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You Lost Your Job. Here's What to Do, In Order.
Losing a job is stressful enough without also having to figure out which office to call first. This guide puts the programs that matter most in a rough order, starting with the ones that are time-sensitive and moving into the ones that help you keep afloat while you look for work.
You don't need to qualify for everything here, and some of these depend on things like whether you have kids or a disability. Start with unemployment and health coverage — a few programs below become easier to get once you're already enrolled in one of those.
This week
File for Oregon Unemployment Insurance right away
Most claims are reviewed within about a week, so filing as soon as you can get a decision back to you sooner.
Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Apply for the Oregon Health Plan if you lost health coverage with your job
Applications can take up to 45 days to process, so applying early helps you avoid a gap in coverage.
Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Apply for SNAP food benefits
SNAP puts money on an EBT card every month based on your income and household size, so you can keep buying groceries while your income is down.
SNAP (food benefits)
Within the month
Apply for TANF cash assistance if you have kids in the home
TANF pays monthly cash for low-income families with children, and it comes with the JOBS program, which can help pay for transportation, car repairs, and child care while you get back on your feet.
Oregon TANF & JOBS Program
Apply for Oregon Lifeline to cut your phone or internet bill
Being on SNAP or OHP already qualifies you with no extra paperwork, and it can cut your phone bill by up to $20.25 a month or your internet by up to $24.25.
Oregon Lifeline
Apply for a discount on your electric and water bills
PGE and Pacific Power both offer income-based electric discounts, and Portland's Water Bureau offers a separate discount plus a crisis voucher if you're behind — check whichever applies to where you live.
PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount · Pacific Power Low-Income Discount (Schedule 7) · Portland Water Bureau bill discount
Look into TriMet's Honored Citizen fare and the Transportation Wallet
If you already qualify for OHP or SNAP, you also qualify for up to 72% off TriMet fares and for a bundled transportation credit through the city.
TriMet Honored Citizen reduced fare · Transportation Wallet: Access for All
Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit when you file taxes
It's a refundable credit for working people with low to moderate income from the year you worked — even a partial year counts toward your return.
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
While you look for work
Sign up with WorkSource Oregon for free job search help
All of their services are free, including career coaching, training programs, resume help, and support money for things like transportation and child care.
WorkSource Oregon (WIOA employment & training)
Ask about Vocational Rehabilitation if a disability makes it hard to get or keep a job
They offer career counseling, training, and job placement support for people with disabilities, though eligible applicants have been on a waitlist since June 2025 — ask about the current status.
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Look into free GED or Adult Education classes if you want to build your skills
Classes are low-cost, with fee waivers if you can't pay, and can move you toward a high-school-equivalency diploma or into college or job training.
Adult Education / GED Prep (Oregon community colleges)
If your immigration status blocks you from unemployment, contact Oregon Worker Relief
It's direct financial help for immigrant Oregonians who can't get unemployment or federal aid because of their status.
Oregon Worker Relief
Keep copies of your last pay stubs, your layoff letter, and your work history for the past 18 months in one place — you'll need them for unemployment, SNAP, and most of the other applications above.
Not sure which of these fit your household? Answer a few questionsand we’ll rank everything for you.
Every program for this moment
Free or low-cost classes to earn your GED
Program: Adult Education / GED Prep (Oregon community colleges)
Low-cost classes (with fee waivers if you can't pay) to earn a high-school-equivalency diploma or improve reading, writing, and math, and move into college or job training.
Who it’s for: Adults 16 and older who want a GED or high-school equivalency, or to build basic skills (fee waivers for those who can't pay)
See the rule
“Adult Education is a non-credit program that prepares students for credit classes and the GED® test.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
A tax refund for working families
Program: Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable federal tax credit for working people with low to moderate income — can boost your refund
Who it’s for: Working people with low-to-moderate income (the amount depends on your income and how many children you have)
Apply onlineIn person
See the rule
“The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe - and maybe increase your refund.” Official site ↗
“Investment income limit: $11,950 or less” Official site ↗
“If you qualify for the federal earned income tax credit (EITC) , you can also claim the Oregon earned income credit (EIC). If you have a dependent who is younger than 3 at the end of the tax year, your Oregon EIC is 12 percent of your federal EITC; otherwise, your EIC is 9 percent of your federal EITC.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free or low-cost health coverage
Program: Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Health coverage (Oregon Health Plan / Medicaid)
Who it’s for: People who already have SSI or the Oregon Health Plan or homes making under about $1,840 a month (for 1 person)
Apply online (ONE.Oregon.gov)By phonePaper formIn personBring: SSNs, immigration status, income info, contact info
See the rule
“Adults age 19 through 64 ... Children age 1 through 18 ... Income limit is 133% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)” Official site ↗
“Oregon Health Plan (OHP) (0-138%)” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
A discount on phone & internet
Program: Oregon Lifeline
Phone/internet discount
Who it’s for: People who already have SNAP (food benefits), the Oregon Health Plan, or SSI or homes making under about $1,800 a month (for 1 person)
Apply onlinePaper formBy phone
See the rule
“Total household income is at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines” Official site ↗
“You may qualify for Oregon Lifeline if you are at least 18 years old and you, or a member of your household, receives one of the following benefits” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Unemployment benefits
Program: Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Weekly cash benefits if you lost a job or had hours cut through no fault of your own. Apply through Frances Online.
