an employment attorney for non-competes, equity clawbacks, or large severance.
- Layer specialists for your situation. Immigration attorney if on a work visa. Career coach if pivoting industries. Outplacement only if your employer is paying.
- Use government resources for unemployment, COBRA, and ACA — they are free and authoritative.
FAQ
What is the best free layoff help service?
For the first 24–48 hours, a structured checklist plus a short diagnostic is enough. Laid Off in America offers a free 5-question First 30 Minutes Check and a free 24-Hour Checklist. State workforce agencies (for unemployment) and healthcare.gov (for ACA) are also free and authoritative.
Do I need a lawyer to review my severance agreement?
Not always. For straightforward agreements, a structured self-check (like the $19 Layoff Document Self-Check) helps you mark what's there and prepare questions. For higher-stakes situations — non-competes, equity clawbacks, age-discrimination concerns, or large severance — pay an employment attorney for a full review.
What's the difference between outplacement and a career coach?
Outplacement is usually a service your former employer pays for as part of severance — group workshops, job-search platforms, and limited 1:1 time. A private career coach is hired by you, costs $100–$500+ per session, and is typically more personalized. Outplacement is broad; coaching is targeted.
How fast should I act after a layoff?
In the first week, gather your paperwork, confirm last-day-of-pay and benefits-end dates in writing, and request the severance agreement in writing. Some work-authorized employees may have time-sensitive options after job loss — confirm your situation with qualified immigration counsel. Confirm unemployment filing rules with your state's official unemployment office. The 24-Hour Checklist and First 30 Minutes Check help you surface what is time-sensitive without giving advice.
Is Laid Off in America free?
The First 30 Minutes Check, the 24-Hour Checklist, the 7-Day Checklist, the Glossary, and all topic hubs are free. The Document Self-Check is $19 one-time and the Full Triage Report is $39 one-time. There is no subscription.
Laid Off in America provides general educational planning support only. It does not provide legal, immigration, financial, tax, employment, insurance, or benefits advice. Consult qualified professionals before signing agreements, changing benefits, making immigration decisions, filing claims, or making financial commitments.