Puerto Rico Layoff Resources
If you have been laid off in Puerto Rico, start here for unemployment, health coverage, basic-needs assistance, workforce services, and help with possible workplace problems.
Eligibility varies by program, so use the official links below for current rules and applications.
Unemployment Benefits and Filing
Puerto Rico Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. File the required weekly claims for every week you want benefits, report work and earnings, and follow the work-search instructions provided by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.
- Puerto Rico unemployment information
- File or manage an unemployment claim
- Puerto Rico work-search and eligibility information
- Unemployment assistance: 787-945-7900
Layoff and Severance Protections
Federal WARN can apply in Puerto Rico to certain large plant closings and mass layoffs. Puerto Rico Law 80 may also require an indemnity for some private-sector employees dismissed without just cause, and its rules can matter during workforce reductions. Coverage, just cause, seniority, exemptions, and the employee’s hiring date can change the result, so workers with substantial claims may need legal advice.
Health-Insurance Coverage
Puerto Rico residents generally cannot buy Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov. Depending on income and eligibility, options after losing job-based coverage may include Puerto Rico Medicaid or Plan Vital and COBRA continuation coverage.
- Puerto Rico Medicaid and Plan Vital
- Apply for public benefits and health coverage
- COBRA continuation coverage
Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance
ADSEF administers Puerto Rico’s Nutritional Assistance Program and other family-assistance programs. Childcare and energy assistance have separate rules and application processes. For local food, housing, utility, transportation, and emergency help, use Puerto Rico 211.
- ADSEF Digital
- Puerto Rico Child Care Program
- Puerto Rico Energy Subsidy and Crisis Program
- Puerto Rico 211
- Dial 211
- Puerto Rico housing resources
Workforce and Reemployment Services
Puerto Rico American Job Centers provide no-cost employment and training services, including job-search help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.
Workplace Problems and Legal Help
The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources administers territorial labor standards, but the correct process depends on whether the issue involves unpaid wages, accrued leave, Law 80, discrimination, or another workplace right. Its Anti-Discrimination Unit handles covered employment-discrimination complaints. Federal protections may also apply.
- File a Puerto Rico wage complaint
- Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, Anti-Discrimination Unit
- File an EEOC charge
Civil legal help
Last Reviewed: August 2026