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 Washington
Washington programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington State Employment Security Department
Unemployment benefits
Unemployment benefits provide temporary income to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Basic Food
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food.
Basic Food helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Apple Health for Kids
In Washington, CHIP is called Apple Health for Kids.
Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage to eligible children in Washington.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Washington State Department of Commerce
Housing and Essential Needs Referral
Also: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
The HEN program connects eligible people who cannot work with essential-needs and housing-related services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Commerce
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay energy bills through local providers.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary 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.
Food banks, shelters, clinics and more near you are in Help nearby. Open Help nearby
Talk to a person
- Washington 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