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 the District of Columbia
District of Columbia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Employment Services
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment compensation provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible residents buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
District of Columbia Medicaid
DC Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority
DC Health Link
In District of Columbia, the health insurance marketplace is called DC Health Link.
DC Health Link lets residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
Children's Health Insurance Program
In District of Columbia, CHIP is called DC Healthy Families.
DC Healthy Families provides health coverage to eligible children and families.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
ERAP helps eligible residents with rent arrears or costs for a security deposit and first month's rent.
Ways to apply:Phone
Department of Energy and Environment
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling energy costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and support services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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.
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
- Answers, Please
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