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 Vermont
Vermont programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Vermont Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance replaces some wages for eligible people who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Department for Children and Families
3SquaresVT
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Vermont Health Access
Green Mountain Care Medicaid
In Vermont, Medicaid is called Green Mountain Care.
Green Mountain Care provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Vermonters.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Vermont Health Access
Vermont Health Connect Qualified Health Plans
In Vermont, the health insurance marketplace is called Vermont Health Connect.
Vermont Health Connect is the state's marketplace for individual health insurance and financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Vermont Health Access
Dr. Dynasaur
In Vermont, CHIP is called Dr. Dynasaur.
Dr. Dynasaur provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Opportunity Program
The Housing Opportunity Program funds local partners that provide homelessness prevention and rental assistance.
Department for Children and Families
Fuel Assistance
In Vermont, LIHEAP is called Fuel Assistance.
Fuel Assistance helps eligible households pay part of their home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Reach Up
In Vermont, TANF is called Reach Up.
Reach Up provides cash and services 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.
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
- Vermont 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