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 Colorado
Colorado programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado
In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado.
Health First Colorado provides health coverage to eligible Colorado residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado
In Colorado, the health insurance marketplace is called Connect for Health Colorado.
Connect for Health Colorado lets residents compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans and apply for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Child Health Plan Plus
In Colorado, CHIP is called CHP+.
CHP+ provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children and pregnant people who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Rental Assistance Resources
The Division of Housing lists rental assistance resources and housing programs available in Colorado.
Ways to apply:Phone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Low-income Energy Assistance Program
In Colorado, LIHEAP is called LEAP.
LEAP helps eligible households pay part of their winter home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Works
In Colorado, TANF is called Colorado Works.
Colorado Works provides eligible families with cash and help preparing for work.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- 2-1-1 Colorado
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