Lost a job
What to do first
- Apply for unemployment benefits with your state right away.
- Check your health coverage. You may be able to keep your job's plan, or you can pick a new one.
- If money for food or rent is short, apply for food benefits and ask about rent help.
- Get free help looking for work at an American Job Center.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
Losing your job's health plan lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days after the plan ends.
Source: HealthCare.govAt least 60 days
Keeping your job's health plan (COBRA)
If your old job's plan offers COBRA, you have at least 60 days to choose it. The time starts when you get the notice or when your coverage ends, whichever is later. COBRA covers most employers with 20 or more workers.
Source: DOL.gov
Help from Delaware
Delaware programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Delaware Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Delaware, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program helps eligible Delaware households buy groceries using monthly food benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
Delaware Medicaid
Delaware Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware Department of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
In Delaware, the health insurance marketplace is called Choose Health Delaware.
Delaware residents use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace to compare and enroll in individual health coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
Delaware Healthy Children Program
The Delaware Healthy Children Program provides low-cost health coverage to eligible uninsured children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Delaware State Housing Authority
State Rental Assistance Program
The State Rental Assistance Program helps eligible Delaware households pay rent.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Service Centers
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Delaware Energy Assistance Program, also called LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs and may provide crisis or weatherization help.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
CareerOneStop.org
Help finding work
American Job Centers help with job search, resumes and training, for free. Find the one near you on CareerOneStop, from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
Federal Communications Commission
Lifeline phone and internet discount
A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Delaware 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988