Unemployment Survival Guide

Transcription

1 Unemployment Survival Guide Financial Resources you May have Overlooked By Pamela Lipscomb of Free Financial Help Paying Bills

2 Unemployment Survival Guide Copyright 2015 by Pamela Lipscomb Smashwords Edition All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. ISBN:

3 Losing your Job Everyone will experience a time of unemployment sometime in their life. It is difficult when you don t know when your next check is coming or how you are going to care for your family. It can be paralyzing, especially when you don t have strong support system. I realize this information might not be for everyone. If you have a year s salary in the bank, or you have parents, inlaws or friends, who can float you a loan, this ebook might not interest you. Our hope is that this the Unemployment Survival Guide, will be a helpful resource, to those who need help the most. Please feel free to share this information with someone who might benefit from this information.

4 Table of Contents 5. Unemployment Survival Guide 7. What to do when you re Out of Work 11. Getting your Unemployment Benefits 13. You May Qualify for a Free Cell Phone 15. Apply for Food Stamps from Home 17. Free Money for Job Training 20. How to get Cash for Winter Heating Bills 22. Get Money for Childcare

5 Unemployment Survival Guide Free Financial Help, is a site dedicated to bringing you helping information to get you through a difficult season in your life. During times, of sickness, unemployment and other life's difficulties, we all need a little help from friends and family. In 2008 the United State fell into financial hardship. Banks failed and families lost their pensions, savings and homes. Industries got a bailout, but the people did not. I decided to write this resource to help all who struggle with financial difficulties. I am Pamela Lipscomb the author of the

6 ebook, and the owner of the blog, Free Financial Help Paying Bills. I saw my own family, struggle, though both my parents worked full time. My Mom and Dad clothed, feed and cared for our family with wisdom and frugality. They such a good job, we did not realize we were considered poor. We were unable to receive government assistance, because my parents worked. So, we had to make it the best way we could. We were what we call today, the working poor. This is the case for many Americans, as well as immigrants who migrate to this country. If you are working, and poor, underemployed, or have experienced a long period of unemployment or, my hope is that you will find help in the pages here.

7 Chapter 1 You re Out of Work Now What? Back in the day, when you found a good job, you kept it until you retired. Today, working on one job for a lifetime, is unheard of. The U.S. Department of Labor reported today, the average American is expected to change jobs about 7-10 times in their lifetime and remain on one job, and average of 4.1 years. So, needless to say, many of us will experience moments of unemployment before we retire. Millions are competing for jobs and many are discouraged to the point of giving up, and the time it takes to find a job has doubled. The average person looking for work has been looking for close to 40 weeks. At the end of 2010 the average time it took someone to find a job was just 10 weeks and up and in 2007 it was 8.5

8 weeks. With all this happening, some politicians are still talking about cutting government programs that help poor, disabled and the elderly. The narrative pushed by one political party is, that people who are unemployed because they are lazy and rather live off the government than work. Many politicians are out of touch with the average American and simply have lost compassion for their fellow man. Unemployment Check List Immediately file for unemployment benefits - The sooner you file for unemployment benefits, the sooner you will get your first check. If there are any disputes about your benefits, make sure to have affidavits or proof of your claims to challenger your employer. Make a new budget - It is time to shift gears emotionally and financially. You will not be able to spend like you did before, if you want your money to go further. Update your resume Dust off the old resume and revamp it for your new job hunt. You have the benefit of having experience you did not have before your lost your job. Use it to impress.

9 Network with friends, family and past co-workers A great way to find a new job, is through word of mouth! Start letting people you know, you are looking for a new job. Manage savings - If you have savings add it to your budget and us it for the most essential things like rent or mortgage. Cut out excess - If you went out for dinner once a week, you may have to cut back to once a month. Remember you can save 75% on preparing meals at home. Use Caution using Credit Cards Let you credit card holder know that you are out of work, and ask for a lower payment. If might also me advisable to put a free on all you credit cards except one for emergencies. Make Use of Food Pantries No one like having to take a handout, but it is good to know there are places to get food to feed you family, when you have no other options. Apply for Expedited Food Stamps Expedited SNAP benefits are provided to families in emergency situations. You may be able to qualify the second month you are out of work.

