Unemployment Help

This page is designed to help you if you are out of work or if you are having problems making ends meet.

Whether unemployment results from layoff, plant closure, illness, injury, termination, strike, lockout, natural disaster or even retirement, it means a drop in income that can make life difficult and change the way we live.

This page  will help you survive hard times on the best possible terms. Some of the best strategies, techniques and tools have been  compiled by the national AFL-CIO. Check them outby clicking on the headings below!

To get local help, consider signing up for the Help Center for Laid-off Workers.  Call the  United Way InfoLine,

United Way LAID OFF WORKER CENTER 151 N. Volutsia. Call during the dates listed below to set up an appointment: United Way InfoLine at (316) 267-4327, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. January Session: Call for appointments: December 15 - 19 Opens: January 5, 2004 February Session: Call for appointments: January 19 - 23 Opens: February 2 March Session: Call for appointments: February 16 - 20 Opens: March 1

267-4327, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To Contact United Way InfoLine by E-mail:carelink@unitedwayplains.org.  To find out what services are available though the Help Center click here

An excellent source of local information is I've Been Laid Off--What Should I Do?: A Manual for Displaced Workers of South Central Kansas. This manual was prepared by WSU Sociology Professor Charles Koeber and published by the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas. Copies should be available at the public library, from your union, or the Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation (3219 W. Central, Wichita 941-4061).

Mario Cervantes is the AFL-CIO Community Service Liasson for Wichita/Hutchinson. He is one of 180 union members across the country who works for the AFL-CIO central labor council or state federation, a local United Way or a labor agency. These liaisons work full-time helping people. They are trained to assist union families with problems, including unemployment. Mario can be contacted by phone at 267-1321 or by email at mcervantes@unitedwayplains.org

Start With Yourself

Talk to your family and keep a positive attitude. Don’t let the “blues” affect your relationships.

Where to Go For Help

Find out where to go for help, apply for financial assistance programs, find out if you’re eligible for any programs if you’re injured or disabled and check out these special programs for seniors.

Taking Care of Business

Follow this financial action plan

Dealing with Creditors

Try this creditor action plan. See what you should know when the bill collector comes.

Keeping a Roof Over Your Head

Check out the mortgage action plan and renter’s action plan and look at housing alternatives.

Putting Food on the Table

Try some of the tips in this food action plan. Save money by following these basic rules of thumb and find out how to apply for food programs.

Managing Utility Payments

Follow this utility action plan, apply for energy assistance programs and find alternative energy sources.

Staying Insured

Check out this insurance action plan and consider applying for health insurance and COBRA.

Staying Healthy

Find public medical assistance programs, hospitals and doctors and check out this prescription resource list for medications.

Getting a Job

Try the job search action plan, find child care and look for employment programs and services.

The information provided here  is general. Programs may vary from state to state, and even from county to county. Eligibility for programs may depend on the cause of your unemployment. To locate a program or agency mentioned here, contact your union representative or a local community action agency.

Some of the suggestions contained here involve legal issues and require legal advice from an attorney. If you do not have a family attorney, call the Legal Services Corporation, the Legal Aid Society or the Lawyer Referral Service of the local bar association.

Remember: The most valuable resource you have is you. Hold your head up, keep a positive attitude and don’t give up.

What services will the Help Center offer?

· Budget and debt management counseling services.

· Limited emergency financial assistance. The purpose of the money is to provide for basic emergency needs such as food, utilities, and shelter. If a household qualifies for aid, vouchers will be written directly to the merchant, landlord, utility company or other creditor.

· Food assistance. Clients will be able to take home a box of food, provided through the Kansas Food Bank Warehouse, and will have the opportunity to sign up for food stamps if eligible.

· Utility companies will have representatives on hand to work out payment plans.

· Child Care Association will arrange for free or reduced child care while laid-off workers interview for employment.

· Kansas SRS representatives will help coordinate availability of food stamps and other services.

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