Who it’s for: Workers who lost a job or hours through no fault of their own and are able, available, and looking for work
Apply online (Frances Online)By phonePaper formBring: SSN & contact info, 18-month work history, bank info (direct deposit)
See the rule
“If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced, you may qualify for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Program.” Official site ↗
“Did you work at least 500 hours or get paid at least $1,000 by an employer during your 'base year?'” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Help getting and keeping a job (Voc Rehab)
Program: Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Career counseling, training, assistive tech, job placement, and ongoing support to help people with disabilities get or keep work.
Who it’s for: People whose disability makes it hard to get or keep a job
⚠ Eligible applicants have been placed on a waitlist since June 2025 — ask about current status.
See the rule
“VR works with most people who have a disability that makes it hard to get or keep a job.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Emergency cash for immigrant workers shut out of unemployment
Program: Oregon Worker Relief
Direct financial help for immigrant Oregonians locked out of unemployment and federal aid because of their status, including a fund for people who are houseless and one for farmworkers who lost wages in a disaster.
Who it’s for: Immigrant Oregonians who can't get unemployment or federal aid because of their immigration status
See the rule
“[Rehousing Fund] supports with financial assistance to Oregonians who are houseless...or fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
A discount on your Pacific Power bill
Program: Pacific Power Low-Income Discount (Schedule 7)
Tiered electric bill discount (20/40/80%)
Who it’s for: People served by pacific-power, and homes making under about $3,200 a month (for 1 person)
Apply onlinePaper form
See the rule
“annual household income (gross income) at or below 60% of Oregon state median income” Official site ↗
“Customers with household incomes up to 5% of SMI will receive an 80% discount” Official site ↗
“Customers receiving LIHEAP or OEAP within 12 months of recertification will automatically be re-enrolled” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
A discount on your Portland water bill
Program: Portland Water Bureau bill discount
Tier 1 (≤60% SMFI) or Tier 2 (≤30% SMFI) discount + up to $500 crisis voucher
Who it’s for: People who live in Portland, and homes making under about $4,490 a month (for 1 person)
⚠ Crisis vouchers: funds are limited; one per 12-month period.
Apply online (SeamlessDocs)Paper formIn personabout an hourBring: Service address, household member info, gross income, proof of income
See the rule
“Households earning up to 60 percent of the state median family income (MFI) are eligible for assistance.” Official site ↗
“Income limits valid until July 2027.” Official site ↗
“We offer crisis vouchers (credits) of up to $500 to eligible customers.” Official site ↗
“If you receive financial assistance for your sewer, stormwater, and water bill, you may also be eligible for the City of Portland's garbage bill discount. To receive the garbage bill discount, you must: Own and live in a single-family home; Be enrolled in our financial assistance program and receive Tier 2 rate relief—check the income guidelines table to find out if you qualify; Be the account holder for both the garbage bill and the sewer, stormwater, and water bill” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
A discount on your PGE electric bill
Program: PGE Income-Qualified Bill Discount
15–80% off your monthly electric bill
Who it’s for: People served by pge, and people who already have help paying energy bills or help paying energy bills or homes making under about $3,200 a month (for 1 person)
Apply onlineBy phonePaper form
See the rule
“a monthly discount between 15% and 80% off your energy use” Official site ↗
“If you've received energy assistance in the past, it's likely you qualify” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Monthly money for food
Program: SNAP (food benefits)
Monthly food money on an EBT card
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person)
Apply online (ONE.Oregon.gov)By phoneIn person
See the rule
“The table below gives a general idea of the amount of money (income) that most people or families can earn and still be in this program.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-05 · Report incorrect information
Cash help for families with kids (TANF)
Program: Oregon TANF & JOBS Program
Monthly cash for low-income families with children, plus JOBS help with transportation, car repairs, child care, and job training.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — families responsible for a child under 19, unemployed or underemployed with low income and assets
Apply online (ONE.Oregon.gov)By phoneIn person
See the rule
“The Job Opportunity and Basic Skills program (JOBS) is for families who have TANF.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free transit & transportation credit
Program: Transportation Wallet: Access for All
Bundled transit / transportation credit
Who it’s for: People who already have a reduced TriMet fare, the Oregon Health Plan, SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, help paying energy bills, WIC, a housing voucher, free school lunch, or help paying for childcare
See the rule
“The Transportation Wallet: Access for All program defines "living on a low-income" as anyone qualifying for at least one of the below services:” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-05 · Report incorrect information
Up to 72% off the bus & MAX
Program: TriMet Honored Citizen reduced fare
Up to 72% off transit — $1.40 / 2.5 hrs or $28/month
Who it’s for: People who already have the Oregon Health Plan, SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, help paying energy bills, WIC, a housing voucher, free school lunch, or help paying for childcare or homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person)
Apply onlineIn personBring: Benefit letter or income proof, photo ID, proof of Oregon residency
See the rule
“If you participate in Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Free & Reduced Price Lunch, HUD Housing Choice Voucher, LIHEAP, Employment Related Daycare, or WIC, you qualify.” Official site ↗
“You must also be between 18 and 64 years old, an Oregon resident, and not already using Honored Citizen fares to qualify.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free job training, career coaching, and layoff help
Program: WorkSource Oregon (WIOA employment & training)
Free career coaching, training programs, paid internships and apprenticeships, resume and interview help, and support money for transportation, childcare, and tuition — funded by the federal WIOA.
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for work, recently laid off, or wanting free job training (veterans get priority)
See the rule
“All services are free.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
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