Unemployment
Survival
Guide
Financial Resources you May have Overlooked
By Pamela Lipscomb of
Free Financial Help Paying Bills
Unemployment Survival Guide
Copyright © 2015 by Pamela Lipscomb
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws. This book may not be
copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. All rights reserved. No part of this book may
be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case
of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
ISBN: 9781311725295
Losing your Job
Everyone will experience a time of unemployment
sometime in their life. It is difficult when you don’t know
when your next check is coming or how you are going to
care for your family. It can be paralyzing, especially when
you don’t have strong support system.
I realize this information might not be for everyone. If you
have a year’s salary in the bank, or you have parents, inlaws or friends, who can float you a loan, this eBook might
not interest you.
Our hope is that this the Unemployment Survival Guide,
will be a helpful resource, to those who need help the
most. Please feel free to share this information with
someone who might benefit from this information.
Table of Contents
5. Unemployment Survival Guide
7. What to do when you’re Out of Work
11. Getting your Unemployment Benefits
13. You May Qualify for a Free Cell Phone
15. Apply for Food Stamps from Home
17. Free Money for Job Training
20. How to get Cash for Winter Heating Bills
22. Get Money for Childcare
Unemployment Survival Guide
Free Financial Help, is a site dedicated to bringing you helping
information to get you through a difficult season in your life.
During times, of sickness, unemployment and other life's
difficulties, we all need a little help from friends and family. In
2008 the United State fell into financial hardship. Banks failed and
families lost their pensions, savings and homes. Industries got a
bailout, but the people did not.
I decided to write this resource to help all who struggle with
financial difficulties. I am Pamela Lipscomb the author of the
eBook, and the owner of the blog, Free Financial Help Paying
Bills.
I saw my own family, struggle, though both my parents worked full
time. My Mom and Dad clothed, feed and cared for our family with
wisdom and frugality. They such a good job, we did not realize
we were considered poor. We were unable to receive
government assistance, because my parents worked. So, we had
to make it the best way we could.
We were what we call today, “the working poor.” This is the case
for many Americans, as well as immigrants who migrate to this
country. If you are working, and poor, underemployed, or have
experienced a long period of unemployment or, my hope is that
you will find help in the pages here.
Chapter 1
You’re Out of Work – Now What?
Back in the day, when you found a good job, you kept it until you
retired. Today, working on one job for a lifetime, is unheard of.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported today, the average
American is expected to change jobs about 7-10 times in their
lifetime and remain on one job, and average of 4.1 years.
So, needless to say, many of us will experience moments of
unemployment before we retire. Millions are competing for jobs
and many are discouraged to the point of giving up, and the time
it takes to find a job has doubled.
The average person looking for work has been looking for close to
40 weeks. At the end of 2010 the average time it took someone
to find a job was just 10 weeks and up and in 2007 it was 8.5
weeks. With all this happening, some politicians are still talking
about cutting government programs that help poor, disabled and
the elderly. The narrative pushed by one political party is, that
people who are unemployed because they are lazy and rather live
off the government than work. Many politicians are out of touch
with the average American and simply have lost compassion for
their fellow man.
Unemployment Check List
 Immediately file for unemployment benefits - The sooner
you file for unemployment benefits, the sooner you will get
your first check. If there are any disputes about your
benefits, make sure to have affidavits or proof of your
claims to challenger your employer.
 Make a new budget - It is time to shift gears emotionally
and financially. You will not be able to spend like you did
before, if you want your money to go further.
 Update your resume – Dust off the old resume and
revamp it for your new job hunt. You have the benefit of
having experience you did not have before your lost your
job. Use it to impress.
 Network with friends, family and past co-workers – A great
way to find a new job, is through word of mouth! Start
letting people you know, you are looking for a new job.
 Manage savings - If you have savings add it to your
budget and us it for the most essential things like rent or
mortgage.
 Cut out excess - If you went out for dinner once a week,
you may have to cut back to once a month. Remember
you can save 75% on preparing meals at home.
 Use Caution using Credit Cards – Let you credit card
holder know that you are out of work, and ask for a lower
payment. If might also me advisable to put a free on all
you credit cards except one for emergencies.
 Make Use of Food Pantries – No one like having to take a
handout, but it is good to know there are places to get
food to feed you family, when you have no other
options.
 Apply for Expedited Food Stamps – Expedited
SNAP benefits are provided to families in
emergency situations. You may be able to qualify the
second month you are out of work.
 Apply for COBRA – If you have a medical situation where
you have to keep your insurance, consider getting
COBRA until you return to work. It is expensive but one
option if you can afford it.
 Apply for Hospital Sliding Scale - Many major hospitals
offer a sliding scale payment option for disadvantaged
patients. Contact the hospital in your area to find out if
they offer a medical assistance program.
 Take Time for Yourself – It is helpful to step back and look
at your situation objectively. A positive attitude, will help
you get through this difficult time. Pray, meditate,
