Optimize your transition

If you were just laid off from your job because the election cycle has ended, we first want to say congratulations! No matter how your campaign or program ended, you deserve to be recognized for your work. Thank you for everything you’ve been doing to protect our democracy and our freedoms.

This time of year should be for resting, recovering, and spending time with our loved ones who we may not have been able to spend enough time with in the final months of the cycle. However, this time can also be stressful. Losing your income is never easy and losing it at a time when you may be expected to travel, provide large meals, and give presents can be especially difficult. The good news is that you have options for both an income to get you by until you find your next job as well as insurance to cover your medical expenses.

Optimize is a political operations and HR company that works with progressive campaigns and organizations within the elections space. We have provided this guide to help you in this time of transition.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. All content is for general informational purposes only. Please consult an attorney, a financial advisor, accountant, or other entity for advice on your specific situation.

💰 Filing for Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits are cash benefits paid to those who become unemployed.. Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

• Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means your employment ended because of a lack of available work (like being laid off at the end of a campaign cycle).

• Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period." (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)

• Meet any additional state requirements.

🔗 State Healthcare & Unemployment Links

Use the links below to find your health insurance marketplace and unemployment office. You usually file for unemployment in the state in which you worked for most of the year, but check each state for specific information to that state. You should purchase health insurance in the state in which you will be living when the insurance plan takes effect.