Unemployment benefits are intended as a temporary measure to help you financially when you are between jobs. Generally, unemployment benefits last up to a maximum of 26 weeks. However, the duration of benefits can vary, depending on your state. In times of high unemployment, the federal and state governments may extend unemployment benefits. However, there are limits to how many weeks are available. That means there’s a chance your benefits might run out before you secure new employment. What should you do if you are worried about your unemployment benefits running out? There are steps you can take to protect your finances, even when you are unemployed.
Check on Extended Unemployment Benefits
First, check with your state unemployment office to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you qualify for. During periods of high unemployment, the federal government may provide funds allowing the states to expand unemployment benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a website to help you locate your state’s unemployment insurance office.
Federal Extended Benefits
When the unemployment rate is high, an additional 13 to 20 weeks of federal Extended Benefits (EB) may be available, depending on your state’s unemployment rate. In most cases, these extended benefits will be paid automatically, and you shouldn’t need to refile to continue claiming benefits. It’s a good idea, however, to check with your state’s department of labor for details on your eligibility and how the process works. In some cases, you may need to file additional paperwork to ensure that you receive all your benefits. Not everyone who is eligible for regular benefits will also be eligible for extended benefits. Your state’s program will be able to tell you which program you qualify for.
Create an Action Plan
If you are close to losing your unemployment benefits, you need to create an action plan to fall back on. The best time to trim expenses and find resources is while you still qualify for unemployment. Make a plan now, and you can save yourself additional stress later.
Tighten Your Budget Before Unemployment Runs Out
As soon as you lose your job, it’s wise to create a new, bare-bones budget. It should cut out discretionary spending, such as:
Services like cable TV or a gym membershipNon-essential groceriesEntertainment expensesEating outOptional home or clothing purchasesVacations and travel
You’ll still need to make your savings, emergency fund, and other money last as long as possible, in case your benefits end before you find another job, and you need to dip into your savings or emergency fund.
Contact Your Creditors
If you are unable to make your monthly payments, contact your creditors. Many of them may be willing to help you create a payment plan so you aren’t responsible for as many bills at once. If you have student loans, they can be deferred or put in forbearance if you are unemployed. Do this as soon as you lose your job.
Get Help Looking for a Job
It is easy to become discouraged in a difficult job market. One way to shorten your search time is to broaden your horizons. Consider expanding the field you are looking in, as well as the geographic location. You may be able to find a great job in a different state or city. If you’re a college graduate, check with your career services office. Many schools provide career counseling and job-search assistance to alumni. If you are getting to the interview stage, but you are not receiving any offers, you need to get help with your interviewing techniques. Look for help with this through your local unemployment office. It can still help with looking for a job even if you do not qualify for weekly benefits. It is important to continue to be proactive until you find a job.
Take on Part-Time, Temporary, or Gig Work
Consider picking up part-time or temporary work to help you out while you are continuing to search for a full-time job. That will help you earn an income, as well as avoid gaps on your resume. You may begin freelancing in your field and discover that you can make a lot of money doing that. Just be sure to plan for taxes come next year, as you’ll be responsible for paying them on your earnings. You may also find that you can pick up odd jobs to help supplement your income. Once your unemployment benefits have run out, you may have to take on a part-time job indefinitely to meet your financial obligations.
Investigate Social Services Programs
There are emergency programs in place to help you cover the costs of food and rent through each county. If your unemployment runs out, you will likely qualify for food stamps. You may also want to look into local food pantries in your community that can help you. You may qualify for childcare assistance, as well as help with rent or utilities, while you are looking for a job. You do not know what you will qualify for until you apply, and it is worth the time to contact your local office to find out what help you can get while looking for work or training for a new job.
Where to Find Free Financial Assistance and Support
Try these steps to boost your job search and find financial assistance during unemployment.
Secure a free email account: Job seekers can create a professional email, separate from their personal email, to use just for job searching. Check with your internet and cell service provider: You may be able to hold off on all or some of your payments while you’re unemployed. Ask your church and local community organizations for support: If you are a member of a church, ask whether any help is available. Community organizations often have resources to help the unemployed with food baskets, donations, job help, and babysitting assistance. Seek help from your network: If you can get support from family or friends, don’t hesitate to ask. Obtain free job search help: Identify and find free, or inexpensive, job search and career resources in your geographic area. Use your local CareerOneStop Center: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop Centers have information on local support resources. These include help with utility bills, food costs, and other necessary expenses. Career OneStop might also have information on temporary positions, permanent or long-term job listings, and assistance with job or skill training to increase your marketability. Review job search tips for unemployed job seekers: It’s difficult to be upbeat and confident when you’re in a desperate financial situation, but it’s important for an unemployed job seeker to remain positive.
Check With Nonprofit Agencies
Need further assistance? Here’s a list of local, state, and federal resources that can connect you with nonprofit agencies near you.
2-1-1 Call Center: Call to find local assistance with training, employment, food pantries, affordable housing, and support groups. Directory of Homeless Shelters: Find a list of homeless shelters throughout the United States from the National Coalition for the Homeless. Low-Cost Phone Service: Reduced-cost phone service is available to eligible low-income families through the Lifeline program. Qualifying applicants can receive voice and data packages for less than $15 per month. Help With Pets: If you are having difficulty caring for your pets, there is help available. Check with your local animal shelter and veterinarian to see whether they can assist or refer you to sources for pet food and care. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Each state has a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, formerly called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). TANF can help with food stamps, financial assistance, training, and job searching. Food Stamps: The federal food stamp program, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income families and individuals buy food. Medicaid: Medicaid provides medical benefits to low-income people who have no (or inadequate) medical insurance. WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental food and nutritional support for low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, and for children under age 5. Check with your local health department, clinic, or other authorized agency for WIC information.
