A Guide to Quitting Your Job

Dependent care accounts are different: Employees can be reimbursed only for expenses up to the amount that has been deducted from their paychecks.

Health savings accounts, which are typically used in conjunction with high-deductible health plans, aren’t use-it-or-lose-it. That money is yours to keep even if you don’t spend it; the account isn’t tied to an employer.

“The account would stay put, and could still be used to reimburse or pay for qualified medical expenses,” said Frank Fiorille, vice president of risk, compliance and data analytics at Paychex. But you can’t make new contributions, unless you open a new high-deductible plan elsewhere.

Tally up vacation time, bonuses and more.

Check to see how much vacation or other paid time off you have not yet used and may be owed, and whether it can still be used or paid out; that could help cushion your job search fund, if you’re creating one. Also be sure you know when other perks, including bonuses, may be paid out or become available, such as soon-to-be-vested stock options.

If you’re holding any stock options that allow you to buy shares at a discount, find out how long you have to cash them in after you leave, Ms. Rotter said, adding that it’s commonly three months from your last day. For any options that aren’t vested, however, you’ll probably be leaving money on the table.

Have a plan for health insurance …

If you’ve been putting off appointments, it may make sense to book them before you start over with a new deductible and possibly a new provider network. The next order of business is to find out when your coverage ends: It could be cut off on your last day, for example, or it may last for the rest of the month.

Then, review your options carefully. “Everyone needs their health coverage right now, more than ever,” said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation.