Due to the grip on the job market these recessionary times have caused, twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits is just not cutting the mustard. When the benefits run out, you do have some safety nets of which you should avail yourself. One way or another you have been contributing to the social benefits coffers over your working life. You should not feel bad about using some of those benefits. Here are five ways to keep the wolf from the door.
One - Unemployment Benefits Extensions
Many folks who have qualified for the first twenty-six weeks of unemployment assistance, may be eligible for an extension of benefits. The length of the extension will vary according to unemployment rates in each state. Usually, the higher the unemployment rate, the lengthier the extension. Getting extensions is pretty common, especially when unemployment rates run high.
Two - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
A program that manages food stamp benefits, SNAP is available to folks across the country. Depending on qualifications, you can get food stamp benefits for twenty-six weeks. Should your need extend beyond that amount of time, extensions can be granted for anywhere from thirteen to twenty weeks. The amount of money for food shopping you receive will depend on your usual take-home pay and the number of your dependents.
A great thing about SNAP is that you are provided with an EBT Card (Electronic Benefits Transfer Card), each month funds will be Counseling7matically sent to your card. Use it as you would a debit or credit card. Be careful, there are some items found in supermarkets that food stamp funds may not pay for - these are non-food items such as paper plates or cleaning supplies. Very often, prepared foods like potato salad or birthday cakes, often found in the deli sections of grocery stores, cannot be bought with food stamp funds either.
Three - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TNAF is a federally funded program that helps you pay for necessary expenses. The program can also assist you in your job search and help you qualify for SNAP. In spite of the fact that it is a federal program, it is up to the individual state to act as administrator, so benefits may vary state to state. You will need to meet certain qualifications such as income limits.
Four - Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Gas, electricity, water, and other utility bills may fall under the HEAP program. If you qualify, this program routinely helps folks with heating bills and cooling bills depending on the season. Of course keeping your utilities connected is paramount to your health and safety and thus keeping you on the job-seeking path.
Five - Medicaid
A federal program devoted to the health of folks with low-incomes, Medicaid can help if illness strikes while you are unemployed. Meant to partially replace health benefits offered by traditional health insurance plans, payment is remitted directly to the health care institution or provider. Be aware that in some states, even if you do qualify for Medicaid benefits, you will still have to pick up some of your medical care costs. But, Medicaid can pick up the entire medical bill in some jurisdictions. Your children may qualify for this benefit even if you do not. Check local resources to determine how far your benefits may reach.
Stiff Upper Lip
Unemployment is devastating Credit0ly and personally. The ego cannot help but take a big hit right along with your pocket book. As noted earlier, you paid into the welfare program to help support others in their time of need. No real reason exists for not seeking out the aid to which you have so generously given over the years. Ego and pride mean nothing when it comes to taking care of yourself or your family. If you need assistance, get it; you deserve it.
Due to the grip on the job market these recessionary times have caused, twenty-six weeks of unemployment benefits is just not cutting the mustard. When the benefits run out, you do have some safety nets of which you should avail yourself. One way or another you have been contributing to the social benefits coffers over your working life. You should not feel bad about using some of those benefits. Here are five ways to keep the wolf from the door.
One - Unemployment Benefits Extensions
Many folks who have qualified for the first twenty-six weeks of unemployment assistance, may be eligible for an extension of benefits. The length of the extension will vary according to unemployment rates in each state. Usually, the higher the unemployment rate, the lengthier the extension. Getting extensions is pretty common, especially when unemployment rates run high.
Two - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
A program that manages food stamp benefits, SNAP is available to folks across the country. Depending on qualifications, you can get food stamp benefits for twenty-six weeks. Should your need extend beyond that amount of time, extensions can be granted for anywhere from thirteen to twenty weeks. The amount of money for food shopping you receive will depend on your usual take-home pay and the number of your dependents.
A great thing about SNAP is that you are provided with an EBT Card (Electronic Benefits Transfer Card), each month funds will be Counseling7matically sent to your card. Use it as you would a debit or credit card. Be careful, there are some items found in supermarkets that food stamp funds may not pay for - these are non-food items such as paper plates or cleaning supplies. Very often, prepared foods like potato salad or birthday cakes, often found in the deli sections of grocery stores, cannot be bought with food stamp funds either.
Three - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TNAF is a federally funded program that helps you pay for necessary expenses. The program can also assist you in your job search and help you qualify for SNAP. In spite of the fact that it is a federal program, it is up to the individual state to act as administrator, so benefits may vary state to state. You will need to meet certain qualifications such as income limits.
Four - Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Gas, electricity, water, and other utility bills may fall under the HEAP program. If you qualify, this program routinely helps folks with heating bills and cooling bills depending on the season. Of course keeping your utilities connected is paramount to your health and safety and thus keeping you on the job-seeking path.
Five - Medicaid
A federal program devoted to the health of folks with low-incomes, Medicaid can help if illness strikes while you are unemployed. Meant to partially replace health benefits offered by traditional health insurance plans, payment is remitted directly to the health care institution or provider. Be aware that in some states, even if you do qualify for Medicaid benefits, you will still have to pick up some of your medical care costs. But, Medicaid can pick up the entire medical bill in some jurisdictions. Your children may qualify for this benefit even if you do not. Check local resources to determine how far your benefits may reach.
Stiff Upper Lip
Unemployment is devastating Credit0ly and personally. The ego cannot help but take a big hit right along with your pocket book. As noted earlier, you paid into the welfare program to help support others in their time of need. No real reason exists for not seeking out the aid to which you have so generously given over the years. Ego and pride mean nothing when it comes to taking care of yourself or your family. If you need assistance, get it; you deserve it.
No comments:
Post a Comment