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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid
In Wisconsin, Medicaid is called BadgerCare Plus.
BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid provide health coverage to eligible Wisconsin residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
Wisconsin residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus CHIP coverage
In Wisconsin, CHIP is called BadgerCare Plus.
Eligible children and pregnant people receive CHIP-funded coverage through BadgerCare Plus.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
Emergency Assistance
Also: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Emergency Assistance can help eligible families with children pay certain costs after a housing or other serious emergency.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
In Wisconsin, LIHEAP is called WHEAP.
WHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and electric costs and respond to energy emergencies.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works
In Wisconsin, TANF is called W-2.
W-2 provides eligible parents and pregnant people with employment services and cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn 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.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
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 Wisconsin
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