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 Kentucky
Kentucky programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Office of Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Department for Community Based Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Department for Medicaid Services
Medicaid
Kentucky Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange
Qualified Health Plans
In Kentucky, the health insurance marketplace is called kynect health coverage.
Kentucky residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through kynect.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Department for Medicaid Services
Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program
In Kentucky, CHIP is called KCHIP.
KCHIP provides health coverage to eligible children in Kentucky.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Rental Assistance
Kentucky Housing Corporation connects residents with rental assistance programs and local housing partners.
Ways to apply:In person
Department for Community Based Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households with home heating and cooling costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program
In Kentucky, TANF is called KTAP.
KTAP provides cash assistance 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
- Kentucky 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