exercise, or talk to a good friend or clergy for inspiration.
Chapter 2
Applying for Unemployment Benefits
When you have lost your job, the
first thing you should to do, is to
file for unemployment benefits.
The sooner you apply, the quicker
you will get your first check! It is a
lot easier to file than it was years
ago.
Forty years ago, you had to go to the Unemployment Office, and
sit there all day waiting to be called. Today you can now file
online, or over the telephone. If you need a hearing, this can be
scheduled and done by phone.
These new conveniences save you time, inconvenience and
embarrassment of filing for unemployment. People really want to
work rather than struggling to hold it all together on a percentage
of what you once earned.
This is what you can expect
1. Once you file, it will be determined if you are eligible for
benefits, the amount of benefits you will receive and the length of
time you will receive these benefits.
2. You must meet your State requirements, based on your
earnings during the period of time you worked, before
unemployed. This is based on 4 out of 5 quarters before you file.
3. Have all the document necessary, so you don’t have to return.
4. Be honest and accurate in all your statement, as they will be
checked.
5. You cannot receive benefits if you were fired for failing to do
your job, lateness, stealing, insubordinate to superiors, etc.
6. You will be contacted to report the Unemployment Insurance
Claims Office for an interview. It is mandatory to keep that
appointment or your claim will be denied.
Chapter 3
You May Qualify for a Free Cell Phone
If you are unemployed, one of the first things that you may have
to get rid of, is that expensive cell phone bill. You may however,
be eligible for a free cell phone and minutes each month. The
Lifeline Assistance program provides affordable and free phone
service to low-income families. Assurance Wireless, Reachout
Wireless and Safelink Wireless, are just some of the top suppliers
of free government phone service. Once approved, you can
choose from 250 to 500 free minutes, depending on the cellular
company, and available promotions. If you run out of minutes,
you can purchase more time for a small fee.
The Lifeline program, works with the government, and wireless
companies, to provide free cell phones and service, to those who
qualify financially. You no longer have to worry about checking
on your children, making appointments, or having a contact
number when looking for a job.
How do I Qualify?
You qualify if you receive a free cell phone if:
 Section 8
 Medicaid
 Unemployed
 SNAPs/Food Stamps
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Chapter 4
Apply for Food Stamps Online
The food stamp program helps by
providing supplemental food benefits to
disadvantaged. This assistance is
available for the disabled, unemployed
and working families that qualify
financially. When you are busy looking
for a job, you may not have time to wait in the SNAP office. You
will be glad to know, you can apply for these services online. You
can also apply for expedited or emergency food assistance, which
will take about seven days.
Applying for food stamps online can help save you time and
money while seeking the help you and your family need. Most
people hate to ask others for help, but we want you to know that
there is help available.
Where to Begin
To apply for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or
SNAPS, go to http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply. Using this
online service, provided by the Department of Social Services
helps potential clients, locate supplemental services in their area.
How to Qualify
Eligibility requirements for food stamps is determined, by your
family income and number of people in your home as well as
where you live. Go to the website and use the pre-screening
eligibility tool and enter your income and family size to determine
if you and your family are eligible for food stamps. If you qualify,
the next step is to fill out an application and submit it to the HRA
office. If you have children under 5 years old, and qualify for
SNAPs, you will also qualify for WIC, which is supplemental food
services for women, infants and children.
Chapter 5
How to get Free Job Training
If there is someone in the home, can
pay bills such as rent, food and
utilities this could be a great
opportunity for you to go to school
and change your career direction. In
order to be approved to receive
educational funding, you have to prove, you will be sustained
while in school. Here are a few places to begin your training
search.
WIA ( Work Enforcement Act)
It you are interested in returning to school. Call to make an
appointment to receive WIA services. The WIA provides you with
free money for school. They will pay for you to take a college
certificate course, nursing school or to learn a new skill.
The bottom line is, they will pay for you to go to school for up to
two years! If you are unemployed, and desire to receive job
retraining ask about the WIA. You will be given a date to attend a
class, to explain the process and requirement for receiving a
grant.
They will tell you the requirements for receiving a grant, and what
documentation you will need to be certified for one of the
programs. There are many colleges that are working with WIA to
help people reach their career goals.
The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army doesn’t just run thrift
stores. They also have a great training program, for those
seeking to refresh old job skills and acquire new ones. Make an
appointment for skills assessment testing and to speak to a
counselor. They will help to steer you in the right direction, help
with resumes and if you want to go to school they will help you
with that as well. When you are ready, they have job opportunities
for you to pursue.
The Job Link - The Job Link is a one stop resource center,
designed to help you achieve your career goals, whatever they
are. They are associated with the Employment Commission, and
you can sign up to attend a certification program or get a two year
degree.
Workshops by the Job Link are as:

