Job Hunting After a Layoff: Job & Government Help You Can Apply For
Jeanette Moore
Published Nov 5, 2026
Losing a job before the holidays can make it harder to cover rent, groceries, utilities and health insurance. If you were laid off, file for unemployment in the state where you worked, then check whether you qualify for other assistance.
Each state runs its own unemployment insurance program and sets its own rules.
Apply for Unemployment First
Unemployment insurance pays workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. File as soon as possible, and be ready to show your work history and income.
| What to do | Where to go |
|---|---|
| File for unemployment | USA.gov unemployment benefits |
| Find your state unemployment office | USA.gov unemployment benefits |
| Find job-search and training help | USA.gov jobs and unemployment |
| Avoid unemployment scams | USA.gov unemployment scams |
Find a New Job
Start applying while you wait for benefits. These free resources can help with job listings, résumés, interviews, training and apprenticeships.
| Resource | What it offers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| USA.gov | Job-search tools and career resources | Find a job |
| CareerOneStop | Job listings, résumé help and training search | CareerOneStop |
| American Job Centers | Free local job-search and employment help | Find a center |
| USAJOBS | Federal government jobs | USAJOBS |
| Apprenticeship.gov | Paid apprenticeships and career training | Apprenticeship.gov |
| Seasonal jobs | Temporary and holiday work guidance | USA.gov seasonal jobs |
Ask your state unemployment office whether you must register for work search or submit proof that you are applying for jobs.
Help With Food, Bills and Health Coverage
Depending on your household, you may qualify for help with groceries, utility bills, rent or health insurance.
| Need | Program | Apply here |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | SNAP food benefits | Apply for SNAP |
| Heating or cooling bills | LIHEAP | LIHEAP |
| Rent or housing | HUD rental assistance | HUD rental assistance |
| Health coverage | Medicaid, CHIP or Marketplace plans | HealthCare.gov |
| Cash help for families | TANF | TANF |
| Local emergency help | Food, rent, utility and hardship programs | USA.gov financial hardship |
Apply Before the Holidays
Keep your layoff notice, final pay stub, ID, bank details and utility bills ready. Then follow this order:
File for unemployment.
Start your job search.
Apply for SNAP if you need grocery help.
Apply for LIHEAP if you risk a shutoff.
Check health-coverage options.
Apply for TANF if you have children and urgent needs.
Contact local programs for rent, food or emergency help.
Use only official .gov websites. The USA.gov unemployment-scam guide warns that fake unemployment websites can collect personal information.
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Losing a job before the holidays can make it harder to cover rent, groceries, utilities and health insurance. If you were laid off, file for unemployment in the state where you worked, then check whether y...
