Below are the 3 most recent journal entries recorded in joblesshelp's InsaneJournal:

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011
5:42 pm	Where to Turn Once Your Unemployment Expires Standard unemployment insurance does not last very long. Fortunately, there is a variety of other financial aid services available for those who need them. For example, you may be able to get an unemployment extension which could extend your total compensation period up to 99 weeks in most states. Check with your local unemployment office to see if you qualify for an extension. Presently there exists legislation in the works which could extend unemployment benefits to exceed 99 weeks, but unfortunately it has not yet been voted through. The proposed bill, titled the “Americans Want to Work Act,” is said to cost an estimated 33 billion dollars and so far has failed to receive a majority vote. If you are one of the millions of 99'ers who needs further financial assistance you are encouraged to contact your state representative to show your support. There are also many types of aid you can receive above and beyond unemployment insurance. For instance, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (formerly known as Welfare) can provide assistance with various issues you may be experiencing if you've been jobless for an expanded stretch of time. They will even help with training and coaching to get you through the job search process. The federal government’s Food Stamp Program, just recently renamed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, likewise helps to provide financial support if you have a family and need help affording groceries. This program helps to feed thousands of families across America and if you qualify it could help you with your grocery expenses. Unfortunately many people in the U.S. are still going without some of the bare minimum necessities that all of us require. No one wants to end up in that position so if you feel you need help, or may need it in the future, it is best to start looking into these programs as early as possible to see if you qualify. In addition to those mentioned above, you may also be interested in looking into your local social services offices to find out if there is any additional aid your state or city offers. Although the federal government does offer a wide variety of assistance, many states take their aid services above and beyond so it is certainly worth looking to see if there are any additional programs available in your area. It is rare to come across a person who hasn't experienced the threat of joblessness. Always remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Try to explore your available options beyond the unemployment office before your benefits run out so that you do not have to go without aid when you need it most. (Comment on this)
5:38 pm	I've Been Let Go...Now What? Most people familiar with the horror of losing a job. What’s even worse is losing employment through no fault of your own, which regrettably is happening to a lot of individuals in today’s economic climate. Though I am employed now, I was laid off by my company early on in the recession and I was on unemployment insurance for an extended period of time. I also learned a few other tips about what to do after losing a job. If you have just lost your job, I recommend looking into unemployment benefits before doing anything else. The reason I say this is that, as I’m sure you might be aware, the economic climate today is at such a state of shambles that you truly can't count on finding a new job in a timely fashion. However, if you do get unemployment benefits, you will be able to depend upon a compensation check on a regular basis which ought to be enough to survive until finding a new job. After being reliably employed for a long time it can be hard to admit to yourself that you may have trouble finding work but the best thing you can do is play it safe and get on unemployment as soon as possible. Unemployment insurance only lasts for so long, of course, so once you have your paper work squared away it is time to get back into the job search. Chances are you will need to go through some basic preparation work before you begin your job hunt. For example, update your resume and create variations that are optimized for the type of jobs you will be looking for. If you have other resources available locally then you should also take full advantage of them. When I lost my job I even went back to the university I graduated from 5 years prior and talk to career counseling for help. Nothing is off limits so utilize every resource you have in finding a job. If you can’t find a job within the first month or you should also take a look at what type of unemployment extension your state has to offer. Most states can extend unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks while you are searching for a new job. (Comment on this)
5:37 pm	Recognizing The Tier 5 Unemployment Extension Unemployment benefits can often be difficult to comprehend in the beginning and the tier 5 unemployment extension is no different. To be able to really understand what this type of unemployment extension may mean for some people we are going to have to take a glance at some of the fundamentals when it comes to unemployment insurance. Unemployment benefits typically differ slightly depending on which state you live in. Even so, typical unemployment insurance offers up to 26 weeks of coverage for workers who have lost their employment through no wrong doing of their own. For example, people who have been laid off by the company because of budget cuts. The current unemployment extension offers further financial assistance for those who have depleted their unemployment. The way it operates at present is that there are four tiers which qualify for an extension, depending on how long you have been accepting your benefits. The first tier goes for 20 weeks, the second tier goes for 14 weeks, and so on and so on (remember that these numbers may differ between states). When we speak about the tier 5 unemployment extension, then, it refers to extending unemployment benefits to those who have already used up their insurance and now have no options for any type of compensation. These individuals are commonly referred to as the “99’ers” and have been long term unemployed (the term “99’ers” originates from the fact that in most states 99 weeks of benefits is the maximum timeframe one can be compensated for). At the time of this writing it is estimated that somewhere in the ball park of 3 million people fit this bill and are in need of further assistance. Presently tier 5 unemployment does not exist and the legislation which would make it happen is in limbo. Endorsed by the democrats, the Americans Want to Work Act could create legal guidelines to permit for a fifth tier of unemployment benefits for those who qualify. However, the bill is projected to cost 33 billion dollars and is getting almost no support from the republicans, which makes it hard to say if and when a tier 5 unemployment extension will ever be available. For any 99'ers reading this who would benefit from a tier 5 extension, you are encouraged to contact your state Representative and share your story. The tier 5 extension will not pass without more support and the best way to make that happen is to make your voice heard. (Comment on this)