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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment Compensation provides temporary income support to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennie
Pennie Health Insurance Marketplace
In Pennsylvania, the health insurance marketplace is called Pennie.
Pennie is Pennsylvania's official marketplace for individual health and dental coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating bills or address a heating emergency.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
In Pennsylvania, TANF is called Cash Assistance.
Cash Assistance provides temporary financial help 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
- PA 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