by Loralie Lynn

Created on: October 30, 2010   Last Updated: June 10, 2011

With the financial fate of the economy in turmoil , daily living can be a difficult function and finances can be tighter than ever. People are being laid off of work, gas prices are back on the rise, and groceries are at their highest price ever. How do we survive in an economy that is threatening our financial wellness? With the help of government programs, there are ways to get financial assistance and stay afloat until times get better.

Apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits

If you've recently been laid off from your job, the first thing you should do is to apply for unemployment compensation. Do this as soon as you know your being laid off. Search the internet for your state's unemployment compensation site (ex: type, "California unemployment compensation"). In many states, you can apply right online by following the easy steps. You will have to claim the weeks you are off of work biweekly...two weeks at a time.

Get help paying for utilities

If the economy has you struggling to make ends meet and pay your bills on time, try applying for assistance with your utilities. LIHEAP offers energy and fuel assistance for individuals who qualify. Each state has different income guidelines. Search the internet for "energy assistance" under your state.  You can also visit your local public assistance office for more information.

Find affordable or free healthcare

Those that are laid off of work become concerned with losing health insurance. With the economy in trouble, there has been much talk about help for the uninsured and underinsured. Health insurance assistance is available to help bridge the gap when you've lost your job. Check out your local public assistance office for more information or search for "health insurance assistance" by state on the internet. Medicaid (medical assistance) is available for those that qualify.

Get assistance with groceries

Losing your job can be very difficult and sometimes accepting help is a bit humbling. But it's important to realize that you've worked hard for that assistance and deserve it in time of need. There is assistance available for purchasing food with an EBT card or cash assistance. You can check out the public assistance office in your area for more information. You can also check online by searching for your state's "public assistance office". Each state has it's own set of income guidelines.

Get free food from local facilities

You can also check out your local food pantry for help with feeding your family. Food pantries, such as The Salvation Army, offer boxes of food weekly for those in need. There are also soup kitchens available that offer three meals a day to families who are suffering financial burdens. Check online by state for the food pantries and soup kitchens near you.

Helpful Tips:

It's perfectly okay to accept the help you need when times are tough...talk to others who have been in your situation and find out what they do for assistance.

Single parents, especially, can get a lot of assistance since their income levels are much lower than two parent families.

Be sure to keep pay stubs, your driver's license, social security cards, birth certificates, and any copies of monthly bills you pay because you'll need this information to get financial assistance.

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