A Compassionate Guide from a Momma is Wisconsin

Losing your job—especially when you’re the primary breadwinner for your family—is a life-altering moment. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling scared, overwhelmed, maybe even numb. And if you’re a mom to a toddler, like a two-year-old who still needs bedtime stories, cuddles, snacks, and comfort throughout the day—you may be wondering, How am I going to hold it together for both of us?

First, let’s pause. Take a breath.
You are not alone. You are not a failure.
You are in the middle of something hard, but not hopeless.

Whether your layoff came out of nowhere or was something you sensed was coming, you now have one job: to take care of yourself and your child. Everything else can come later. Here’s a step-by-step guide that centers on you, a Wisconsin mom who’s just lost her job but still has so much strength and resilience left.

1. Give Yourself Space to Feel

It’s okay to grieve. Losing your job is not just about income—it’s about identity, stability, and even a daily rhythm that helped anchor you and your family. Give yourself permission to feel angry, sad, lost, or even embarrassed. These feelings are valid. Let them move through you like waves, and then let them pass.

If you’re parenting a toddler, you’re likely used to putting your own needs last. But just as you’d soothe your child during a hard moment, allow yourself that same tenderness. Acknowledge the loss. Then begin the gentle pivot to what’s next.

2. Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin

As soon as you’re able, apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway—you can always appeal if needed.

Here’s how:

• File online: https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov
• Or call: (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661

What you’ll need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your most recent employer’s name and address
• The dates you worked there
• The reason you were let go
• Any severance or vacation pay information

In Wisconsin, benefits typically range from $54 to $370 per week and can last up to 26 weeks, depending on your previous wages. You must certify weekly to continue receiving payments.

If you have childcare responsibilities that make full-time availability difficult, be honest about that. The state understands caregiving as a real constraint—especially post-pandemic—and you may still qualify depending on the situation.

3. Look Into Additional Financial Support

Beyond unemployment, there are several Wisconsin-based programs designed to support moms and families through tough transitions:

🍼 FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP)

If your income has decreased, FoodShare can help cover your grocery bill. Eligibility is based on household size and income.
Apply here: https://access.wisconsin.gov

🧸 Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program

If you’re looking for work, training, or going back to school, this program helps pay for child care.
Details: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/wishares

🩺 BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid)

If you lost your job-related health insurance, BadgerCare provides free or low-cost health coverage for families, including doctor visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.
Learn more: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/badgercareplus

🧃 WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

WIC provides supplemental nutrition, health education, and support to low-income pregnant women, new moms, infants, and kids under 5.
If your child is under 5 (like your two-year-old), you may qualify for:

• Monthly benefits for healthy foods like milk, fruits, veggies, and whole grains
• Access to formula or toddler-friendly foods
• Breastfeeding and nutrition support
• Referrals to health care and other services

Wisconsin WIC is supportive and welcoming, and applying is simple.
Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic or call 1-800-722-2295 to find a local clinic.

🏠 Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance (WERA)

If you’re struggling to cover rent or utilities, WERA offers help with back rent, future rent, and bills.
More info: https://wera.help

These programs are here for you because you deserve support. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s what strong, resourceful moms do when they need to protect their families.

4. Reach Out for Emotional Support

Losing a job can feel deeply isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

• Talk to family or friends and tell them what happened.
• Ask for help—not just job leads, but childcare, meals, or just someone to vent to.
• If you need professional support, call the Wisconsin Peer-Run Warmline at (414) 777-4729. It’s a free, safe space to talk.

Many communities also offer mom support groups—check with your local YMCA, library, or Facebook groups for parenting circles or unemployment meetups.

5. Reflect, Rest, and Rebuild at Your Own Pace

Once the dust begins to settle, give yourself time to reflect on what you want next—not just what you think you should do.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a similar job, or is this an opening for a change?
• What kind of schedule would work best for me and my child?
• Are there classes or certifications I’ve been putting off that now make sense?

Sometimes a layoff can feel like a door slamming shut. But it might also be a window opening—into something more sustainable, meaningful, or creative.

This is not just a restart—it’s a redefining.

6. Take One Step at a Time

Your toddler doesn’t need perfection. They need you.
You don’t have to solve everything today. You just have to do the next right thing.

That might be:

• Filing your unemployment claim.
• Eating something yummy.
• Taking a nap during nap time.
• Responding to some messages on LinkedIn.
• Applying for one benefit.

Tiny steps are still steps forward. You are doing enough. You are enough.

You’ve Got This, Mama

Getting let go is hard. But it doesn’t define your worth—not as a worker, and definitely not as a mom. This chapter is tough, but it’s not the end of your story. You’re allowed to take up space, ask for help, and rebuild with the time and support you need.

You’ve handled every tantrum, every midnight wake-up, every scraped knee. You can handle this too.

And when you’re ready? Your next opportunity will be waiting for you. ❤️