Recent unemployment rates have remained between 4.2% and 4.5%, reflecting stability in numbers. Yet, if you are included in those percentages, unemployment is still a difficult situation.

In the United States, over 880,000 people are currently unemployed. Although applications for jobless claims declined late this month, many people are still looking for help with unemployment. Read more below about unemployment programs, resources, and advice.

 

Unemployment Programs

The first option for those unemployed is to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI). UI programs operate at the state level and can provide benefits to those who become unemployed for no fault of their own or through other eligibility requirements.

Unemployed individuals can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website to find guidelines and how to contact state UI programs for more information. Most states will provide up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. The average weekly benefits vary by how much an applicant has worked, paid into UI, and the cost of living in a state.

American Job Centers is one of the primary programs for unemployment. The website and offices offer a variety of services to help with career planning, job training, and finding a job. American Job Centers operates under the Department of Labor and was established in 2014 with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The physical job centers can help those who are unemployed with skill assessment tests and provide assistance with Unemployment Insurance. These job centers are also intended for businesses to find employees.

A third option is the Dislocated Worker Program. This program is aimed at those who have been laid off or terminated to provide a transition to a new job or line of work.

These government programs are the first avenue to explore when faced with unemployment.

 

Unemployment Resources

Each state also has additional resources that can help with unemployment. For example, Food Stamps programs can provide monthly help with groceries. Unemployed people can also apply for support with housing and utility expenses.

Non-profit organizations can be a resource for credit card debt relief. Clear Point, for example, offers free credit and budget counseling services that can help when unemployed. This organization also provides free foreclosure prevention counseling.

Those unemployed may decide to seek out personal loans. Lending Tree and Credible are two organizations that provide loans for periods ranging from one to ten years. Both have credit score requirements, but the application process is fast and efficient.

Being unemployed may be a time to return to college, and education grants or loans are other resources in that case. The federal government and private services provide these funding options as a way to reinvest in education and career options.

When unemployed, reach out to family members and friends for advice and support. These personal resources will help someone get through this trying time.

 

Unemployment Advice

Since unemployment also brings a lack of structure, it’s important to set up a work routine. Set a schedule as if you have a job with time allocated for searching for work, updating your resume, improving skills, and networking with those in potential employment areas.

For job searches, start with job boards such as Indeed and Glassdoor. Take the time to create a complete LinkedIn profile and take advantage of their networking options. Read current articles about how to proceed with job searches and tailor your resume or CV to different fields.

Another important task is to monitor expenses more closely and set a monthly budget. This will likely entail reducing spending on such areas as cell phones, television, Internet, and subscriptions. Reducing or eliminating eating out and watching grocery spending will also go a long way.

Find ways to stay active through exercises like walking, running, and hiking. Make sure to go to bed at a reasonable time so that you can stick to the new schedule.

Be open to temporary and part-time work. Volunteer opportunities can also provide an outlet and possibly lead to a new job.

Continue with hobbies like sports or games. These are not a waste of time. Everyone needs to take a break, even those who are unemployed. This is also an opportunity to read more books, including those that may help land that next job.

 

Get Help with Unemployment

Being unemployed is a challenging situation. Finding programs, resources, and advice is important to managing it and transitioning back to work. For more information about unemployment visit FreshGigsClub. Unemployment can be a time to change directions and come out on a more positive track.