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 Maryland
Maryland programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Maryland Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary payments to eligible people who lost work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Maryland Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Maryland, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program is Maryland's name for SNAP and helps eligible households buy food with an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Medical Assistance provides health coverage to eligible Maryland residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Health Connection
In Maryland, the health insurance marketplace is called Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland Health Connection is the state's marketplace for health coverage and financial help with coverage costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Children's Health Program
In Maryland, CHIP is called MCHP.
MCHP provides health coverage to eligible children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher Resources
DHCD provides housing resources and directs residents to local agencies that administer rental subsidies.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of Home Energy Programs
In Maryland, LIHEAP is called OHEP Energy Assistance.
OHEP helps eligible households pay home energy bills and prevent utility shutoffs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Temporary Cash Assistance
In Maryland, TANF is called TCA.
TCA gives eligible families with children temporary cash assistance and employment support.
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
- Maryland 2-1-1
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