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 North Carolina
North Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
North Carolina Division of Employment Security
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lost work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Nutrition Services
Food and Nutrition Services helps eligible households buy food using an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid
In North Carolina, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
NC Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible North Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid for Children
In North Carolina, CHIP is called NC Health Choice (now part of NC Medicaid).
Children who qualify get free or low-cost health coverage through NC Medicaid, which now includes the old NC Health Choice program.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Affordable Housing and Rental Assistance
The agency funds housing programs and rental assistance administered with local partners.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Low Income Energy Assistance Program
In North Carolina, LIHEAP is called LIEAP.
LIEAP helps eligible households pay heating costs through a one-time payment to their utility provider.
Ways to apply:PaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Work First Family Assistance
In North Carolina, TANF is called Work First.
Work First provides cash assistance and related services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn 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
- NC 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