Help for Hard Times: 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
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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.
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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:
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WorkSource Everett
Phone: 425.258.6300
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WorkSource Lynnwood
Phone: 425.673.3300
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WorkSource Everett
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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.
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Call 2-1-1 for food and housing assistance. Determine your budget and find resources online at the Self Sufficiency Calculator .
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Brush up your job skills:
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Explore training options at www.careerbridge.wa.gov
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Examine local demand for occupations at: www.snocoblueprint.org and www.wilma.org/wdclists
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Look at career opportunities and in-demand occupations at www.careertrees.org
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Find out if you are eligible for worker retraining dollars: tinyurl.com/workerretraining
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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
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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/benefitsextensio n to apply for an extension.
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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 Cente r or your local college for details on how to apply.