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 California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Employment Development Department
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Californians.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Health Benefit Exchange
Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace
In California, the health insurance marketplace is called Covered California.
Covered California helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and financial assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal for Children and Teens
In California, CHIP is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal covers eligible children and teens who meet the program rules.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing and Rental Assistance Programs
HCD funds housing programs that help eligible residents access affordable housing and rental support.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Community Services and Development
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households with home energy costs and energy emergencies.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalWORKs
In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.
CalWORKs provides cash assistance 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
- 211 California
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