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 Mississippi
Mississippi programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food with monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
Mississippi Medicaid
Mississippi Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
HealthCare.gov Marketplace
Federally Facilitated Marketplace
The federal marketplace lets Mississippi residents compare and enroll in private health plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage to eligible children who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Mississippi Home Corporation
HOME-ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
HOME-ARP funds can support rental assistance for eligible people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay energy bills and address energy emergencies.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
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.
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
- 211 Mississippi
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