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 Idaho
Idaho programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Idaho Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Idaho households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Medicaid
Idaho Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Your Health Idaho
Idaho Health Insurance Marketplace
In Idaho, the health insurance marketplace is called Your Health Idaho.
Your Health Idaho helps residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children in Idaho.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible renters pay for housing in participating counties.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay heating costs.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho
In Idaho, TANF is called TAFI.
TAFI provides monthly cash assistance to eligible low-income families.
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.
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
- 211 Idaho CareLine
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