Hello World! Welcome Friends! With the economic downturn, some 40 million Americans have found themselves out of work. That is a statistic with very real, and sometimes very personal, consequences. It is compounded when you consider that recent surveys indicate that nearly half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet. Losing a job can be devastating both financially and emotionally. If you find yourself suddenly out of work, there are places you can turn for help.
1. SNAP and Food Banks
Start with your local social services department. They can help you with food assistance through programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or WIC. These programs are income-based so unemployment compensation may limit your eligibility, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you do not qualify for public assistance, but you are still struggling to put food on the table, check with local food banks and churches about private programs.
2. Rent Assistance
The loss of a paycheck can be catastrophic to housing stability. Rising rent and mortgage costs simply cannot be covered with less money coming in. Public housing assistance, often called section 8, is available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help cover rent and utilities. HUD criteria are fairly strict, so you should be prepared for an extensive screening process plus a waiting list.
3. Affordable Care Act Insurance
No matter how you feel about the ACA, now is the time to turn to it for help paying for insurance. Losing a job is a life event that will qualify you for a special enrollment period. You will need to use your expected income for the entire year to determine your subsidy assistance. In some cases, you may be able to get all or most of your policy premiums covered by the advance tax credit. If you have very low or no income coming into your household, you may qualify for Medicaid or special child health insurance programs.
4. Federal Pell Grants
Once your family’s immediate needs are met, it is time to look toward the future. A highly competitive job market will make replacing your lost income more difficult. That makes this a perfect time to seek an education. Federal Pell Grants cover the costs of tuition and living expenses while attending a qualified educational program. Look into community colleges and technical school programs that can prepare you for a new career in a high-demand field.
The loss of a job is a gut-wrenching experience. However, it doesn’t have to lead to financial ruin. Learn where to turn to for help so you can get back on your feet and looking toward a better, more secure, future.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
One Room Challenge: Teen Bedroom – Week 7
5 Qualities that Tells a Vacuum Bag is Long Lasting
The Most Important Stages of Building a Home
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