I am on my last week of unemployment benefits.

Next week I get the last $49. No one can tell me if I am eligible for the extension of benefits or not. I have to wait for the week to be over and then apply for the benefit after the week is over and then wait 2 weeks for a decision. I have no income at all. I am interviewing for a job that involves commuting 120 miles a day but I won't be able to afford the gas.

This is the safety net.

And if you don't mind, how old are you?

Lots of skills and education. I have had work during the year so I haven't been continuously unemployed but I am unable to find anything permanent or long term.

Everyone knows we don't have enough technical talent in the US so we have to flood the market with visa holders. :sarcasm:

I believe I have. (I am a systems administrator, age 50.)

and all of a sudden they want me to go back to college to learn things I've been doing for 10 years. Basically they want you to take a lower salary and not complain about it.

Ive been there, and I know how it hurts ....

Which state do you live in ?

I hope that something hits for you soon! And I hope that we get a government full of actual Democrats, so we can have peace and prosperity.

was when my COBRA ran out. I looked into private health insurance, but that would have meant $16,000 a year out of pocket. Ha!

I managed to finally get health care through my partner's job, but we had to twist a lot of arms to get them to give domestic partner benefits. Until we did, I was in a panic.

they will agree to extend benefits. What state do you live in?

Oh I see - Wisconsin. I don't know what the rules are, but you should ask someone at the unemployment office.

a while to get the payments coming in again.

In North Carolina there were no extensions PERIOD because it was on a Federal level which states were deemed eligible for extensions. Apparently NC wasn't considered has having a high enough unemployment rate to qualify.

I hope there's more available to you in your area to help you over the hump than there is in mine.

Good luck!

:hug:

from the State Department of Workforce Development to talk to and then they said they couldn't even tell me if I were eligible. They couldn't tell me anything or even give me a phone number. I can't do a damn thing except wait until next week is over and then file and just wait for a letter in the mail. Don't they realize how important this is? And if the answer is no, then what?

well what can I DO? She said "have you looked in the paper for a job?" THIS is the kind of help they have? I'd been looking for a job for six months by that time, and they had no referrals or places where I could turn to for help?

I couldn't get on Medicaid because all I got were voice mails, and not ONE person ever called me back. I must have left 30 messages.

I couldn't qualify for any other assistance because I don't have kids.

My utilities companies have no help available.

And no, they just don't realize unless they're in this situation themselves. I've had to give up. My friends have kept me going for these past few months, but that's come to an end. I even looked up 'how to live in your car' -- that's how bad it is -- and find you need money for that, too!
This is shameful that Americans can't get the help they need.

Just know you're not alone. That doesn't help, I know, but with more and more of us finding ourselves in this situation, something has GOT to happen.

And, again, I'm hopeful you'll get your extension. Especially in this financial climate -- they know the situation is tough out there.

And I lived for a month and a half on $20 - it can be done. Top Ramen and water. Seriously.

There is a real crisis out there.

Come here! I will make an extra space!

:hug: