Due to your unemployment status you may also be eligible for other types of assistance. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act led to increased benefits due to the current economy - there have been slight increases in unemployment benefits, benefit weeks have been extended in some parts of the country, and time limited reduced COBRA payments are now in effect. Depending on your economic situation, you may also be eligible for other benefits including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, depending where you live and your specific circumstances you could be eligible for additional programs. Visit some of the resources below and find out what you might be eligible for. During these difficult times, it is important to explore all your options. Visit the Benefits Toolbox and explore resources available to help you identify other types of assistance.

COBRA provides continuation of group health coverage. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, if you have been laid off between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, you are likely eligible to receive a federal subsidy that will pay 65% of your COBRA premiums for nine months. Termination must be involuntary and there are some income restrictions. Employers must also have a specific number of staff enrolled in a group health plan to offer COBRA benefits. If eligible, your former employer should have given you detailed information on how to apply for COBRA benefits. If you think you might be eligible and did not receive any information, please consult your former employer. Click here to learn more. 

There are several tools available to help you determine what benefits you are eligible for based on your income.

·         BenefitsCheckUp is a web-based service (hosted by the National Council on the Aging) that can be used to determine if you may be eligible for a wide range of benefits including prescription assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, housing and transportation benefits. This website is primarily for seniors however, this tool can be helpful in identifying a number of resources regardless of your age.

·         GovBenefits.gov is a web based questionnaire that can help you determine which benefits you might be eligible for. You can also target your search by categories. For example, find out how to apply for Medicaid in your state or what programs are available for food assistance where you live.

·         This Pre-Screening Tool can be used to determine if you may be eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.