Unemployment During the Coronavirus

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Unemployment is becoming a common occurrence during the Covid19 Coronavirus Pandemic, but this does not make it less scary for individuals and families who are currently wondering what to do when suddenly facing joblessness. If you are stressing on making rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and putting food on the table, it can seem overwhelming. You may also be struggling to figure out how to obtain child care or assist your children who are now going to school at home. Most individuals want to get back to work as soon as possible and pursuing a new degree or furthering your education in a new field is an option that also requires money that may not be currently available. With all the uncertainties you may be facing, there is hope.

Here’s the good news. There are programs in place to help you due to coronavirus or are affected by our current economy. You can get the day to day necessities they need and find solutions to end your unemployment. There are government grants, and financial assistance to help you navigate through this difficult time. It is our mission to provide you with access to these resources and information so you can qualify for the help you need to move forward.

Where to start?

If you’re out of work, one of your first steps should be filing for unemployment benefits. The CARES Act-backed Pandemic Unemployment Emergency Compensation (PEUC) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program are in place to give you financial assistance when you lose your job. Even if you haven’t completely lost your job but have seen your hours significantly reduced, you can still qualify.

Every state has a different website to apply for unemployment, but the information you will need to apply is pretty standard for all states. Here is a list outlining some of the information you will need to start to file your claim according to the EDD website.

Last Employer

● Last employer information including company name, supervisor’s name, address (mailing and physical location), and phone number. If you are self-employed, a business owner, or an independent contractor, list yourself as your last employer.

● The last date you worked and the reason you are no longer working.

● Total gross earnings in the last week you worked, beginning with Sunday and ending with your last day of work. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you will need your net income (total after taxes).

Employment History

● Information on all employers you worked for during the past 18 months, including name, address (mailing and physical location), the dates of employment, gross wages earned, hours worked per week, hourly rate of pay, and the reason you are no longer working.

reason you are no longer working. ○ If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you will need your net income (total after taxes).

Identity Documents:

● Two primary documents

ID.me primary documents include:

● Driver license (US or foreign)

● Passport or passport card (US or foreign)

● US Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

● Employment Authorization Card (I-766) issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

● Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)

● Federal or state ID

● Veteran health ID card

● Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ID Card

● Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)

● National ID card (only if you live outside of the US)

● Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Personal Identity Verification card

● One primary and two secondary documents

ID.me secondary documents include:

● US health insurance card

● Social security card

● US birth certificate

● School documents (ID with photograph, school record, report card)

● US voter registration card

● US citizen ID card (Form I-197)

● Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214)

● National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22)

● Foreign birth document

○ Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545)

○ Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350)

○ Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240)

● Border crossing card

● Native American tribal document

● Tribal-issued photo ID card

● Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs card

● US Coast Guard merchant mariner card

Government Resources and Organizations that can help

Day to day living expenses can be an issue when you are left without a paycheck or any income coming in. If you need job search assistance, housing, and rental assistance, help to get food or health care, these resources below can give you information on how to qualify to get the necessities covered.

● Career One-Stop Centers – Operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, regional offices of Career One Stop provide resources and training programs to individuals facing serious barriers to employment.

● GovBenefits.gov – GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website for the U.S. government. It contains information on more than 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

● 2-1-1 – Spearheaded by the United Way and the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems, 2-1-1 is a telephone number that connects consumers with community services in many parts of the country.

● Feeding America Food Bank Network – Feeding America is the nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization. Its 200+ member food banks and food rescue organizations serve all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

● Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) – FNS offers resources and advice on good nutrition and food shopping. Information on food stamp services is also available.

● Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – The CMS website offers detailed information on Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Plan).

● InsureKidsNow.gov – InsureKidsNow.gov provides information on free and low-cost health insurance for children up to age 18.

● Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – HUD’s website is a comprehensive resource for buying and selling homes, consumer rights and help for the homeless. It also provides a list of non-profit housing counseling agencies that can assist homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

Complete Resource Directory : Access Here

As scary as this time may seem, Help is available. If you would like to learn more about local charities and government organizations that can provide you help, please visit our Resource Directory (Insert resource directory link here). Also, access our Helpline (insert helpline link here) for over the phone support directory.