Does anyone know where to get assitance when you are out of work?

Question

Hi all. My fiance was laid off 5 months ago and has been unable to find a job since. He has applied everywhere from McDonalds to Lowes to Office jobs etc....He worked as a Deputy Jailer for the Sheriff's Department for 5 years. Every response he gets says he's ethier over qualified, under qualified or the job doesn't match his skills. I have a good job but not good enough to support both of us. We went to our local job & family services dept. as soon as he was laid off, but we can't get them to return our calls. When we show up over there they say they won't see us without an advance phone call. We are at the point of desperation now-We have to move because our rent is behind, we have bill collectors calling all the time & we barely have enough money to eat. I don't know how we are going to afford to move since we only have one income & a deposit & 1st months rent will pretty much take my whole month's salary! If anyone can point me in the right direction,
I would appreciate it!

He has tried temp agencies but they don't have anything available right now except office jobs which they haven't been able to place him in because he doesn't have much office experience. He applied for unemployement the day he got laid off and we are still waiting for it to be "processed". The unemployment office told us they are back logged and it can take up to a year for it to be "processed".

Answer 1

Most states offer unemployment compensation when you get laid off or fired. Did he ever apply for it? It should be automatic, and most states do it online. You shouldn't need to make appointments and go see people.

When I was laid off and having trouble finding work, I went to a temporary employment agency. They found me work in about 3 days. I highly recommend your fiance apply to one of these temp agencies. Because it's temp work, they don't care if you are overqualified, because the companies aren't really planning to hire you as a permanent employee unless you really are a good fit later on.

Good luck.

Additional comments. What state do you live in that takes a year to process unemployment claims? In California, I had a check from the Employment Development Dept in less than a month.

I'd contact my local state legislators office and ask for their assistance to get whatever state agency that handles unemployment claims off their butts and helping your fiance out.

Answer 2

If you've already tried your local welfare department, see about any private local agencies for assistance. Salvation Army, Red Cross, or your church might have a program to help out. Check with your state employment agency, and also any temporary job agencies, in your area. Also a lot of the security companies are starting to hire, you might find jobs there.

Answer 3

You might want to find a way to substantially increase your income. Sounds like you might know a lot of people so Check out my profile, it might help and work out good for yall. Good Luck!