When unemployment runs out
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| Deborah Vanderpool |
By Deborah Vanderpool
Self-Sufficiency Supervisor
Many businesses have suffered the effects of a downturn in the economy and have closed their doors causing an increase in unemployment. If you receive unemployment benefits, here are few ways to assist you until you get back in the workforce:
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Ask for help – Don’t be proud as your temporary financial circumstances may entitle you to food stamps, commodities and other assistance that you have paid for through your tax contribution each year. Community organizations often have resources with food baskets, babysitting, donations, utility assistance and emergency housing. Cherokee Nation’s Human Services Group may have assistance available also.
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Go to the library – Many libraries have computers you can use to search for jobs as well as workshops or other free trainings in resume writing or interview skills.
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Check with your local One-Stop Career Center – Centers such as these often have information on local resources that may have temporary positions, job trainings and possible funding for college education. The CN’s Career Services Group may be able to assist you as well.
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Try temping – Call Kelly, Manpower and any other temp agency in your area to make an appointment. Temp work is an excellent way to generate revenue quickly but can also lead to a permanent position.
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Local resources such as the United Way and 211 can provide referrals to various agencies from charities, social services, credit counseling centers, foreclosure prevention and other resources. Networking is important and exploring your options is a must. The CN provides services in credit coaching and repair, foreclosure prevention and financial literacy.
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• Self-awareness of your mental health is important during these anxious times. There may be days when nothing seems like it is going to turn out right. These are the days that you may need to talk with someone. There is always hope for your situation to get better and setting small attainable goals will provide a sense of achievement. Set yourself up for success, not failure.
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As a last resort you may be faced with some difficult decisions. Selling your household items, extra cars and generally downsizing can seem like a defeat, but in the grand scheme of things, you may be losing the battle to win the war. Long-term planning, especially in tough times when success seems far away, is a must. Prioritizing the basic four needs of food, shelter, clothing and transportation is imperative in your recovery from this difficult time.
Unemployment insurance benefits are available to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Eligibility requirements for collecting benefits vary from state to state so it always makes sense to check the eligibility guidelines with your state unemployment office and to verify that you are receiving all the extended benefits you qualify for.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allows high unemployment states to provide up to 13 to 20 weeks of additional extended benefits to workers who run out of federally funded unemployment benefits. If you are close to running out, take a look at the other resources that are available to unemployed workers and take advantage of whatever you can to help get you by until you find a job.
The National Employment Law Project reports that the number of unemployed workers and the percentage of workers who have been out of work for six months have reached record highs and the average length of unemployment is now more than six months. In better shape than most states, Oklahoma has an unemployment rate of 5.5 percent. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Labor, the national average is 8.1 percent.
There is an alternative to seeking employment. If you have a skill or a hobby that can generate income for your family during these tough economic times, then this may be the best time to consider starting your own business. The CN provides training and resources for small business development.
– Sources: About.com, workforceok.org.