If you are wondering what to do after losing your job, take a breath first. A job loss is a shock, and it is normal to feel angry, scared or numb, but a few practical steps in the first week can make the weeks ahead much easier.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we know a job loss can happen to anyone. This guide is a simple checklist: what to do right away, how to stretch your money, and where to find free help while you get back on your feet.
Quick answer
What should I do right after losing my job?
Apply for Employment Insurance as soon as you stop working; you can apply before you receive your Record of Employment, and waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work may cost you benefits. Then list your bills, make a lean budget and pay needs first. Use free help such as food banks, free meals and clothing banks to protect your savings, and take care of your health while you look for work.
In the first few days
Some tasks cannot wait. Doing them early protects your income and gives you a clear picture of where you stand.
- Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) right away, online through Service Canada.
- Ask your employer for your final pay, any vacation pay owed, and your Record of Employment.
- Ask about health or dental benefits and whether any coverage continues.
- Write down your last day of work and keep every letter or email about your job ending.
- Tell your landlord, lender or utility early if you think a payment may be late.
The Government of Canada says to always apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working. If you delay your claim for more than 4 weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits. You can read the details on Canada.ca’s EI regular benefits page (opens in a new tab).
Take stock of your money
Before you spend anything, write down what you have and what you owe. Seeing the numbers on paper is less frightening than guessing.
| Question | Write down |
|---|---|
| What money is coming in? | Final pay, vacation pay, EI once approved, other household income |
| What must be paid this month? | Rent or mortgage, heat and hydro, phone, insurance, minimum debt payments |
| What can be paused? | Subscriptions, memberships, takeout, non-essential shopping |
| What savings are there? | Bank balance and any emergency fund |
Pay needs first: housing, utilities, food, transportation and minimum debt payments. Our guide on how to budget on a low income (opens in a new tab) walks through a simple plan step by step.
Cut costs without cutting what matters
Small changes add up when income stops. Focus on the costs you can change quickly.
- Pause subscriptions and memberships you can live without for now.
- Plan meals around low-cost staples like oats, rice, beans and eggs.
- Call your phone and internet providers to ask about cheaper plans.
- Avoid new debt where you can, especially high-interest credit.
- Talk to creditors early; many have hardship options if you ask before a payment is missed.
Use free help to protect your savings
Using free community help is not giving up; it is a smart way to make your money last while you look for work. In Brantford, Friendship House at 452 Grey Street offers help that is free and available to everyone.
| Need | Free help | When |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Coffee, tea and a light breakfast | From 8 a.m. |
| Hot meal | A hot meal | Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m. |
| Groceries | Friendship House Food Bank (opens in a new tab) (ID and proof of address for your household) | Wednesdays, tickets from 8:30 a.m. |
| Clothing | Clothing Closet: adult, children’s and baby clothing | Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. |
If it is your first time at a food bank, our guide on first time using a food bank (opens in a new tab) explains what to expect. See all of our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) in one place.
Find out what other support is available
Depending on your situation, other programs may help with income, training or job searching. The easiest way to find out is to dial 2-1-1, which connects you to free, confidential information about community and government services across Ontario.
Ask about employment and training services, income support if EI is not available to you, and help with housing or utility costs. Write down the names and numbers you are given, so you can follow up.
Plan your job search
Treat the job search like a part-time job, with a simple daily routine. Structure helps you stay hopeful and productive.
- Update your resume with your most recent job and skills.
- Make a list of people to contact: former coworkers, friends, neighbours.
- Set a small daily goal, such as two applications or one phone call.
- Keep a simple log of where you applied and when to follow up.
- Use your local library for free computers, printing and job search help.
Look after yourself
Losing a job can shake your confidence and your sense of who you are. It is common to feel stress, shame or sadness, and those feelings do not mean you have failed.
Keep a regular routine: get up at the same time, eat regular meals and get outside every day. Stay connected with people who care about you, and say yes when friends offer to help.
If you are worried about money, sleep or your mood, talk to someone you trust or your doctor. In a crisis, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
If you have a family
Talk to children honestly but calmly, in words they can understand. They do not need every detail, but they do need to know that the adults have a plan and that they are safe.
Look for free family activities, and lean on community help for the basics. Our guide to free things to do in Brantford in winter (opens in a new tab) has low-cost ideas.
Your first-week checklist
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Apply for EI | Delays may cost you benefits |
| Collect final pay papers and Record of Employment | Needed for EI and your records |
| List bills and make a lean budget | Protects housing and utilities first |
| Call creditors early if needed | More options before a missed payment |
| Use free food and clothing help | Makes savings last longer |
| Set a daily job search routine | Keeps momentum and hope |
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do after losing your job?
Apply for Employment Insurance as soon as you stop working. Waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day of work may cost you benefits.
Can I apply for EI before I get my Record of Employment?
Yes. The Government of Canada says you can apply for benefits even if you have not yet received your Record of Employment.
How can I make my money last after a job loss?
List your bills, pay needs first, pause extras, plan low-cost meals and use free community help like food banks and free meals.
Where can I get free food in Brantford while I look for work?
Friendship House, 452 Grey Street, serves a free hot meal Monday to Thursday, 10 to 11 a.m., and runs a Food Bank on Wednesdays.
Who can tell me about other support programs?
Dial 2-1-1 for free, confidential information about employment, income and housing support in Ontario.
A job loss is a hard chapter, not the whole story. Take the first steps this week, lean on the help around you, and give yourself credit for every small step forward.
