Life change guide
My hours were cut at work
If your hours were cut at work, you may qualify for unemployment, food help, health coverage, or energy bill assistance.
Where to start
When your work hours get cut, your income drops but your bills stay the same. You may qualify for help right away.
Several government programs can help you through this change. Unemployment Insurance may replace some of your lost wages if you've lost hours through no fault of your own. SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) can help you buy food. Medicaid can cover your health care if your income has dropped. And LIHEAP (the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) can help you pay heating or cooling bills.
You don't have to qualify for all of these—it depends on your income, family size, and state. The good news is that applying is free, and only the agency decides if you qualify.
Start by checking if you're eligible for unemployment insurance, since that's the fastest way to recover lost income. Then apply for the other programs that fit your situation. You can apply to multiple programs at the same time.
Do these first
- 1
Step 1
File for Unemployment Insurance
Contact your state's unemployment insurance program as soon as possible. You must have separated from your job due to lack of available work. It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to receive your first check. Only the state agency decides if you qualify.
About Unemployment - 2
Step 2
Apply for SNAP
SNAP gives you monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. Your income and family size determine if you qualify and how much you get. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your state's SNAP office. Applying is free.
About SNAP - 3
Step 3
Check if you qualify for Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. If your income dropped, you may now qualify. You can apply through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov. You can apply any time of year.
About Medicaid - 4
Step 4
See if LIHEAP can help with energy bills
LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills. Each state sets its own income limit and application period. Since funding is limited, apply as soon as the season opens in your state. Households that get SNAP may qualify automatically.
About LIHEAP