This web page provides a collection of resources that can help employees address the many challenges of a job loss or a significant reduction in income. Some of these resources are also available to family members and significant others of UW employees or even members of the community at large. You will find information on free classes and webinars, articles, online tools, and opportunities for individual counseling and guidance.
Job loss or income loss present a complex set of challenges. These include:
- Emotional challenges
- Financial challenges
- Career, job change, and job search issues
- Impact of a layoff on employee benefits
- Loss of access to UW–Madison services
UW–Madison employees who are facing a job loss or a significant loss of personal or family income are encouraged to educate themselves, seek help, and take advantage of the many resources available to members of our community.
Questions?
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact:
- The local human resources contact where you work.
- The Office of Human Resources at 608-265-2257 or covid19hr@ohr.wisc.edu.
Language assistance is available.
Español, Hmoob, བོད་ཡིག, 中文, नेपाली
Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, Nepali
Emotional Support
Employee Assistance Office
Job loss or income loss can raise many questions and concerns, whether you are an employee experiencing a layoff or are a survivor of layoff, a supervisor wanting to consult on budget and staff reductions, or a family member dealing with a loss of steady household income.
The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) offers counseling and consultation at no cost to UW–Madison faculty, staff, graduate student employees, significant others, and family members. Along with counseling support and stress management, services like such as financial consultation, child and eldercare resource locating, and convenience services are available.
LifeMatters
EAO has expanded its services through LifeMatters in order to provide employees with free and confidential statewide coverage, and 24/7 telephone access to professional counselors. LifeMatters provides a wide variety of resources, including one to five sessions with a counselor for personal or work-related issues.
Orientation to LifeMatters employee assistance services and work/life programs (2:35 video)
To set up a video counseling appointment with a LifeMatters counselor, call 800-634-6433.
Financial Resources
For general information on developing a financial plan to help you meet everyday expenses, prepare for unexpected emergencies, and retire with confidence, visit the Financial Well-Being page.
Financial resources related specifically to job loss and income loss are listed below.
LifeMatters
LifeMatters has partnered with BALANCE to provide financial education and confidential, no-cost financial counseling services. Call 888-810-3862 to set up an account.
Financial Fitness Services from LifeMatters and BALANCE
LifeMatters also offers a variety of resources to help people deal with financial challenges. Log in to the LifeMatters website and use the password “Bucky1” to gain access to member resources.
Financial Stress and Stability Resources (various links)
Disaster-Proof Your Finances (40-minute webinar)
Losing a Job: Ten Things You Can Do to Make It Less Painful (4-minute read)
UW Credit Union and Banzai
Banzai has partnered with UW Credit Union to provide information on financial topics. Find additional resources from Banzai on the Financial Well-Being page.
When Times Get Tough: Build Your Emergency Fund (3-minute coaching session)
When Times Get Tough: Trim Your Budget (5-minute coaching session)
UW Extension
UW Extension offers helps families and individuals achieve financial well being.
Career, Job Change, and Job Search Resources
Adult Career and Special Student Services
Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS) provides resources and consultation at no cost for UW–Madison employees.
COVID-19: Job Loss, Job Search, Career, and Education Support Resources
A collection of online resources offers support, tips, and recommendations for those who are out of work due to the pandemic, searching for a new job, working from home, reevaluating their careers, or considering going back to school.
Career Planning for UW–Madison Employees
One-on-one appointments are available with an ACSSS career counselor who specializes in working with employees.
Do-It-Yourself Career Planning Process
The career development model from ACSSS helps employees walk through the process on their own.
Resources for Career Planning, Job Search, and Education Planning
ACSSS also offers a list of resources to help employees plan for a career change, job search, and additional education.
Employee Résumé Tips
ACSSS offers tips for writing and formatting effective résumés.
Referral Priority
Referral Priority (RP) Services give eligible University Staff or Academic Staff who are laid off access to the Referral Priority Page from the employment website (jobs.wisc.edu). This page enables RP candidates to view eligible academic staff vacancies before they are posted to the employment website. Positions will remain posted on the Referral Priority Page for seven calendar days. During that time they are also posted to the employment website. RP candidates may apply to vacancies through the Referral Priority Page or via the employment website.
Prospective employing departments/units are asked to consider RP candidates before considering other candidates.
Please see the Information Guide for instructions on how to request enrollment in RP services if you are laid off.
Employee Benefits and Changes in Job Status
Employee Benefits at Layoff
Information is available from the Office of Human Resources on the status of employee benefits at layoff or in the event of reduced hours.
Retirees and Emeriti
UW–Madison retirees and emeriti have access to certain privileges.
Changes to Access to UW–Madison Services
Technology Services
There are steps you should take if you are losing access to your UW–Madison email account or have files that will be deactivated. Some applications are only available to those actively enrolled or employed at UW–Madison.
Steps to Take Before Leaving UW–Madison (from DoIT)
Transportation Services
If you are no longer employed at UW–Madison, you should cancel any parking permits, passes, or other transportation services products you have.