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 Ohio
Ohio programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment benefits provide temporary income to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Ohio, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
SNAP, called Food Assistance in Ohio, helps eligible households buy food with benefits loaded onto an Ohio Direction Card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Ohio Department of Medicaid
Ohio Medicaid
Ohio Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible Ohio residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Ohio Department of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
Ohio residents use HealthCare.gov to compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Ohio Department of Medicaid
Children's Health Insurance Program
Ohio CHIP provides health coverage to eligible children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Ohio Department of Development
Ohio Housing Locator
The Ohio Housing Locator helps residents search for affordable rental housing.
Ways to apply:Online
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Home Energy Assistance Program
In Ohio, LIHEAP is called HEAP.
HEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Ohio Works First
In Ohio, TANF is called Ohio Works First.
Ohio Works First 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
- Ohio 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