In partnership with:

 

 

Center for Career Alternatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snohomish County Human Services Department

 

 

Feb. 10-12, 2010

Come learn how to sustain your homes and families during
this economic crisis. There is no admission fee and
all services offered are free of charge. More information.

A Survival Guide to Unemployment

Unemployment, even temporary, is one of the most difficult experiences
to endure, especially if it affects your entire family’s income. Knowing
where to turn and taking control can reduce the impact.

You could lose benefits if you don't file in time. Find out what to do
in the first 30 days, first 60 days and first 90 days.

For a list of who to contact for specific needs such as unemployment
benefits, worker retraining and food assistance, see our Directory
of Resources.

If you are a union employee, additional resources are probably available. Contact your representative or union office.

What to Do in the First 30 Days

1. File for unemployment. You should not apply until you are
   actually laid off. As there is no unemployment office, you have
   two ways to file:
   • Online at www.go2ui.com
   • Call the Unemployment Claims TeleCenter at 800.318.6022. Due to the high volume of applicants,
     there could be a substantial wait.
2. Update your resume and start looking for work as soon as
   you know you are going to be laid off. WorkSource offers free job search workshops and resume development tools:
   • WorkSource Everett
     Phone: 425-258-6300
   • WorkSource Lynnwood
     Phone: 425.673.3300
3. Contact your creditors. Gas, cable and phone companies have programs that can help. Dial 2-1-1 or visit tinyurl.com/energyassistanceprogram for the Energy Assistance Program.
4. Call 2-1-1 for food and housing assistance.  Determine
   your budget and find resources online at the Self Sufficiency Calculator.
5. Brush up your job skills:
   1. Explore training options at www.wtb.wa.gov/etp
   2. Examine local demand for occupations at: www.snocoblueprint.org and www.wilma.org/wdclists
   3. Look at career opportunities and in-demand occupations
      at www.careertrees.org
   4. Find out if you are eligible for worker retraining dollars: tinyurl.com/workerretraining
      
6. Network. The more people you have on your job search team,
   the faster you will find another job. Networking workshops are
   available at all WorkSource locations.

What to Do in the First 60 Days

1. It is not too late to apply for unemployment benefits.
   Apply online or call the TeleCenter. If your benefits are
   nearly exhausted, visit tinyurl.com/benefitsextension to apply for
   an extension.
2. Training Benefits can extend your unemployment insurance
   while you are in training. Visit tinyurl.com/trainingbenefits. You
   must apply for Training Benefits within 60 days of opening your
   unemployment claim.
3. If you are applying for Training Benefits, you must also apply
   for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). CAT will allow you
   to draw unemployment while focusing on your training program. Visit tinyurl.com/catraining.
4. Find out if your company has been approved for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). TAA provides benefits and
   re-employment services to workers laid off due to global competition. Workers may be eligible for training, job search
   and relocation allowances, income support and more. If
   your company has been approved for TAA, visit www.doleta.gov/tradeact to learn how to apply. You must apply
   for TAA benefits through local WorkSource offices and must
   claim your benefits within the first 60 days of layoff.

What to Do in the First 90 Days

1. It is not too late to apply for unemployment benefits. If you
   haven't already, apply online or call the TeleCenter to open your
   claim. If your unemployment insurance benefits are nearly
   exhausted, visit tinyurl.com/benefitsextension to apply for an extension.
2. There are other resources available to you even if have been unemployed for more than 90 days. Dial 2-1-1 to discover programs that may help you meet your needs, as well as training opportunities. Contact your local WorkSource Center or your
   local college for details on how to apply.
   

 

 

 

 

Take Charge of Your Finances

1. Prepare a household budget
2. List assets
3. Set priorities
4. Make a list of creditors
5. Notify your creditors
6. Pay what you can
7. Stay in touch with creditors
8. Stop credit purchases
9. Reduce household expenses
10. Sell what you don’t need
11. Check into other financial resources

Important:
Don’t Ignore Your Mail!

Ignoring government agency inquiries or creditor requests for information may make things worse. If you don’t understand notices or bills sent to you, call the person who sent the bill.

Get the Help You Need... You’ve Earned It

You help pay for public programs through your taxes and for
community services through contributions to United Way and other organizations. Now your money can work for you. Help comes from
an array of services ranging from support such as individual or family counseling to practical support like help with finances.

We all need a little help at some time in our lives. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for the help you need. You paid for it. You earned it.

Getting Through It Together

Your spouse and children can feel helpless. Talk to your family and
plan together to deal with problems. It helps to give each member of
the family some positive steps they can take to help. By sharing the
burden and pulling together, families can grow closer.

things to do

First, explore your unemployment and WorkSource options and benefits. Some may be time sensitive. Then, stay busy.

If you’re temporarily out of work, keep yourself occupied. This is a good time to do all the things you’ve been putting off: fix the faucets, give your
car a tune-up, clean out the garage, visit friends and relatives or take a community class.

Check your local newspaper for a list of activities, many of which are free. You can also check with your local recreation department, city or county website, library, community center or college.

Volunteering is a particularly rewarding way to use your time, even for a short period. Visit United Way’s Volunteer Center to find a good match, or call 425.374.5534 and we’ll be glad to help.

 

Copyright 2005 - 2010 United Way of Snohomish County