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 South Carolina
South Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Healthy Connections Medicaid
In South Carolina, Medicaid is called Healthy Connections.
Healthy Connections helps pay medical bills for eligible South Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace
HealthCare.gov is the federal marketplace South Carolina residents use to compare and enroll in private health plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Children's Health Insurance Program
In South Carolina, CHIP is called Partners for Healthy Children.
Partners for Healthy Children provides health coverage for eligible children in South Carolina.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Rental Assistance and Affordable Housing
SC Housing connects renters to affordable housing resources and administers selected housing assistance programs.
Ways to apply:Online
South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills.
Ways to apply:In person
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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
- South Carolina 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