Losing your job from one day to the next is a common occurrence for many workers. In February 2025, the United States reported more than 172,000 job losses, the highest monthly total since July 2020, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This 245% increase compared to January reflects growing job instability that particularly affects vulnerable sectors.
According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), nearly 2.5 million people—mostly immigrant women and women of color—perform domestic work in the U.S., and many do so without access to basic labor protections such as unemployment insurance, sick days, or clear laws on dismissals.
This article offers tools to help you take action in the early days, prepare financially, and learn about the legal, financial, and community resources available to help you navigate times of uncertainty.
Note: The National Domestic Workers Alliance is the partner organization of La Alianza.
What to do in the early days?
Although the news may be difficult to take in, there are steps you can take to help you get organized:
📝 Write down everything you remember about your job: how long you worked there, days and hours, duties you performed, how much you were paid, and if there were any recent changes.
📩 Save messages, notes, or any communication with the employing family. This can serve as a backup if you need to file a complaint or simply clarify a misunderstanding.
🤝 Seek support. If you were fired without notice or have questions about your rights, consult with an employment expert.
Prepare financially
The immediate financial impact can be severe. If possible, it is helpful to have an emergency fund, but you can also make decisions that will help you support yourself while you find another job.
💵 Review your essential expenses: focus on food, housing, and health. Reduce secondary expenses and avoid new financial commitments.
📦 Use community networks to access help: Organizations such as Feeding America have a national network of food banks that provide food assistance to people in need. You can find a food bank near you by entering your zip code on their website: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
📊 Track your income and expenses. According to a UnidosUS survey, more than 40% of Latinos in the U.S. do not have savings to cover a month-long emergency. Keeping track of your income and expenses gives you more clarity to get organized. You can do this with a notebook or apps like Monefy.
📉 Why is it so important to get organized? According to the Economic Policy Institute, domestic workers—mostly immigrant women—earn 61% less than other workers in the southern U.S., reflecting historical inequalities linked to racism and gender.
Can you report an unfair dismissal?
Yes. Although many workers do not have written contracts, the law also protects them. In fact, only 16% of domestic workers in the U.S. have a written employment agreement with their employer, according to data from the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA).
If you were not paid for your work or were fired without cause, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), even if you are paid in cash or do not have papers. This link will take you directly to the official website of the U.S. DOL, where you will find detailed instructions on how to file a labor complaint (Spanish also available). From there, you can search for the nearest office.
In addition, if you have been a victim of labor abuse, you may qualify for special immigration relief that allows you to stay and work legally in the U.S. for up to four years. This benefit, known as Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE), was recently expanded.
Emotional and community support networks
Being laid off can also affect your emotional well-being. It is normal to feel sad, frustrated, or anxious. Don’t deal with it alone.
💬 Find spaces where you can talk in confidence. If you are facing sudden dismissal or uncertainty, sharing your experience with other women can be a great help. There are organizations that offer listening groups, workshops, and free counseling, especially for immigrant women.
🗽 New York: New Women New Yorkers offers community programs and workshops for immigrant women, creating safe spaces for sharing experiences and building skills. More information.
🌆 Chicago: Nourishing Hope – Entre Vecinas: This program provides a space for emotional support and community for immigrant women in Chicago.
🔗 https://www.nourishinghopechi.org/you-are-welcome-here/
🌿 Practicing simple routines, such as walking, writing, or talking with a friend, also helps to release tension and feel supported.
Tips for being more prepared
You can’t always prevent a layoff, but you can take steps to reduce its impact:
✅ Keep track of your payments, duties, and schedules.
✅ Save messages related to your job.
✅ Try to set aside a small amount of money each week, if possible.
✅ Stay in touch with other workers: sharing experiences strengthens the community.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Spanish and translated into English by Tilde Language Justice Cooperative
