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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
In Minnesota, Medicaid is called MA.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program and provides free health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MNsure
Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure
In Minnesota, the health insurance marketplace is called Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure.
MNsure is Minnesota's marketplace where residents can compare and enroll in private health plans, with financial help when eligible.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
MinnesotaCare
In Minnesota, CHIP is called MinnesotaCare.
MinnesotaCare provides low-cost health coverage to eligible residents who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Housing Support
Also: Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
Housing Support helps some low-income older adults and adults with disabilities pay for room and board.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Energy Assistance Program
In Minnesota, LIHEAP is called EAP.
The Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households pay heating bills and repair or replace heating systems.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Family Investment Program
In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.
MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.
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
- United Way 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