7 moves to make if your unemployment benefits have just stopped

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.

Labor Day weekend marked a grim milestone for millions of people who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Unemployment benefits were cut by about 7.5 million people after the administration of President Joe Biden rejected a request by Congress to renew federal benefits again.

Another 3 million people lost a $ 300 weekly federal increase in state unemployment benefits, even though governors in 26 states withdrew from the program prematurely.

Extended unemployment benefits have been a lifeline for millions of workers over the past year and a half. If your unemployment benefit has just ended or decreased, don’t wait for action. Here are some steps to take as soon as possible.

1. Find a job in an industry that employs quickly

If you are still looking for a job, consider oa bridge work. Basically, any job is one that helps you pay the bills, even if it’s not your ideal job. Since many companies are currently having difficulty hiring employees, you may be able to agree on better wages than you could in the days before the pandemic in areas that are traditionally not well paid.

Some places to see:

• Data Entry: Many industries require officials to enter data and offer completely remote positions. The usual salary ranges from $ 10 to $ 15 an hour. If you have solid typing skills, another option is to become a copyist.
• Online teaching: If you have special knowledge or a university degree, obtaining online mentoring can help you bring in extra money. The usual salary ranges from $ 10 to $ 27 an hour.
• Catering, retail and hospitality services: Employers in the hospitality, retail and hospitality industry are holding job fairs across the country, with many hiring on the spot and paying higher wages than in the past. For example, these 160,000 jobs in restaurants pay more than $ 10 an hour.

Also check out The Penny Hoarder’s work-from-home job portal, which regularly displays remote entry-level lists.

2. Go to the side fast

Your goal is to find any way to start generating income before your benefits end. There are many simple side tasks that you can do now with a small upfront cost to start earning extra money. Some ideas include:

• Drive for Uber or Lyft. Uber and Lyft companies share a shortage of drivers, allowing drivers to earn $ 25 an hour or more in some markets.

• Do random work on TaskRabbit. Use the app to connect with people near you who need help with tasks such as assembling furniture, cleaning and painting.

• Deliver food through apps like Instacart or Shipt.

• Child care. Find appearances on sites like Care.com and SitterCity.

• Pet sitting and house. As people continue to travel, they will need services such as pet care and pet feeding, which were not in high demand last year.

• Sell ​​things. It’s not really a side quick, but if you have items in good condition that you don’t use, you could save extra money by selling them. For example, here they are 14 places to sell used clothes online or in person. You can also sell gift cards online for cash.

3. Seek help with renting

While the federal moratorium on evictions issued in connection with the pandemic expired on August 26, aid is still available.

Congress has set aside nearly $ 47 billion to help tenants in need – but getting some of that money is insanely complicated. Kot Vox reported, more than 340 agencies manage this assistance, each with its own rules.

To learn more about help in your area, check this out country guide to rental assistance programs. Another good source is the Office of Financial Protection of Consumers rental assistance page. You may also be eligible for utility and energy cost assistance.

The 211-operated Helpline 211 may be able to help you navigate local help programs. Simply call 211 on your phone and you will be connected to someone who knows the resources in your community. Due to the lengthy process, it is essential that you take this step as soon as possible.

4. Get food help

Phone line 211 can also connect you to food pantries near you. Also visit Benefits.gov to determine if you are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Receiving benefits through the regular application process can take up to 30 days, but you can qualify for quick benefits depending on your country.

5. Contact your unemployment office

You may still be entitled to state unemployment benefits, but the rules vary by country. Most countries have a limit on how long you can receive benefits.

No matter how difficult it is to deal with the state unemployment office, it is essential that you contact it immediately to determine if you will be eligible for state aid. In some cases, you may need to submit a new application or request an extension.

6. Ask creditors for tolerance

Although banks do not advertise as widely as they did a year ago, contact your lenders to see if there is an option to skip or defer payments. The best time to do this is always before you miss payment.

Remember to ask how they will report your payment status to credit bureaus. If your payments are reported as late, yours credit score will crash.

If you have federal student loans, take advantage of an automatic cancellation that is valid until at least January 31, 2022. You can request a refund of all payments you have made since March 2020.

7. Don’t pay debts if you endanger your health or your apartment

A bare budget it includes only your basic necessities: housing and utilities, food, health care, and minimum debt payments. But in a real emergency, you may have to make even deeper cuts.

Try working with your lenders. But focus on paying rent and utilities, keeping food on the table, and getting the medications you need before making payments with credit cards or loans.

Yes, you will damage your credit score if you miss payments without the permission of the lender. However, you can recover from bad credit. Although your credit score is important, your health and housing are a much higher priority.

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