During this recession, more people than ever are needing extra assistance (yes, an economic stimulus check would be a huge help). Here are some resources for those in need.
Got laid off? Here’s are some questions that many people who have lost their jobs are asking these days:
I’m unemployed and need help. What happens if my unemployment checks run out and I still can’t find a job? Where can I get help for my daily needs?
More people are finding themselves in situations they never dreamed they would ever be in; some have lost their jobs and others have found themselves struggling as low-income earners. Unfortunately, very many of us are finding ourselves at the end of our financial rope. What then can we do?
Image by NY Times
We’ve gathered together some resources and options that may hopefully help those in this financial predicament.
Help For The Unemployed: Beyond The Unemployment Checks
If you are underemployed or unemployed right now, you are not alone. With the current state of the economy, it’s not surprising if you’re on a job hunt. Since many folks are seeking employment, jobs take longer to find. If you are not seeking unemployment benefits or your current benefits have run out, there are a few resources to help you get past these hard times.
How To Get Money For Housing and Other Necessary Expenses
If you are jobless and meet certain financial criteria, you can apply for an unemployment bridge grant through Modest Needs to cover certain necessary expenses. The money is granted to a person who is recently unemployed through no fault of their own and has not yet found a job nor received unemployment benefits.
The grant itself is remitted to you for a small emergency expense that may involve your home, child care, health insurance or car. The maximum amount of the grant is $1,000 or your monthly housing payment, whichever is greater. Because the money is a grant and not a loan, you don’t have to pay it back. Other grants offered to individuals by Modest Needs include self-sufficiency grants, back-to-work grants and independent living grants. You’ll need regular access to a computer to keep track of the grants, and you may also need to use a scanner to send certain parts of the grant application.
How To Get Food
FeedingAmerica is formerly known as America’s Second Harvest. When you visit the FeedingAmerica website, you can enter your state or zip code to find local food banks including links to their websites and contact numbers. Food is distributed for free to those who qualify based on need, income and family size. Contact your local food bank to find out about their requirements and distribution schedule.
Grocery relief is available through Angel Food Ministries, a non-denominational organization serving 35 states. Low-cost food packages are ordered online and picked up at local distribution centers. A family of four can purchase a week of food for $30. From the Angel Food Ministries site, you can place an order at your closest distribution center. Food can be paid for by credit card, debit card, cash, money order or food stamps.
How To Get Heat
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program to offset the costs of heating for eligible low-income earners. A one-time direct payment is made to a utility company for heating. Usually, it takes 2 to 3 months from the time you apply to get your application processed. Ask your local utility company how you can apply. If you are unable to wait this long, the Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program offers discounted oil to eligible people residing in certain states.
How To Get Medications
If you are taking ongoing medication, the loss of a job and health benefits can be a major crisis. Some cannot afford to maintain COBRA payments to keep their health insurance when they are unemployed. The program called Partnership For Prescription Assistance offers access to free or low cost medication through hundreds of public and private patient assistance programs. Use the Partnership For Prescription Assistance website to search for your medications and to see the programs you may qualify for.
How To Get Clothes, Toys and Household Items
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers emergency financial assistance, food, housing help and emergency transportation to anyone in need. Their thrift stores are a great place to buy low-cost, gently used clothing, shoes and coats. Thrift stores have plenty of useful items including small household items and toys for children. Check out the Society of St. Vincent de Paul website to find local thrift stores in your neighborhood. For just a few dollars, you can get many essentials. Sometimes shirts and trousers cost as little as 50 cents!
How To Get A Job
If you haven’t already, you can also take your job search online by looking into these job boards:
- Job.com: a great resource for local jobs, career advice and other services to help you manage your career and job.
- Executive Search Online: a leading nationwide job matching service for more experienced executives. Pay levels for these executive jobs are typically higher.
- Beyond.com: an extensive career network that’s set up as a community of niche sites in various industries.
- EssayEdge: an essay editing resource for those who need a little help with their college, graduate or other academic admission essays. They help out students seeking to gain admission to the colleges and universities of their choice.
- ResumeEdge: a resume editing resource for those who need a little help writing a high quality resume and / or cover letter. They are the leading provider of resume writing services online and the chosen resume partner of well-known job sites such as Yahoo! Hot Jobs, CareerJournal and Dice.com.
