Resources for the Unemployed

With today's economy the way it is, finding oneself unemployed is no longer at the back of everyone's mind, but at the forefront. This is especially true for individuals with families. Whether you have one or not, it is easy to imagine the hardships that come with taking care of one's family when one is unemployed. However, it is important to remember that there are resources out there for just such circumstances. The problem is that no one really knows what is available, and where to look for them. After a thorough internet search, I've come up with a number of helpful websites that may just save unemployed American families from losing all that they have.

One of the most basic of survival needs is food, and the USDA has a number of food service programs in order to ensure that no one goes hungry, unemployed or not. One such program is the food stamp program. Most people know what this is; they just don't know where to get them. Going to http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/ one can look into what the program entails and how to apply. Unemployed or low-income women with children can also look into the WIC program at http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ for information on food packages and information on how to apply.

Other USDA programs include school meal programs, summer food programs, and disaster and emergency relief food programs. For more information on USDA food program one can visit their main Food and Nutrition Service homepage at:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/default.htm

For miscellaneous support at the state level one can go to www.GovBenefits.gov. This website provides information on medical programs through Medicaid, energy assistance (paying portions of home energy bills), unemployment insurance benefits, and home improvement assistance program (such as preparing one's home for the weather : ceilings, windows, etc). Furthermore, there are work programs available to get individuals off welfare and back into the workforce. One need only access their particular state to browse their state specific aid.

The Department of Labor also offers several programs aimed at providing for the American unemployed. http://www.dol.gov/ offers unemployment insurance which addresses getting the unemployed back to work, extended benefits for those who have used up their regular unemployment benefits, and self-employment assistance to help individuals start their own businesses and get back on their feet. The Department of Labor also lists CareerOneStop.org as a resource for job searching, training, and career planning.

Another useful section of the Department of Labor website it the Employment and Training Administration found by accessing the Department of Labor website, or at http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/. This website offers resources to the unemployed for finding and applying for assistance.

WWW.USA.gov is another site that provides a list of different options for unemployed individuals and their families. One can chose from Federal, State, Local, or Tribal agencies for help; searched based on their age bracket (i.e parents, seniors, teens, etc); or based on their needs (i.e. funding, money, safety, employment, etc).

Other local and nation organizations such as the Salvation Army, the veterans associations, local schools, colleges, and government offices are excellent places to visit for unemployment aid options. Offers from these organizations include help with bills, food, clothing, and employment.