10 Apply for COBRA If you have a medical situation where you have to keep your insurance, consider getting COBRA until you return to work. It is expensive but one option if you can afford it. Apply for Hospital Sliding Scale - Many major hospitals offer a sliding scale payment option for disadvantaged patients. Contact the hospital in your area to find out if they offer a medical assistance program. Take Time for Yourself It is helpful to step back and look at your situation objectively. A positive attitude, will help you get through this difficult time. Pray, meditate, exercise, or talk to a good friend or clergy for inspiration.

11 Chapter 2 Applying for Unemployment Benefits When you have lost your job, the first thing you should to do, is to file for unemployment benefits. The sooner you apply, the quicker you will get your first check! It is a lot easier to file than it was years ago. Forty years ago, you had to go to the Unemployment Office, and sit there all day waiting to be called. Today you can now file online, or over the telephone. If you need a hearing, this can be scheduled and done by phone. These new conveniences save you time, inconvenience and embarrassment of filing for unemployment. People really want to work rather than struggling to hold it all together on a percentage of what you once earned.

12 This is what you can expect 1. Once you file, it will be determined if you are eligible for benefits, the amount of benefits you will receive and the length of time you will receive these benefits. 2. You must meet your State requirements, based on your earnings during the period of time you worked, before unemployed. This is based on 4 out of 5 quarters before you file. 3. Have all the document necessary, so you don t have to return. 4. Be honest and accurate in all your statement, as they will be checked. 5. You cannot receive benefits if you were fired for failing to do your job, lateness, stealing, insubordinate to superiors, etc. 6. You will be contacted to report the Unemployment Insurance Claims Office for an interview. It is mandatory to keep that appointment or your claim will be denied.

13 Chapter 3 You May Qualify for a Free Cell Phone If you are unemployed, one of the first things that you may have to get rid of, is that expensive cell phone bill. You may however, be eligible for a free cell phone and minutes each month. The Lifeline Assistance program provides affordable and free phone service to low-income families. Assurance Wireless, Reachout Wireless and Safelink Wireless, are just some of the top suppliers of free government phone service. Once approved, you can choose from 250 to 500 free minutes, depending on the cellular company, and available promotions. If you run out of minutes, you can purchase more time for a small fee.

14 The Lifeline program, works with the government, and wireless companies, to provide free cell phones and service, to those who qualify financially. You no longer have to worry about checking on your children, making appointments, or having a contact number when looking for a job. How do I Qualify? You qualify if you receive a free cell phone if: Section 8 Medicaid Unemployed SNAPs/Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

15 Chapter 4 Apply for Food Stamps Online The food stamp program helps by providing supplemental food benefits to disadvantaged. This assistance is available for the disabled, unemployed and working families that qualify financially. When you are busy looking for a job, you may not have time to wait in the SNAP office. You will be glad to know, you can apply for these services online. You can also apply for expedited or emergency food assistance, which will take about seven days. Applying for food stamps online can help save you time and money while seeking the help you and your family need. Most people hate to ask others for help, but we want you to know that there is help available.

16 Where to Begin To apply for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAPS, go to Using this online service, provided by the Department of Social Services helps potential clients, locate supplemental services in their area. How to Qualify Eligibility requirements for food stamps is determined, by your family income and number of people in your home as well as where you live. Go to the website and use the pre-screening eligibility tool and enter your income and family size to determine if you and your family are eligible for food stamps. If you qualify, the next step is to fill out an application and submit it to the HRA office. If you have children under 5 years old, and qualify for SNAPs, you will also qualify for WIC, which is supplemental food services for women, infants and children.

17 Chapter 5 How to get Free Job Training If there is someone in the home, can pay bills such as rent, food and utilities this could be a great opportunity for you to go to school and change your career direction. In order to be approved to receive educational funding, you have to prove, you will be sustained while in school. Here are a few places to begin your training search. WIA ( Work Enforcement Act) It you are interested in returning to school. Call to make an appointment to receive WIA services. The WIA provides you with free money for school. They will pay for you to take a college certificate course, nursing school or to learn a new skill. The bottom line is, they will pay for you to go to school for up to two years! If you are unemployed, and desire to receive job