- Resume Rabbit: a resume distribution service that submits resumes to top online job sites such as Career Builder, HotJobs, Monster, Dice, etc, as well as job search engines.
- Snag A Job: an online tool to help you find hourly jobs. This service provides you with access to part-time and full-time hourly jobs.
- Yahoo Hot Jobs: a popular online job board.
- GoFreelance: an online community for freelance professionals and companies looking to hire skilled freelance experts. They house thousands of freelance and work-at-home jobs in the US and worldwide.
Consider freelancing as a way to tide yourself over while you’re looking for permanent, full-time work. The extra income you earn this way along with the assistance programs you join may help you through this temporary rough patch.
History proves that the economy will eventually improve and before you know it, you’ll be back to work and on your feet again.
If you enjoyed this post, you can get free regular updates through our RSS Feed, or you can have our latest posts delivered to your email inbox by supplying your address here. Your address will only be used for this purpose, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
How do Americans cope with no healthcare, a few prescriptions paid or cheaper doesn’t seem very much to give peace of mind! Just what do you do if your child is really sick – or you wake up with chest pains?
I have been struggling since I was laid off from my job in December 08. Unemployment helped (I have been laid off from a previous job earlier in the year also) but it wasn’t enough to prevent myself getting further into debt.
Job hunting has been difficult with so many layoffs everywhere. I’ve applied to so many places each day along with job agencies and still don’t get any calls for an interviews, even trying to do contacts from my end.
I am a type 1 diabetic with no health insurance and was denied by state health insurance because they said they had no more room for new applicants. I have to force myself to purchase Humilin in order to live.
I was curious to what would happen if my unemployment run out and I found this site. I pray that this information can be helpful, thank you.
I read this article on your website and there was information in the article
about different unemployment grants like unemployment bridge grant. I would
greatly appreciate it if you could tell me where I can get more information
about these grants.
Thank You
Todd Miller
Help, I’m Unemployed! What If My Unemployment Checks Run Out?
What if you do not own a home, where you go from there. Are you forced to stay in shelter of what.
When unemployment runs out and people living off credit cards begin to realize there’s no economic rebound in sight, then the bread lines can start and we’ll finally be forced to wake up to the reality of the situation; this country has been looted by the rich while the media has done nothing but kept you complacent during the process.
You’d better get that last one moderator, can’t let any reality seep through the cracks you know!
I just lost my job the other day and the thing is I need more help right now than anybody can even know. What I need is a miracle.
I really hope the government helps us out by granting 1st and 2nd tier emergency unemployment benefits. I am beginning to see how many families are affected by the recession.
I need money to pay my bills.
I myself lost and got laid off in December of 08. The good old days, my phone would be running off the hook for the same job, but different recruiters. I had the choice to negotiate rates, salary, etc. Sadly to say those days are gone.
I don’t know how I found this site, but so glad I did, because I don’t feel like I am so alone.
I have worked very hard, for over 19 years and have come to a point in my life, where I was proud. And, my parents were proud when they were still alive. Now, they are gone, and the good old days of job hunting is gone as well. You see my parents always told me since they could not sent me to college that if you work hard, you will work your way up. Which I did. I did not graduate with my class in High School, but did get my GED, and, managed to get my Bachelors degree. I have many certifications in my profession, but it seems companies are asking more and more from candidates. I believe open positions and candidates should be a good fit and with the experience.
I personally think that companies are being a bit too demanding as far as combining 2 jobs with one, expecting the candidate to have both. That is fine. Competition is so difficult these days.
I could go on and on regarding this subject. I respect the recently graduates, however, it is leaving some very experienced behind, while paying the younger ones’ much less money.
One thing I can, recommend, to keep us all sane, so to say, is trying some volunteer work. It does do wonders. I do my job search and volunteer, just to keep my people skills up, and most of all my sanity instead of sitting in front of this computer for 14 hours a day looking for a job. (Plus employers look as Community Service as a positive thing).
In closing, use ALL networking tools you can find. Join professional websites, seek employers out that you are interested in, and most of all, easier said than done, keep your chin up, otherwise you will, drown. “If you can’t swim, learn how to tread water. If you can swim, learn how to float”. Floating is the best safety device if you don’t have a life jacket, and are exhausted. The last thing is take care of you by staying healthy, that is the ONLY way we can take care/still be a part of our family. I wish the best to all of you that I have read your situations, and God Bless us all, in sticking together, helping each other as far as support, and most of all, please let this recession be over quickly. I’m so devastated and heartbroken, to see people lose, what they have worked so hard for!
