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Life change guide

I lost my job

Learn what benefits you may qualify for after job loss: unemployment, food stamps, Medicaid, and more. Apply free through your state.

6 steps, in order6 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

Losing a job is hard. It can hit your budget, your health coverage and your peace of mind all at once. You do not have to sort it all out today. A few steps this week can help protect you and your family while you look for new work.

Start with unemployment benefits, since they may replace part of your lost wages. Then look at help with food, health coverage and bills. Many of these programs are run by your state, and each one has its own rules. Some look at your current monthly income, so a drop in pay may change what you qualify for.

You may qualify for more than one program. Applying for one does not stop you from applying for others. Keep copies of your recent pay stubs and any letters from your former employer.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Apply for unemployment benefits

    Apply with the state where you worked as soon as you can. Waiting may delay your first payment.

    About Unemployment
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Apply for SNAP food help

    SNAP looks at your household's monthly income, so losing your job may change whether you qualify. Your state decides if you qualify and how much you get.

    About SNAP
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Check if you can get Medicaid

    If you lost health coverage with your job, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can apply at any time of year through your state or HealthCare.gov.

    About Medicaid
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Compare Marketplace health plans

    If you do not qualify for Medicaid, look at plans on HealthCare.gov. Premium tax credits may lower your monthly cost.

    About ACA Subsidies
  5. 5

    Step 5

    Get help with energy bills

    If heating or cooling bills are piling up, apply for LIHEAP through your state. Funding is limited, so apply early and mention any shut-off notice.

    About LIHEAP
  6. 6

    Step 6

    Lower your phone or internet bill

    Lifeline may give you a discount on phone or internet service. Staying connected helps you search for jobs and hear back from employers.

    About Lifeline

Programs that can help

SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.LIHEAPState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.LifelineFederal · FCC / Universal Service Administrative CompanyLifeline is a federal program that may give households with low income a discount on phone or internet service.ACA SubsidiesFederal · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesPremium tax credits may lower the monthly cost of a health plan you buy through the ACA Marketplace.UnemploymentState-run · US Department of Labor / state workforce agenciesUnemployment insurance pays temporary cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs and meet their state's rules.