(DailyAnswer.org) – According to Statista, there are about 5 million unemployed US citizens. Unfortunately, unemployment often come as a surprise. Worse, you may remain unemployed for several months before you find your next dream job.
This is where resources like COBRA come in. They provide the support you need when you are unemployed. Some resources for unemployed citizens increase your chances of finding a new job. Others give you the financial help you need to get through unemployment.
Discover the ones that make the most sense for your unemployment situation.
1. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
When you lose a job, you don’t just lose income. You can also forfeit other benefits like health insurance. In such a case, the COBRA program ensures your employer’s group health covers you for a period. Who qualifies for the COBRA program?
There is a set criterion for beneficiaries. In most cases, you must have worked in a private company with at least 20 employees. Note that COBRA isn’t free; you should be ready to pay monthly premiums.
Nevertheless, the premiums you pay for the group cover are less than what you’d spend on individual health insurance.
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The program provides financial assistance for food purchases. Eligible candidates for the SNAP program are citizens with little or no income. Such underprivileged citizens include:
- Low-income individuals
- Senior citizens
- People living with a disability
- Unemployed citizens
- Low-income students
The amount you receive as support depends on your current income and family size. Moreover, the amount depends on the assets you own. You’d get higher help if you have a low-income and large family.
3. American Job Centers
The American Job Centers offer jobseekers a full range of employment assistance. They provide unemployed citizens with access to job listings and career counseling. Moreover, the centers offer workshops on resume writing and interview techniques. Other top services available at American Job Centers include:
- Job search strategies
- Skills assessments
- Training programs
- Connections to potential employers.
These centers are available to all Americans seeking employment or planning to change careers. Citizens can visit the American Job Centers in person or online.
4. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
DUA supports individuals who have lost their jobs due to a disaster. The disasters that can make you eligible for DUA include hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. The DUA benefits are available to affected self-employed workers.
The people who receive these benefits must have been working in the area affected. Moreover, you may receive assistance if you suffered an injury during the disaster. Eligible citizens can receive DUA financial assistance for up to 26 weeks.
5. Unemployment Insurance
The unemployment insurance gives a financial boost to individuals who have lost their jobs. Beneficiaries can use the UI finances to sort bills such as housing, food, and utilities. One can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks.
The assistance is available to eligible citizens who have lost their jobs. Besides job loss, the beneficiaries must also be actively looking for work. Note that the benefits might not be available if you:
- Are not actively searching for a job
- Left work voluntarily
- Lost a job due to misconduct
- Refused a suitable job
- Make false statements when making an application
Ease Your Life Out of Work with the Right Resources
Life without employment can indeed be challenging. By good luck, many resources are available to ease the burdens of unemployment. Some programs for unemployed citizens give financial assistance to meet basic needs such as housing,
Other resources provide training and networking opportunities to help you find your next job. Use the resources mentioned above to have an easy time as you search for your next dream job.
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