Well for everybody reading this. I did exhaust my unemployment benefits. I have no money and I have credit card debt. So, I went to my states legal aid office and certified mailed, judgment proof letters , stating I’m out of work, broke and garnish proof. I am also college educated working as a museum supervisor previously.I am now educating myself against the the debt collectors when they start deluging me with threatening and hateful calls. It’s kind of hard to declare bankruptcy when one is powerless financially. I am not alone though. Unless there is an extension of benefits or oodles of jobs fall in our laps . Millions of Americans will run out of benefits by the end of the year. The banks got bailed out, and for us….unemployment, foreclosures, no health insurance, our children out of work, out of control credit card fees, LIES. LIES. LIES. no voice and most of all no compassion…Become your own best advocate, Become educated on your rights… and never, ever let anyone make you feel that you have failed.
Join the party. Even with two degrees been and experience, I have been out of work for 2 years. Spent 4 months in a homeless shelter. Now under- employed with a part-time job. It’s a depression my friend. Start with Food Stamps. Looking for help will over take the time spent looking for work. Especially when you find out that there are hundreds of job applicants for every vacant job. Look for work but always remember that there is hype in the media, websites, educational institutions and even from government officials for jobs that do not exist. Many looking for self promotion, your money or your vote.
Man you call yourselves a civilized country when you let people go destitute because they can’t find a job.
@Brendan,
You fool, it’s called capitalism and the way the markets work. There are jobs in the U.S., just not the right skill sets to fit them. If people want the jobs, they only have to develop the skill sets for them.
I got laid off on Dec 23, 2008 two days before Christmas and still have not found a job. Spent all my savings and maxed out my credit cards. Unemployment is running out. I’ve applied for food stamps and was turned down because I am getting $6.00 too much from unemployment. I almost had a job on Nov. 13, 2009 but the company that was going to hire me ran a credit check and I didn’t get the job, can you believe this? The job is in a plant bagging parts. What is America coming to?
What all of us unemployed need to do, is to stop feeling like failures and use our numbers to get the help we need. Band together and create a voice. A LOUD VOICE that can’t be ignored and swept under the rug. We need the public, the government and the rich capitolist that run this country to see and hear us. Let the general population of the US see how dirty the government treats us. The government claims they can’t afford to help us keep our homes and eat. If thats the case, where do they get the eight grand they give to people to help buy our houses once they are taken from us. I don’t know about you but that money would go a long way in helping me keep my home. This is just one of the things they do to us. There are too many jokes out there that the governments pull on us.
One of my favorite is the stimulus money to create jobs. They give money to work forece centers to employ us. They get companies to take us on for seven twenty five an hour. We get paid from the government not the companies. You know as soon as the government money stops the job is gone. Who the hell can make a living on seven twenty five and hour besides a teenager livng at home with parents with two incomes to off set what they can’t afford.
We need to make the government accoutable for what they are letting happen to us. There are enough educated unemployed people out there who could put something together to get us heard, seen and stop the public from ignoring us. I for one would certainly help in any way I could. If you can help create a voice for us let me know.
Well if they do not extend the benefits after the 46 weeks, or give us a chance to put in for a new claim, I think they should start making prostitution legal. Because when there are no jobs, selling your ass out on the street starts to look real good.
@ Tired As Hell.. I’m tired as HELL too I have been unemployed and underemployed since I was laid off on September 2007. And as a result of being underemployed my unemployment benefits were cut in half. You already don’t receive that much to begin with! I need help! I own a home mortgage which I’ve fallen behind on, and I called to get set up on a “new mortgage plan” but they tell me I may not be eligible because I don’t have enough income! I’ve had to apply for food stamps: now I may need to apply for public assistance because right now, I am barely making it! When is REAL help coming to the unemployed and underemployed homeowners! I sure could use an $8,000 grant to help with my mortgage too.
I see all the suffering going on here and every day I deal with people out of work and looking. I tell them all the same thing, you have to keep moving forward. There will be opportunities. You need to be prepared. Update that resume or improve it. Look for alternative careers. Get help on preparing for interviews. Learn to network for jobs. This is what jobhuntwiz.com is about. If you are in the situation of being laid off for extended periods, please keep moving forward and be prepared. There are small signs that things are getting better.
