Unemployed - No Benefits - Now What?

What can you do when the unemployment checks stop? First of all, if you are unemployed without benefits or money, you need to put pride on the shelf. It may be difficult to ask for help, but keep in mind the years you have worked and paid taxes. Part of those taxes helped pay for public assistance programs. You probably also contributed to various charitable organizations and to your church. There are many sources of help through government (federal, state and local), community and faith-based groups. Your specific geographical location and family circumstances will be part of determining benefits available to you.

At some point, everyone needs a helping hand. When the economy improves, you'll have a job, pay taxes and make contributions to worthwhile organizations. But right now you need the help you've earned.

START YOUR SEARCH FOR HELP

Depending on your location, the following organizations may provide help:

Salvation Army
Catholic Social Services or Catholic Charities
Community Action Agency
United Way
Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Human Resources
Contact your church
Consult your local phone directory and look under Charities or Charitable Organizations
Visit your local library and look for other resources (the librarian will help)
For union members, contact your local union

Most of these sources will also be able to provide additional resources for help.

The following are suggestions for resources and help. They may not be available in all states and there may be special requirements for qualification:

HELP WITH FOOD

ANOTHER RESOURCE FOR FOOD

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HELP

HELP WITH UTILITIES

HELP WITH PRESCRIPTIONS

GENERAL HELP AND INFORMATION

FREE LANCE WORK SOURCES

Although the first reaction to job loss may be panic, the end of unemployment benefits with no extension in sight has to bring on terror. Obviously the goal has been and continues to be a new job. Meanwhile, how do you handle this new challenge? You take an action step because this gives you some degree of control over the situation.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

You must first prepare a budget and evaluate your current financial situation. This budget should list all available money and all assets, especially those assets that can be converted to cash. Next, list all creditors with the total balance owed, monthly payment, due date and account number. Be sure you include the creditor's full name, address and phone number. Make a list of all monthly expenses by priority. Review the monthly expenses and look for expenses that can be reduced. Put your credit cards in a safe place and do not use them. Now you can begin researching any and all available financial resources and help.