Options When Unemployed and Running Out of Unemployment Benefits

What are your options when your unemployment benefits are almost done and you are still unemployed? The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure you stay on your feet during hard financial times.

Check Your State Unemployment Office

The first step to take is to contact your State Unemployment Office in order to ensure that you are getting all of the benefits that you may qualify for. If you are running out of your unemployment benefits, look into other resources that could be available to you and take advantage of anything that the office offers you in order to get a new job.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Your circumstances could allow you to receive food stamps or another type of government assistance. Don’t be too proud to accept this, as it can aid tremendously when you are running out of options. Check in with the Social Services department of your state in order to see what other types of assistance you can qualify for. Additionally, there are plenty of community organizations that help those that are unemployed with donations, babysitting, food baskets, etc.

Get an Unemployment Loan

If you are in dire need of money then there are some loans that are designed for people who do not have a steady paycheck. Although borrowing money when you are unemployed is a valid option it is important to keep in mind that you will eventually have to repay the loan.

Look Into Your Local Career Center

These centers usually have good information on resources that are available to you when you are unemployed. This includes any community organization that will help you with food costs, utility bills, etc. They may also provide information on how to attain a temporary position as well as permanent job listings.

Try Your Hand at Temping 

It’s worth a shot to call a temp agency in your local area to schedule an appointment. If you are able to get temp work it is a great way to not only make money but also to build your résumé. On top of this, some temp positions can potentially lead to a permanent job.

Give United Way a Call

Contact your local United Way in order to see if they know any organizations that can help you find a job, downsize to a smaller home, improve your job skills or with personal budgeting.

Dial 211

You can dial 211 in many areas in order to get referred to a multitude of agencies including social services, charities and non-profit counseling. Keep in mind that it is better to get some sort of job than no work at all.

Sell Your Things

Anything that you don’t absolutely need can be sold at a yard sale or on Craigslist or EBay. You can also check out your local pawnshops to see if you can get some cash for smaller valuables.

Ask to Get an Informational Interview

One secret technique to land a job that not many people know about is to ask for an informational interview with a place you are interested in working for. By saying that you are not asking them for a job, you can take the pressure off. Say that you are interested in learning about the company, job function, industry, etc. This is a good way to get information, and on top of this if there is a job opening that you are a match for, then you can potentially land yourself with a new employment opportunity.  Additionally, if there is not a job opening then you could be redirected to a contact that does have an opening.

Finances - 1 Apr, 2014 - No Comments