Employment

COBRA Health Insurance Continuation: How to Keep Your Coverage After Job Loss or Divorce

Losing a job is bad enough. Losing your health insurance on top of it can feel like getting kicked while you are already down. That is exactly the nightmare COBRA is designed to prevent. COBRA is not a grant or a subsidy.

Amount: Varies; participants pay full premium plus up to 2% administrative fee Deadline: Generally 60 days to elect coverage after notice Location: United States

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

Type: Benefit Amount: Up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave (26 weeks for military caregiver leave) Deadline: Dec 31, 2025 Location: United States

IRS Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal tax credit for employers that hire individuals from targeted groups facing barriers to employment. Available for hires who begin work on or before December 31, 2025.

Type: Tax Credit Amount: Up to $9,600 per eligible new hire depending on target group, wages, and hours worked Deadline: Complete IRS Form 8850 on or before the day a job offer is made; submit to the state workforce agency within 28 days of the employee’s start date Location: United States

SSA Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

A customized savings and expense plan that lets SSI recipients set aside income and resources for work goals without reducing their monthly cash benefit.

Type: Benefit Amount: Varies: protects hundreds to thousands of dollars per month when approved work expenses are set aside Deadline: Open year-round Location: United States

State Unemployment Insurance

Weekly cash benefits for eligible workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own.

Type: Benefit Amount: Varies by state; typically 40-60% of prior wages up to state maximum (often $300-$900 weekly) Deadline: Varies by state Location: United States

Ticket to Work 2025: Try Working Without Losing Benefits

A complete guide to the SSA Ticket to Work program for 2025, including new Trial Work Period limits, SGA thresholds, and how to keep your Medicare.

Type: Benefit Amount: Free Career Support + Benefit Protection Deadline: Ongoing Location: United States