Has anyone tried the job board GoFreelance?
My last filing date on my first extension is jan 3 does that mean i am not eligible for the 14 week + 6 week extension?
@ William, check out this website to see what extensions you are eligible for.
As an unemployed american since Oct. 2008, I know what you are all going through. We must understand, that though the government says they are helping to resolve the problem, we are the biggest problem. We have become complacent and accepting of whatever the government does for so long, that it has become easier to accept than to stand up for what is right.
We are our own worst enemy. A lot of this started with the gas pricing. Have any of you looked to see how many government officials are invested in the market? Do you really think they are going to cut off their own noses for a bunch of people like us?
Does anyone realize that we financed the oil fields over seas, and now we are paying the price for this. We are bending over backwards to keep them happy for taking our money. What is wrong with this picture?
How many more billions are we going to pay them for breaking our backs? Is the government losing? I’m not so sure.
Tired, yes I’m tired. Tired and worried. I’m over the age group for landing a good paying job. I’m diabetic, but can’t afford the doctors visits to get my prescriptions, which you must have, never mind the blood tests you must also have. My things are minor. There are many of you who are much worse off, and I feel desperately for you. I am also trying to take care of my grandson. He’s only two, but he is what keeps me going, but not the answer for my financial situation.
I have over twenty-one years of experience in my line of work, but again, the age matters. Good luck to all of you and may God help us all.
What about starting your own online business, or checking into work at home opportunities?
Work at home opportunities and your own online business can work out but you have to be very careful with whom you sign up with. There are a lot of scams and dishonest people who set up sites to lure unsuspecting people under the guise of work at home opportunities.
I have my own online business, but I never signed up with anyone — just built my own stuff from the ground up.
There has been a major shift that took place in the world economy. There is not going to be a recovery this time, so don’t expect it. I recently ran a story about this at spiritnewsdaily.com, entitled “Who will save us”.
As Bob Dylan said, “The times they are a changin”. This time, time has been shifted forever.
How is it that we can send billions of dollars overseas to help people, but we can’t even take care of our own people? Look at all of the homeless people and the people in real trouble here. My wife was recently laid off through no fault of hers and now we are worried every day if we are going to lose our home and how we are going to make ends meet. I have been searching hard for a 2nd job and she has been looking but we haven’t come up with anything yet. Why don’t we keep our money here, the money that WE have been paying in taxes for years, and take care of our American citizens first, then after WE have helped our country and OUR people get back on track, then we can help others.
Randy, I keep saying the same thing! I am usually all for helping other countries, but NOW is NOT the time. We have our own problems! I have been unemployed for almost a year now and am very fearful I won’t get an extension as so many haven’t already.
I have filed for bankruptcy and surrendered my home in it. So far, no foreclosure yet, so, I still have a roof over my head. BUT in a couple weeks, I won’t even be able to afford the utilities, food or car payment, which all amounts to about $700 a month. That certainly doesn’t include cell, cable or internet.
We need help HERE in our own country for crying out loud! Don’t send hundreds of millions overseas when we have literally millions here out of work!
I think people are going to have to band together to survive this, just as they did during the Great Depression. Other places in the world already do things like pack houses full of people, each able to help pay the mortgage.
I know of people who are now going back to live with there Senior parents, who are retired and have their houses paid. The Media wants you to believe that unemployment is 10%, but it is actually much higher because people have given up and moved in with friends and relatives.
The fact that you must have a prescription to get your medications is because the government made it that way. People did not want to hear about over the counter drug use anymore so the people of this country gave up their rights to control what they can put in their bodies. Now all these unemployed diabetics, and sick people are in danger for their lives! People must stop giving up freedom for federal regulation or “safety” because you end up with neither! The chronically ill will have to go to emergency rooms to get treated if they cannot afford to pay a doc to write a prescription for meds that they MUST have! Don’t be afraid to go to an emergency room. By Federal law they must help ANYONE who’s life is endanger. I know that as soon as you’re stable they will put you on the street, but survival will be these people’s only goal.
This country is in some serious trouble and what is on the news? “President Obama getting his first health check-up since taking office”.
we need some grant money