When you lose work, act in the first 24–72 hours
Losing a job is overwhelming — especially when you’re caring for a young child. The next few days are about two things: (1) replacing income fast and (2) protecting your family’s access to health care, food, and childcare. Use this guide as a prioritized checklist and a quick-reference of where to apply, what papers to gather, and which local services to call.
- First 24 hours: File for unemployment with your state (online or by phone) and report any severance/pay information. States process claims differently; filing immediately avoids delays.
- First 48–72 hours: Start SNAP (food), Medicaid/CHIP (healthcare for you or your children), and childcare assistance applications — many programs give retroactive benefits to the date you applied.
- Call 2‑1‑1: If you’re not sure where to start, dialing 2‑1‑1 connects you to local food banks, emergency rental or utility help, and caseworkers who can point you to same‑day resources.
Below you’ll find program-by-program steps, the documents you’ll typically need, a fast checklist to speed applications, and practical budgeting moves you can make today.
Step-by-step checklist: file for unemployment, food, and health coverage
Follow this order to maximize speed and to avoid missed benefit windows.
1. File for state unemployment insurance (UI)
How: File with the state where you worked — most states accept online claims and phone claims. File immediately; benefit checks often begin 2–3 weeks after filing, and some states have a one-week waiting period. Have employer names, dates worked, pay info, and your Social Security number ready to avoid delays.
- What to prepare: full name, SSN, mailing address, driver's or state ID, recent pay stubs or W‑2, employer contact info, bank routing if you want direct deposit.
- If your claim is denied, you have appeal rights — don’t skip the deadline in the denial letter.
2. Apply for SNAP (food stamps)
Why: SNAP can be fast — if your household has very low resources you may get benefits within 7 days. Apply in the state where you live (state offices process applications and interviews). Benefits are usually retroactive to the application date if approved.
- What to prepare: ID, proof of address, proof of income (or unemployment application confirmation), SSNs for household members, and a list of household members.
- Tip: Ask for expedited/7‑day service if you have <$100 in cash and low monthly income — state rules apply.
3. Enroll your children (and yourself if eligible) in Medicaid or CHIP
How: Medicaid and CHIP are run by states; you can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. States may process differently, but many use online portals or the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace to screen for eligibility. Processing can take weeks; respond quickly to requests for documents.
- What to prepare: SSNs, birthdates, proof of income (pay stubs or unemployment claim), proof of residence, and any current insurance information.
- Pregnant people and young children often have options for presumptive or fast-track coverage — ask the state agency or your local clinic.
4. Check WIC, TANF, and Head Start
- WIC: Helps pregnant/postpartum people and kids under 5 with healthy foods and breastfeeding support. Contact your local WIC office for quick enrollment.
- TANF: Cash and work supports for families with children; rules vary by state but apply quickly if you need short‑term cash assistance.
- Head Start / Early Head Start: Free early‑education slots for income‑eligible families; local programs use waitlists but can be a good option for near‑term childcare.
Apply to SNAP and Medicaid first if your family needs immediate food or medical coverage; many programs cross‑verify eligibility and enrollment in one program can speed others.
Childcare & work supports — how to protect or replace care quickly
If losing income also threatens your childcare, prioritize the following:
- Apply for state child care subsidies (CCDF) or emergency vouchers: The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low‑income families pay for care so parents can work or train. States sometimes maintain waitlists — apply right away and ask about priorities (e.g., children of essential workers, children in foster care, or families below certain income thresholds). Some CCDF rules allow keeping eligibility for 12 months to protect families through temporary job loss.
- Contact Head Start / Early Head Start: If your child is age‑eligible and your family meets income criteria, Head Start programs can be free and include wraparound services. Use the Head Start locator to find program contacts.
- Ask American Job Centers about transitional childcare supports: Local American Job Centers provide job search help, training referrals, and sometimes information about local childcare funding or employer programs. They can also help you enroll in job training that may qualify you for childcare vouchers.
- Short-term backup options: 2‑1‑1, community action agencies, schools, churches, and food pantry volunteers often know about emergency babysitter pools, vouchers, or day‑of care lists in your area. Call 2‑1‑1 for a local referral.
Money & documents checklist (print or screenshot this)
| Action | Documents/Info You’ll Need | Expected timing |
|---|
| File unemployment | SSN, employer names & dates, pay stubs/W‑2, ID, bank routing | File day 0; payment often 2–3 weeks. |
| Apply SNAP | ID, proof of address, income proof or unemployment filing | 30 days typical; possible 7‑day expedited. |
| Apply Medicaid/CHIP | SSNs, income proof, birthdates, current insurance info | Varies by state (often weeks); respond fast to documentation requests. |
| Childcare subsidy (CCDF) | Income proof, child’s age, proof of activity (work, job search, school) | Waitlists possible; ask about emergency vouchers. |
Keep scanned copies or photos of all requested documents. Many state portals accept uploads — use those to avoid mail delays.