Current job postings

Access to computers

Veteran's Services

Job counseling and for career assessment

Classes on job retraining and grants

Resume preparation workshops

JIS (Job Information System), thousands of job openings in
your state.

Reference Library with books, brochures, videos and CDROMs on jobs, training and the labor market.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Services
Other Job Resources:

USA Jobs

Career Voyages

U.S. Department of Labor
Chapter 6
Get Money for Heating/Cooling Bills
Each winter LIHEAP (Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program)
sends out checks for up to $350, to
help deserving families pay winter
heating bills. If you are out of work,
this extra assistance can make a real difference to you and your
family. Every year it is reported that several elderly people
freeze to death in their homes, because of a lack of adequate
heating.
If you have been struggling to pay your heating bill, it is important
to find out if you qualify for the Heating Assistance Program. The
government funds each state with the finances to distribute to
those who meet the states poverty standards.
LIHEAP will make a payment directly to you utility company or
you will receive a check in the first week of February to be used
for utility bills. Check are handed out the first week of February.
It is important to apply in August - September because the funds
are given out on a first come first served basis.
How Do I Qualify?
You qualify for LIHEAP if you are receiving:

Food Stamps/SNAP

Receiving Medicaid

On Section 8 or Federal Public Housing

Receiving TANF- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Child is on the National School Lunch Program

Supplemental Security Income SSI
Or if you total household income is at or below 135% of the
Federal Poverty Guidelines. Enrollment for heating assistance
begins in late summer. Funds are limited, and preference is given
to families with children. Call or visit your local Department of
Social Services, or community assistance agency to be put on the
list to receive help. Check for up to $ 350 are given out the first
week of January.
Chapter 7
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance
The Human Services Child Care
Assistance Program, (CCAP) provides
financial assistance to low-income
families, in need of affordable child care.
You are eligible to receive assistance if
you are working and your earnings are
below the national poverty level, or you are attending school to
improve job skills and become more marketable in the work
arena.
Many woman would love to stay home and care for their children,
but even families with two parents find that hard to do. Child care
can easily be one of your highest bills other than rent; especially,
if you are a single parent or have more than one child.
Child Care and Development Fund
The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) distributes to
states, territories and tribes up to $5,000,000 for low-income
families, with temporary help while moving from public
assistance to self-sufficiency. The Child Care and Development
Fund (CCDF) provides state, territories and tribes up to
$5,000,000 for low-income families with children. This temporary
help provides parent the opportunity to move from public
assistance to self-sufficiency; so they can return to school or
work.
How to Apply for Child Care Assistance
You can go Department of Social Services website to download
an application, or go to the health and welfare office to fill out an
application in person. A face to face meeting will give you the
opportunity to ask questions and receive accurate information.
Make sure that you have the proper documentation, to help speed
up the process.
You will need to bring these things to your appointment:

State Photo identification

Current payroll stubs or a W-2 forms

Documentation from government assistance program

Social security cards for each family member

Proof you are attending of school or training program
Taking these documents with you will speed up the time it takes
us to process your application for assistance. The department of
Social Services will also give you a list of child care agencies and
individuals who are approved by CCAP. When approved you will
receive a voucher to be given to your child provider, not cash.
The childcare facility you choose must be:

A Licensed day care

A school program

A Licensed child care center run by the Department of
Defense

A home day care registered with the state; with no more
than 6 children
In Conclusion
Hopefully, this information will help you to move forward in
your job or educational search. Being unemployed is
difficult, but it can also be the best thing that happened to
you. It may have released you from a dead-end job that
you hated, and set you on a new path to go to school, or
start your own business.
Be assured, whatever happens, know you are the master
of your own fate! Use all the tools you need, to get you
through this difficult time, you will be back to work or in
finish school before you know it.
There are many more things you can do to get help will
bills, go back to school, and even get help with home
repairs. If you want more information, we can direct you to
the best assistance program. Visit us at:
http://freefinancialhelp.net