Across the world, people are being asked to remain in their homes as much as possible in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means some people are working from home who are able to do so, but it also means that millions of people have lost their jobs. In the United States alone more than 30 million people have already filed for unemployment, and the pandemic hasn’t even peaked yet. It’s important to remember that losing your job amidst a pandemic isn’t a personal moral failing, and there are benefits available to you to keep you sustained until the economy is back up and running as normal again.
As humans, we put a lot of meaning into our jobs, and oftentimes we define ourselves by our chosen professions. When you meet a new person often the first question after finding out their name is, “what do you do?” So it should come as no surprise that even in a terrifying global pandemic people are still struggling with all the emotions that come along with losing a job, even though millions of people are going through the same thing.
It’s important to go easy on yourself and reach out for the help you need to get through these difficult times.
A layoff is a permanent separation from your former employer with the possibility of being recalled, and these workers lose their company-provided benefits. A furlough is a temporary loss of work, but these workers remain on the payroll and often continue to get benefits like health insurance. In both situations, workers are eligible for unemployment benefits.
If you live in one state and work in another state, apply for unemployment benefits in the state in which you work. Many states have waived the waiting period to apply for benefits in order to reduce the economic impact of mass layoffs. Unemployment usually pays about half of what you typically make, so be prepared to tighten your belt.
Many people will also qualify for additional unemployment benefits from the federal government, and the economic stimulus payments are being sent out currently. While benefits usually only last 12-30 weeks, the CARES Act extended payments for an additional 13 weeks to typical unemployment benefit periods.
These are the worse economic times anyone has seen in their lifetime, but it’s not going to go on forever. Do the best you can to hold on until better days come. Learn more about getting through a layoff or furlough financially from the infographic below.
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Losing A Job Is Never Easy
Lots of people have lost their jobs. Some have been laid off while others have been furloughed. Some have multiple jobs and have lost one, while others have had hours cut. Some people have had to leave their jobs to care for children who are out of school and daycare or for relatives who are medically fragile.As humans, we put a lot of meaning into our jobs, and oftentimes we define ourselves by our chosen professions. When you meet a new person often the first question after finding out their name is, “what do you do?” So it should come as no surprise that even in a terrifying global pandemic people are still struggling with all the emotions that come along with losing a job, even though millions of people are going through the same thing.
It’s important to go easy on yourself and reach out for the help you need to get through these difficult times.
A layoff is a permanent separation from your former employer with the possibility of being recalled, and these workers lose their company-provided benefits. A furlough is a temporary loss of work, but these workers remain on the payroll and often continue to get benefits like health insurance. In both situations, workers are eligible for unemployment benefits.
How To Get Benefits
Depending on where you live, the process of applying for unemployment benefits may look very different. In many cases applying for benefits can be done online, but those who do not have access to computers or the internet as well as those who live in states where online applications aren’t accepted may find they have to apply in person in very long lines.If you live in one state and work in another state, apply for unemployment benefits in the state in which you work. Many states have waived the waiting period to apply for benefits in order to reduce the economic impact of mass layoffs. Unemployment usually pays about half of what you typically make, so be prepared to tighten your belt.
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Many people will also qualify for additional unemployment benefits from the federal government, and the economic stimulus payments are being sent out currently. While benefits usually only last 12-30 weeks, the CARES Act extended payments for an additional 13 weeks to typical unemployment benefit periods.
Make A Plan And Plan To Ride It Out
No one really knows how long all of this will last, so it’s best to start trimming the fat now and save as much as you can. Don’t spend your stimulus check on anything but essentials, and cut out unnecessary things like subscriptions or eating out in order to make your money last as long as possible.These are the worse economic times anyone has seen in their lifetime, but it’s not going to go on forever. Do the best you can to hold on until better days come. Learn more about getting through a layoff or furlough financially from the infographic below.
Read next: Why It’s Time To Trust Your Remote Workforce [Infographic]