As much as you hoped this wouldn’t happen—here we are. Coping with job loss is stressful enough but the added stressors associated with COVID19 can push one’s mental health to the limit. When I have lost jobs in the past, I recall feeling powerless—as though there was nothing I could do. I was so confused with the application for unemployment. I did not realize that I qualified for other helpful government programs. I really needed the help of a Social Worker to help me navigate the public system. Unemployment and food stamps were a different realm that I had never had to use—but there I was. I felt humbled. The Social Worker who helped me reminded me that I paid into the unemployment account for several years and now it is there to pay me back. I felt the shame lift a little and I found some gratitude for the meager amount I was approved for. Needless to say, I later became a Social Worker for many reasons and this is one of them.
Here are some things I have learned over the years supporting families who were facing job loss.
1.) Ask your employer if you were covered under any short-term or long-term leave benefits. Some people have AFLAC through their employers which provides this type of insurance. Ask your employer if there is any severance benefit available. It is worth checking your policy.
2.) If you have any retirement plans you may consider withdrawing a sum of money to help you through this situation. If you are like me and you don't have any safety net then please continue reading.
3.) Gather and organize all of your important documents:
· Your Social Security Card
· Arizona Driver's License or Arizona State Issued ID (Note: you may still complete your application without these two items)
· Your proof of mailing address, city, state and ZIP code. Be sure this information is accurate
· If you live in Arizona, know the county where you reside
· The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers for the last 18 months
· The last day you worked immediately prior to filing your UI claim
· If you received severance, vacation, holiday or payment for unused sick pay: give the amount (before deductions) and the date it was paid to you
· The name and local number of your union hall, if applicable
· Alien Registration Number, if applicable
· Copy # 4 of your DD Form 214 if released from the military in the last 18 months
· SF 8 or SF 50 if employed in Federal Civilian service in the last 18 months
· If you are collecting a pension (other than Social Security), you will need the start date of the pension and the monthly benefit amount
· I suggest gathering banks statements and any asset statements as well
4.) Immediately after your last day of work, apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB). YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE! Reality Check: Unemployment only provides around $200 per week (amounts vary). Something is better than nothing. You paid for this benefit for years so take advantage of this economic security package that you have paid into.
5.) Immediately after you apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) you can also apply for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). AHCCCS is the administrator of the Arizona Medicaid program. If approved, you could have full coverage health and mental health insurance. That means you can see doctors and specialists as medically necessary. You can also meet with licensed therapists and/or psychiatrists in a timely manner to have your mental health needs met. Stress, Depression, and Anxiety commonly surface around job loss. There are additional covered services provided by Peer and Family Run Organizations that can be helpful. For example, some of these non-profits offer Care Coordination where a Case Manager will help you to overcome any barriers you are facing with jobs, rent, food, housing, furniture, transportation, etc. https://www.azahcccs.gov/Members/GetCovered/apply.html
6.) While you are applying for AHCCCS you will be given the opportunity to apply for Food Stamps also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). Food stamp amounts vary and are intended to be supplemental. These benefits do not provide a significant amount of help so I highly suggest visiting food banks first and then using the food stamps to fill in the gaps.
7.) You will also be given the opportunity to apply for Cash Assistance if you qualify. Cash Assistance is available for families who are living in low income and have dependents.
8.) If you have children under the age of 5 and/or you are pregnant or breast feeding, then you may want to apply for Women Infants and Children (WIC). WIC usually requires a visit to the office so please contact a local office to determine their policy considering COVID19.
9.) If you are struggling with rent or utilities, there are a few things you can do. Depending on your city you may need to contact the local Community Action Program (CAP) Office. You can also visit search engines such as AuntBertha.com or FindHelpPhx.org. These search engines will help you access local program and other places that can help out.
Hopefully these steps give you some sense of control and even a plan. It is difficult to face uncertain times. Please take time for yourself to settle into this new way of life. Many people have been impacted. This is not your fault and you did nothing wrong. Taking life just one day at a time right now may appear to be too much. When you feel this, I suggest taking life just one hour at a time. You are resilient and you will bounce back—we all will!
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