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Lost a job

Money, food and health coverage while you look for work.

What to do first

  1. Apply for unemployment benefits with your state right away.
  2. Check your health coverage. You may be able to keep your job's plan, or you can pick a new one.
  3. If money for food or rent is short, apply for food benefits and ask about rent help.
  4. Get free help looking for work at an American Job Center.

Which state are you in?

We show your state's programs. We remember your state in this browser only.

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.gov

  • At 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

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.

    Official page Call 1-877-872-5627

  • 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.

    Apply on HealthCare.gov Call 1-800-318-2596

  • 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.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Checked on October 9, 2026