Check out some quick tips from my own experiences for accessing food, health, job and other supportive services when going through a time of need and resources are low.
Probably one of the hardest things for any of us to do after a job loss is ask for help. But sometimes that’s the exact thing we need to do.
This action can be doubly hard due to stigma and shame when it comes to seeking supportive services such as government assistance. Regardless of your pride, people and programs are there to help us when our resources are low or exhausted.
If you’re pride is still in the way, remember that these resources are a temporary back-stop until we get back on our feet.
Given that resources are unique to each state, county, municipality and community it’s worth jumping online and seeing what’s available locally to you.
When I was going through a lengthy period of unemployment it became necessary for me to access supportive services. Although this list is not meant to be exhaustive, I hope this little bit of information helps.
Healthcare Coverage
Many states have a state sponsored health insurance plan which can provide health insurance to you and your dependents. Nationally, the plan is called Medicaid. (In California, where I live, it’s called Medi-Cal.)
When applying for Medicaid (and other government-assistance programs) it’s best to do this in person at their county offices. If you’re feeling vulnerable given your economic circumstances, I wouldn’t recommend trying to apply online or over phone. Both processes can be frustrating as there are phone trees, wait times and occasional disconnections while on hold. I learned the hard way.
After not having much success contacting the county via phone a friend told me to apply in person. It’d never even occurred to me that I could do it that way. Two days later I walked into the county social service office and took a number. To my surprise, the staff were kind and helpful.
In the course of an hour, not only were my health needs assessed but financial and food as well. I ended up leaving the visit with a health insurance application in process and stop-gap health insurance coverage (Emergency Medi-Cal) in place, along with a pre-loaded debit card in my pocket so I could buy groceries.
Financial Help
General Relief
The program is called that for a reason. As part of my in-take assessment at the county office I was asked if I’d like to apply for General Relief (a program that provides supplemental dollars to help you pay your rent and other necessities). Although I didn’t qualify for that program, you may. There are very tight restrictions on receiving this kind of assistance so bare that in mind.
Unemployment Insurance
Googling your state’s “employment development department” is the simplest way to get started. You don’t know if you qualify for unemployment benefits unless you apply. There are stipulations for qualifying depending on the state you live in (e.g. how long you’ve lived and worked in a state, if you were laid off or quit, etc.). Although the amount you may qualify for is less than what you were earning, it still makes a big difference when the chips are down.
Food Support
SNAP, Community and Faith Organizations
Like with health insurance, the local county office asked about my current income (at the time it was zero) and if I’d like to apply for SNAP (California’s food stamp program). I applied and qualified on the spot. (I left my appointment with a debit card pre-loaded with some bucks to get me going.) But there are other sources of food support too.
While un-employed, I joined the LA Gay and Lesbian Center Senior Services program. Through their program I qualified for food and job support. I enjoyed many home-cooked lunches (and games of dominoes) at their Senior Center and was also assigned a caseworker to assist me with job searches.
My church also provided supplement nutrition to those in need and although it was difficult to admit, that included me. Their pantry had weekly fruits and vegetables for the taking.
Bartering
Bartering or trading for food is a great option too. I am a licensed barber and I used to cut a few of my friends’ hair and they’d buy me a meal in trade. Another friend of mine is a property manager and I’d help him with his properties and he’d pay me cash or buy me a meal. People, especially friends, want to help you! See if there’s something to barter for.
Job Searches
Federal Jobs
Along with searching for jobs through traditional methods (LinkedIn, Indeed, word-of-mouth, etc.), also consider applying on government websites like USAjobs and see what is out there in terms of civil service opportunities. Being open to jobs that are outside how you’ve envisioned yourself working is key to moving on after a job loss.
State, County and City Jobs
It’s important to consider city and county jobs as well. They tend to have more challenging processes for applying but not impossible to figure out. The key is to read all the instructions and customize you resume to specify exactly what the job announcement is looking for. This will increase your chances for an interview.
In addition, if you can, consider applying to lower paying jobs than what you may be accustomed to. The goal is to get into their system as their benefits packages are typically generous and once inside it’s easier to transfer to other better paying positions.
Finally, be patient. The wheels of governmental hiring tend to turn slowly. So don’t sit around waiting for a call, get on with your job search.
Last Thoughts
Accessing health, food, job and other supportive services when going through a loss or a defeat doesn’t have to be hard. There are sources of support and help out there. Sometimes, the hardest hurdle we have to get over is our pride.
If you have other tips, please feel free to share. Cheers!
