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What to do when unemployment runs out?

Updated on September 29, 2012

My Advice on What to do when Unemployment Ends

So, you've been on unemployment, and now it has run out, or it is about to. You've probably been trying to get a job, but because of this lousy economy, you haven't had much luck. What are you to do?

Or maybe you've just stumbled on this page thinking about "what if unemployment runs out?" I know, it's so hard to know when you'll find a job, and how long you'll have unemployment benefits, considering that congress always talks about extending unemployment as a political maneuver. It's hard to live with uncertainty. As you'll see, I recommend cutting expenses, making sure you can pay for your housing, and trying to find a side job or odd job to make some money. This is the advice that I would give a friend. It's sincere.

Page updated 5/18/2012

Photo Credit (CC licensed)

Unemployment ran out... Now what??!

Meatloaf is a cheap and easy dish to make
Meatloaf is a cheap and easy dish to make

Housing, Food, Electricity, Medicine

Above all else, you need to have enough money to pay for housing, food, electricity, and medicine. If you can't pay for these things, it's going to get a lot worse.

Housing - Pay for housing before paying for anything else. If you need to let your house go into foreclosure, then that's what needs to happen. But you need to be able to pay for a roof over your head. Find a cheap place to rent, if you can. Many places check credit and/or require first/last month's rent and sometimes even deposit. So you may need up to 3x the cost of rent to move in. Find arrangements sooner rather than later. Remember that having a foreclosure will make your credit bad. Living with a relative or friend may also be a choice. Or, if you need to, living in your car.

Food - Get food stamps. Buy things that are cheap and last a long time. I highly recommend dry beans, pasta, rice, ground beef, potatoes, eggs, and other basic ingredients. Learn to cook if you don't know how. Most of the time, you'll save money by preparing your own meals instead of buying prepared, plus it will be a lot better for you - less salt, less fat, and less preservatives. Don't buy junk food. Do everything you can to make the food stamps last the whole month.

Electricity - Check out these tips on how to save money on heating. Use as little electricity as possible to keep your bill down. Some states offer assistance with heating costs, especially during the winter months. Click here to find the link to your state's website.

Medicine - You probably will qualify for Medicaid. However, if your medicine isn't covered, you may want to check out these free prescription programs.

States Offer Assistance

Find out what you qualify for

Each state has different programs to help unemployed people. You may qualify for food stamps, heating / energy assistance, temporary assistance for needy families, cash assistance, child care assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Medicaid, or other programs.

Working from Home
Working from Home

There's something you can do that will make money!

You just have to figure out what that is...

Below is a list I've brainstormed, but you should make your own list. Write down everything that you are good at, and think hard about how you can make money with your skills. Everyone has something that they are good at. When you're finished brainstorming, start an action plan. Write down the steps you need to take to achieve each goal, and start working on those steps.

For example, if you are going to babysit, you will need to post some advertisements. Write down where you will put the ads. I'd try Craigslist, bulletin boards at grocery stores, community centers, etc. Also word of mouth is very good. Tell all of your friends and family that you are available for babysitting.

21 Ways to Make Money - Odd Jobs, Side Jobs, Offline and Online!

  1. Babysit
  2. Lawn mowing
  3. Shovel Snow
  4. Donate Plasma (It's like donating blood, but for money!)
  5. Sell Your Hair Yes, you can sell your long hair!
  6. Sell Your Stuff on Ebay
  7. Sell Books and DVDs on Amazon
  8. Mechanical Turk A legitimate way to make money online!
  9. Restore Photos Put your computer skills to work!
  10. Take care of an elderly person.
  11. Do odd chores, grocery shopping, etc for a friend or relative
  12. Tutor
  13. Write pages like this one on Squidoo (I make money with this page and you can too!)
  14. Make money blogging
  15. Participate in Medical Studies
  16. Join the Peace Corps Get out of the country for awhile. Maybe the economy will be better when you come back.
  17. Sell your stuff on Craigslist
  18. Clean Houses
  19. Do Landscaping
  20. Participate in Online Surveys & GPT sites
  21. Know how to crochet? Sew? Blow Glass? Take great photos? Carve Wood? Paint? Any other craft? Sell your homemade stuff on Etsy
  22. Make money writing on Hubpages

Poll question ~

Do you think you can make money working online?

See results

Cut Your Expenses

For more money in your pocket!

Get Rid of Your Phone(s) and switch to this free cell phone program for people who are on food stamps. However, don't get rid of the phone if you rely on it to get employment related calls. But you may be able to change your phone plan so it costs less.

Shop at thrift stores, walmart, and the dollar store. If you aren't already shopping at these places, you might be amazed at what you can find. Save money on clothes, toys, electronics, furniture, etc.

Reduce your Car Insurance Cost By getting rid of cars you don't use, or reducing the amount of insurance coverage. Compare quotes with other insurance companies to see if you can lower your rate by switching. If you have a good driving record, you might find Geico to be cheaper. You may be able to get a lower rate by taking a driving class. This continues to the next idea.....

Call up companies and ask if they have a cheaper plan. Spend time calling each company, like the cable company, phone company, garbage company, etc and see if there is any way to reduce your monthly bill.

Save Money on Doctor Visits If you don't have health insurance, consider going to a health clinic that's inside of a drug stores. These are becoming more common in the United States. If you have Rite Aid in your area, you can click here to locate one with a health clinic. Also, a good thing to remember is that the emergency room always costs more than a regular doctor's visit, so if you can, see a doctor before your medical problem becomes an emergency. Some doctors are willing to accept a lower cost if you are paying with cash because then they don't have to deal with the insurance companies. You can be selective about seeing the doctor. Many things get better on their own. See this link: When should I see a doctor for a cold or flu?

Connect with Family Members, Friends, and Your Community!
Connect with Family Members, Friends, and Your Community!

Stay Sane ~ Stay Connected to Others

You will get through this

I believe that the way to get through this hard time is by sticking together. Even if you have no money, if you have a good heart and help others in any way you can, you will likely receive assistance back. It might not be direct or obvious, but I think helping others is really important. Sometimes people might be in the same situation you're in, and they might not be able to pay you, but if you need a meal to eat, or a place to stay, they might be willing to help you.

It's easy to get depressed. Try to think of those who have less than you and feel grateful. Find the time to volunteer. Talk to your family and friends, but don't complain. Instead, do what you can to help them. If you believe in God, pray. Go to church. Connect with other people. You aren't alone in this.

More Advice for Hard Times - Job search help, places to get assistance, cheap food ideas, etc

*** Please bookmark this page and check back regularly for more updates. I will try to link to helpful websites and resources. If you come across some good info, please feel free to share it in the comments below. We can all work together and support each other and help us get through these tough times. ***

Don't Give Up.... Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush - A Song Written during the High Unemployment of the 1980s....

Please don't give up... It's going to be alright.

working

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