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 Arkansas
Arkansas programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food using an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas Medicaid
Arkansas Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Arkansas Department of Human Services
ARKids First
In Arkansas, CHIP is called ARKids First.
ARKids First provides health coverage to eligible children in Arkansas.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
TBRA funds local agencies that provide rental help to eligible households.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs through local community agencies.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Transitional Employment Assistance
In Arkansas, TANF is called TEA.
TEA provides cash assistance and employment 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.
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
- Arkansas 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