One program you might apply for is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is available to low-income families and individuals who need help paying for groceries. [1] X Research source The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program helps out workers in manufacturing, farming, and production who have lost jobs to overseas competition. It provides up to 104 weeks of paid occupational training, literacy training, and weekly cash payments for up to one year after unemployment benefits run out. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act helps people who have been part of mass layoffs in industries not covered by the program. They can get free training workshops, college courses, or professional development classes. [2] X Research source
Don’t be embarrassed to apply for unemployment. You have worked towards your unemployment, so take advantage of this option. [4] X Research source
Sites like Gofundme, Youcaring, and Indiegogo allow you to set up a fundraiser website. You can post these fundraisers on social media, like Facebook, so you can ask friends and family to contribute to you during your time in need.
When you call, keep it simple and say something along these lines: “I am unemployed, and I can’t afford my credit card/loan payment right now. What options do you have available for someone in my situation?” Answer the questions that the credit card company or loan representative asks you. The representative will advise you on the best options available to you, based on your situation and the type of credit card or loan you have.
Food, shelter, and basic utilities are essential expenses. Going to the movies, having a gym membership, and buying luxury items are not necessary and can be labeled as non-essential expenses. [6] X Research source Record all of your expenditures in your spending journal to make sure that you stay on track.
Things like cell phones and internet may be necessary expenses. However, you can use the internet for free at your local library, so you may be able to cancel it for a few months. Cancel cable service because cable be expensive. Consider cutting your cable and just keeping your Internet service. You can watch many of your favorite shows and sports programs online. Consider switching to a cheaper cell phone provider. You can get your cell phone bill under $20 per line per month if you are willing to switch to a value provider like Ting, RingPlus, Zact, Republic Wireless, or FreedomPop. If you have a smart phone, you may consider going to a cheaper plan with no data. Keep in mind that there are catches to these services. Sometimes you have to buy a phone from the providers and the call service may not be as good. Read the fine print and shop around before you decide to switch.
Get regular maintenance on your car. Oil changes and other basic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running and may even help prevent more expensive problems down the line. Schedule regular oil changes for all of your vehicles.
The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help you find affordable housing and can even provide housing vouchers if you are unable to pay your rent. [7] X Research source
Government programs may help with the cost of insurance. Your options will vary by state, but see if you can apply for reduced-cost insurance programs. If you have insurance for your car or home, you may consider modifying your plan to a higher deductible to help save on monthly premium expenses. Keep in mind that if you need to file a claim, you will have to pay that higher deductible. This strategy is not a good long-term solution for saving money, but it can help you out for a short time.
Consider shopping at bulk retail stores, like Sam’s Club or Costco. If you have a friend or family member with a membership, see if they will take you so you don’t have to purchase your own membership. Some things can be purchased cheaply at these retailers. Make sure to consider unit price, however, because not all items sold at these stores are cheaper. Buy generic brands. Most grocery stores carry their own brand of products that sell for significantly less than other brands. This can be a way to reduce your grocery expenses. Give up certain things. Since you are cutting corners, you can’t buy everything you usually do. Items like sodas, expensive meats, and snack foods are unnecessary expenses. Instead, buy what you need to feed you and your family. The extraneous items can be skipped for now.
Pack a lunch and snacks if you will be away from home for the day. Lunch at a restaurant plus the cost of little snacks here and there adds up. Bring a cooler with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks from home if you expect to be out of the house for the day. Skip your daily trip to the coffee shop and start brewing coffee at home. This can save a significant amount of money weekly.
Be frugal with your food. Food is an expensive part of life, even if you buy generic and shop at discount stores. Don’t eat because you’re depressed or bored. Only eat because you have to.
Look for a job that could help build your resume. If you work at a retail store, use it as an opportunity to build your customer service and inventory skills. If you work in fast food, think about it as learning teamwork and job performance under pressure. Leave yourself time to job hunt. This is just a temporary job. You still want to devote time in finding a full-time job.
You may need to sell things you would rather keep. Prioritize. Sell items you can part with first, then consider the more important ones. It may be the difference between food or rent and one item. Look for any collectible items or antiques you have in your home. Some toys, memorabilia, and antiques can sell for a few hundred dollars.
You may also try going to local craft fairs. This can be a great way to earn money, but beware that getting booths at some of these fairs can be expensive.
Sites like Airbnb. com allow private, local hosts to list their homes as bed and breakfast-type accommodations for people passing through. Be aware that renting a room to someone can be a serious commitment. Think through this plan before allowing someone to live with you. If you will want them to move out in 2 months instead of 12 or 24 months, this may not be the option for you.
Drop off resumes in person. Call people or e-mail them to ask if they are hiring even if they don’t have a help wanted sign. Use online job sites, like monster. com and indeed. com. Not only can you search for jobs and apply online, but you can also post resumes so potential employers can browse your resume.
Check out the Department of Labor’s One-Stop Career Centers. Many of these centers offer free classes in topics like computers and basic academic skills. They also help with career counselling and can provide information on available jobs. Microsoft’s Elevate America works with U. S. veterans and with nonprofit organizations in communities to help people receive training for employment. The program offers no-cost and low-cost online training programs to help people develop technology skills. They also have a state voucher program to help people get vouchers for training and certification. [11] X Research source Monster. com offers free eLearning courses that can help teach you vital skills and build your resume.
Consider volunteering at a local hospital, animal shelter or other nonprofit organization while you look for a job. Doing volunteer work will look great on your resume, and it will also be a rewarding experience for you.
Look online for resume how-to guides, templates, and samples. There are many websites that help you build an effective resume for any career. You may even be able to find forums where people will look over your resume and give you feedback. Proofread your resume for grammar, spelling, and usage errors. Employees will throw out a resume if it has too many glaring errors. Make sure it is polished and perfect before sending it out. Check the formatting of the resume. Make sure it looks professional. Use templates online if you are unsure. Make sure you have the proper fonts, font sizes, and spacing.
Make sure your hair is clean and combed, shower before you go, and make sure your clothes are clean. Iron your clothes before you go. Wrinkled clothes give a bad impression. If you can’t afford to buy nice clothes, try yard sales or thrift stores. You can find many nice business casual outfits at either place for low costs. Or borrow something from a friend or family member.
Go for a walk. Staying active and healthy during this time is very important. Don’t ignore your friends, family, and community. Remember, getting out helps you make connections and find new opportunities.
When you feel discouraged, make sure that you reach out to someone and talk about what you are going through. Confiding in a friend or relative about your struggles will make it easier for you to survive this difficult time.
