Where to turn guide
Are you unemployed now or facing unemployment or a layoff in the near future? If so, you’re in the same position as many other workers in Columbus who have recently lost their jobs or whose jobs are at risk. In situations like this, it’s not uncommon to feel helpless and frightened and that circumstances are beyond your control. That’s a natural reaction and, to some extent, it’s true. But there are things you can do to deal with the pressures and problems that come with joblessness.
To deal effectively with your situation, you need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities, as well as the eligibility requirements for the programs for which you may qualify. You should take steps to secure whatever help you need right away. People who tend to cope the best with unemployment are those who waste no time seeking out any and all resources.
This guide is intended to answer some questions you may be asking yourself. It also provides some basic information concerning resources that are available in your community to assist you during this difficult time.
If you need help, but don’t know where to turn, call United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1. Trained information and referral specialists who understand and care will give you information about available human services. This is a free and confidential service.
You May Be Asking Yourself…
Given the importance work plays in most peoples’ lives, being unemployed may leave you with feelings of rejection, loneliness, depression, and even anger toward yourself and your loved ones. Your feelings of anxiety about bills and your family’s future are a natural reaction to the stress you are under right now. During this time, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone – most people who lose their jobs share your feelings.
One of the most important things you can do to ease the strain of unemployment is to share your feelings honestly and openly with your family. Your spouse and children are affected by your situation as much as you are, and good communication with family members and other close friends is a vital part of the emotional support you need right now. Talking together about the problems you face is essential to help you feel less isolated as you plan your next step.
Begin by making realistic plans:
- Explore where you want to go and what you want to do. This may be your opportunity to shift into a type of work you’ve always wanted to do.
- Consider your assets and liabilities and set your goal. If you need help figuring this out, it’s available.
- If you need more job training, make contacts to get that training.
- Decide where it is you want to look for a job and plan a step-by-step approach to achieve your objective. Your plan should be action-oriented, personal, and geared to your needs, desires and abilities.
- Remember, finding a job is a full-time job.
NOTE: Over 70% of all new hires are from LinkedIn. Update your social networks then Google yourself; chances are your prospective employer will.
During a period of joblessness, savings can be depleted very quickly. Even the cost of basic necessities like food, housing, clothing, utilities, and medical care can become a serious burden. There are some government benefits which you may be entitled to – food stamps, public assistance, medical assistance – and there are a limited number of emergency assistance programs providing food and help with utility payments.
There’s also information about a variety of counseling, emotional support and protective services that you may need during this difficult period. Not every service and agency could be included here, so, if you have any questions or want to know about a service or agency not listed, call FirstLink/United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Unemployment Benefits
If you are 62-64 years old and have been laid off, you may be eligible to receive partial Social Security benefits based on your lifetime earnings. Call the Social Security Administration Office toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 for further information. www.socialsecurity.gov
Food
If you have a child in school, she/he may be eligible for subsidized school lunches. Apply at the school where your child is enrolled. In addition, even if you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may be eligible for food stamps.
You may also be eligible to receive food from a local food pantry. Call FirstLink/ United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1 for the food stamp office or pantry nearest you.
Health Services
In most cases, group health insurance ends within 30 days of termination. However, under a 1985 federal law called COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), laid off employees have a right to continue their group health coverage for 18 additional months at their own expense. Check with your employer about how you can continue your health insurance coverage under this law. Priority Plan is Blue Cross/Blue Shield-administered temporary health insurance with coverage between 30-180 days. Call 1-800-442-1832 for rates and further information. Publicly supported health centers are also available and offer general and specialized medical care and, in some areas, dental services. For further information about health services in your area, call FirstLink/ United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
The following will go into further detail on financial and mortgage, food and medical benefits for Franklin County, provided by United Way of Central Ohio.
Help For Tough Times
Outlook Magazine's Community Resources
Each issue, Outlook Weekly prints a Community Resource page listing agencies that can help in times of need. Please visit their website and thank them for this service.
