Layoff Runway Calculator & Survival Estimator

Calculate your time to zero. Understand how long your current cash reserves will sustain your household if your primary income source is disconnected.

AdSense/YMYL Safety Notice: This tool calculates runway duration based on current burn rates. It does not account for unemployment benefits, tax refunds, or severance packages. It is an educational tool for worst-case scenario modeling.

Income & Liquidity

Monthly Post-Tax Income ($)
Current Accessible Savings ($)

Monthly Expenses

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Income & Liquidity

Monthly Post-Tax Income ($)
Current Accessible Savings ($)

Monthly Expenses

Spent On
Category
Amount ($)
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Amount ($)
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Amount ($)
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Terminal Velocity: The Physics of the Layoff Runway

In aviation, a runway is the space you have to get off the ground or come to a safe stop. In personal finance, your Layoff Runway is the finite time between your last paycheck and your last dollar. Understanding this number is the difference between a controlled "Career Pivot" and a desperate "Job Grab."

The visualizer above calculates your Static Runway—assuming no new income. However, a real-world layoff involves dynamic variables: severance, unemployment benefits, and healthcare costs. Most professionals find that their actual survival window is often 30-40% different than their initial "Cash / Expenses" estimate once these real-world frictions are applied.

The Severance Bridge: Calculating Your Buffer

Severance is not "found money"—it is the Initial Lift that prevents your runway from starting at zero.

The 'Gross vs Net' Trap

Many severance packages are taxed as "Supplements" (often at a flat 22% federal rate). If you receive "12 weeks of pay," you will likely only see 7 to 8 weeks of actual liquidity after withholding and social security taxes. Always model your runway based on the Net Deposit, not the gross offer.

PTO & Vacation Payouts

Depending on your state law (e.g., California), accrued vacation must be paid out in full on your final day. This "Hidden Liquid" can often extend a runway by 2-4 weeks, providing critical breathing room during the first month.

The COBRA Cliff: Your Burn Rate's Worst Enemy

In a layoff, your Monthly Burn Rate doesn't stay static—it often increases. The primary driver is the loss of employer-subsidized healthcare.

  • COBRA PremiumsExpect to pay 102% of the total plan cost. For a family of four, this can reach $2,200/month, potentially doubling your burn rate instantly.
  • ACA / MarketplaceA layoff is a "Qualifying Life Event." You may find plans at 50% of the COBRA cost, effectively extending your runway by 1-2 months just by switching providers.

Unemployment: The Variable Speed Lever

Unemployment insurance is a "Partial Income" stream that slows your descent to zero. However, the maximum weekly benefit is often a fraction of a professional's previous salary.

StateMax Weekly Benefit (Est)Monthly Contribution to Runway
Massachusetts$1,000+~$4,300 (Significant Runway Extension)
California$450~$1,950 (Moderate Extension)
Florida$275~$1,190 (Minimum Extension)

Note: These figures are 2024-2025 estimates. Always check your specific Department of Labor (DOL) portal for actual caps.

The 'Frugal Pivot' Checklist

Hour 1-24

Cancel all subscription "leaks" (Netflix, Gym, Apps). These $15-50 charges add up to a week of groceries over 3 months.

Day 2-3

Call credit card issuers for 'Hardship Programs'. Many will drop APR to 0-9% for 6 months if you are in a layoff window.

Week 1

Inventory your pantry. Adopt a "Zero-Waste" grocery model. Food is the most flexible variable in a survival budget.

Job Loss Survival FAQ

Should I draw from my 401(k) during a layoff?

This is a Break-Glass-In-Emergency option. Withdrawing early results in a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax. A $10,000 withdrawal might only net you $6,000 in cash. It is almost always better to sell taxable investments (stocks) or use a "Starter Fund" before touching retirement assets.

What if my 'Time to Zero' is only 30 days?

This is a Liquidity Crisis. If your runway is under 60 days, your primary job is no longer "Finding a Career"—it is "Generating Cash Flow." This is when "bridge jobs" (retail, gig work) become essential to prevent damage to your housing or credit status.

Does my runway include my emergency fund?

Yes. Your Runway is the Sum of all Liquid Assets divided by Net Burn Rate. If you have $10k in a HYSA and $5k in a checking account, your liquid base is $15k.

Can I stop paying student loans?

For federal loans, you can apply for Unemployment Deferment or Economic Hardship Forbearance. This pauses payments and, in some cases, interest. This is a powerful "Runway Extender" that many people overlook.