18 retraining ask about the WIA. You will be given a date to attend a class, to explain the process and requirement for receiving a grant. They will tell you the requirements for receiving a grant, and what documentation you will need to be certified for one of the programs. There are many colleges that are working with WIA to help people reach their career goals. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army doesn t just run thrift stores. They also have a great training program, for those seeking to refresh old job skills and acquire new ones. Make an appointment for skills assessment testing and to speak to a counselor. They will help to steer you in the right direction, help with resumes and if you want to go to school they will help you with that as well. When you are ready, they have job opportunities for you to pursue. The Job Link - The Job Link is a one stop resource center, designed to help you achieve your career goals, whatever they are. They are associated with the Employment Commission, and you can sign up to attend a certification program or get a two year degree. Workshops by the Job Link are as:

19 Current job postings Access to computers Veteran's Services Job counseling and for career assessment Classes on job retraining and grants Resume preparation workshops JIS (Job Information System), thousands of job openings in your state. Reference Library with books, brochures, videos and CD- ROMs on jobs, training and the labor market. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Services Other Job Resources: USA Jobs Career Voyages U.S. Department of Labor

20 Chapter 6 Get Money for Heating/Cooling Bills Each winter LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) sends out checks for up to $350, to help deserving families pay winter heating bills. If you are out of work, this extra assistance can make a real difference to you and your family. Every year it is reported that several elderly people freeze to death in their homes, because of a lack of adequate heating. If you have been struggling to pay your heating bill, it is important to find out if you qualify for the Heating Assistance Program. The government funds each state with the finances to distribute to those who meet the states poverty standards. LIHEAP will make a payment directly to you utility company or you will receive a check in the first week of February to be used

21 for utility bills. Check are handed out the first week of February. It is important to apply in August - September because the funds are given out on a first come first served basis. How Do I Qualify? You qualify for LIHEAP if you are receiving: Food Stamps/SNAP Receiving Medicaid On Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Receiving TANF- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Child is on the National School Lunch Program Supplemental Security Income SSI Or if you total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Enrollment for heating assistance begins in late summer. Funds are limited, and preference is given to families with children. Call or visit your local Department of Social Services, or community assistance agency to be put on the list to receive help. Check for up to $ 350 are given out the first week of January.

22 Chapter 7 How to Apply for Child Care Assistance The Human Services Child Care Assistance Program, (CCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families, in need of affordable child care. You are eligible to receive assistance if you are working and your earnings are below the national poverty level, or you are attending school to improve job skills and become more marketable in the work arena. Many woman would love to stay home and care for their children, but even families with two parents find that hard to do. Child care can easily be one of your highest bills other than rent; especially, if you are a single parent or have more than one child. Child Care and Development Fund The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) distributes to

23 states, territories and tribes up to $5,000,000 for low-income families, with temporary help while moving from public assistance to self-sufficiency. The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) provides state, territories and tribes up to $5,000,000 for low-income families with children. This temporary help provides parent the opportunity to move from public assistance to self-sufficiency; so they can return to school or work. How to Apply for Child Care Assistance You can go Department of Social Services website to download an application, or go to the health and welfare office to fill out an application in person. A face to face meeting will give you the opportunity to ask questions and receive accurate information. Make sure that you have the proper documentation, to help speed up the process. You will need to bring these things to your appointment: State Photo identification

24 Current payroll stubs or a W-2 forms Documentation from government assistance program Social security cards for each family member Proof you are attending of school or training program Taking these documents with you will speed up the time it takes us to process your application for assistance. The department of Social Services will also give you a list of child care agencies and individuals who are approved by CCAP. When approved you will receive a voucher to be given to your child provider, not cash. The childcare facility you choose must be: A Licensed day care A school program A Licensed child care center run by the Department of Defense A home day care registered with the state; with no more than 6 children

25 In Conclusion Hopefully, this information will help you to move forward in your job or educational search. Being unemployed is difficult, but it can also be the best thing that happened to you. It may have released you from a dead-end job that you hated, and set you on a new path to go to school, or start your own business. Be assured, whatever happens, know you are the master of your own fate! Use all the tools you need, to get you through this difficult time, you will be back to work or in finish school before you know it. There are many more things you can do to get help will bills, go back to school, and even get help with home repairs. If you want more information, we can direct you to the best assistance program. Visit us at: