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 Florida
Florida programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Florida Department of Commerce
Reemployment Assistance
Reemployment Assistance provides temporary benefits to eligible people who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Florida Department of Children and Families
Food Assistance Program
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries with monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Medicaid
Florida Medicaid helps eligible people pay for medical care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
Health Insurance Marketplace
Florida residents shop for individual marketplace health plans through HealthCare.gov.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Florida KidCare
In Florida, CHIP is called Florida KidCare.
Florida KidCare provides health coverage options for eligible children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Rental Assistance
Florida Housing funds local partners that offer rental assistance to eligible households.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Commerce
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay energy bills through local agencies.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Florida Department of Children and Families
Temporary Cash Assistance
In Florida, TANF is called TCA.
Temporary Cash Assistance provides short-term cash support to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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
- Florida 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