Steps to get you back on your feet and keep yourself financially afloat

The bad news hits you like a ton of bricks. Your employer is shut down from Coronavirus and you no longer have a job. You weren't planning for this to happen. As an hourly worker, you barely make enough to get through a week. Now it could be months before things get back to normal. With little to no savings, what do you do?

Part 1: Cover Your Essentials

Your first priority is making sure your basic needs are met. Without food, shelter, and utilities, you can't look for a job. Make sure you have a plan for each of these areas and find out what government and non-profit resources can help you get stabilized.

File for Unemployment: If you were terminated by your employer, you are likely eligible for unemployment benefits. Qualifications and benefits vary significantly by state and are rapidly changing so it is important that you visit your state's unemployment site. We recommend using this state finder from CareerOneStop

Find Resources for Food: If finding enough money to keep your family fed is a major concern, there are several resources that are offering help. Check out the USDA's site for SNAP benefits and a list of food banks from Feeding America and Food Pantries.org.

Get Relief as a Renter or Homeowner: Several states have passed new eviction freezes to help you stay in your home during this crisis. See if your state or city has protections by reading this article Million Acres. If you have a mortgage, now is the time to call your lender and ask about mortgage relief. For anyone looking for affordable housing, the US Dept of Housing and Urban Development site is the best source of information.

Grab Health Insurance: If you are in a low-income household, you may qualify for Medicaid. To see if you are eligible and apply visit the official Medicaid site. If your employer was providing you health insurance while you were employed, you may also explore COBRA as an option. Be careful though as these plans can get expensive. COBRA website

Keep the Lights and Water On: Many utility companies including internet service and phone service providers are offering assistance programs to customers that may involve deferred payment or waived fees. Terms vary by company so you will need to call them to see what options are available.

Reach Out to Financial Assistance Funds: Organizations like Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation and One Fair Wage have been taking donations to support hourly workers who need additional financial assistance. Local United Ways are also helping out so be sure to Google "financial assistance for [add your industry]" to see what is out there.

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Part 2: Getting a Job

If you are in need of job, now is the time to be flexible. Several large companies are still hiring but the types of roles available are limited. Other options include gig jobs or remote freelancing if you are unable to leave your home.

Since the store I worked for closed I was out of a job. I figured since I worked with people a lot I might be ok at customer service. That's what retail pretty much is anyways. I applied fora few work from home jobs in CS and finally got one. Anyone can do this. Don't let corona make you give up...there are a lot of wfh jobs now - Amber Williams, Jobcase Member

If you need something immediately:

Gig Jobs: These are the easiest jobs to immediately get as long as you have a car, a phone, and a clean record. Pay varies a lot here as it depends on the demand and the number of hours you are willing to work. The most high demand gig jobs at the moment are food delivery, grocery delivery, and package delivery. Companies like Uber, Postmates, Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon. To learn more about about package delivery, read this #careerdiscovery post from Jobcase or visit Gigworker.com for a detailed list of companies

For a more stable paycheck:

Grocery and Warehouse Jobs: Major grocery store chains and retailers like Walmart and Amazon are hiring like crazy right now. In-store jobs like stocker, clerk, and in-store shopper are the most common. To keep the stores stocked, warehouses are also looking for workers to pick, stock, and pack. If you can pass a background and drug test, walk or stand for long periods of time, and lift items then you are likely qualified. If you are unfamiliar with warehouse jobs, make sure to visit the our #warehouselogistics topic page to learn more about these jobs. To see grocery store jobs near you, use our Jobcase search for grocery stores

If you must stay at home:

Freelance or Remote Jobs: If you have a knack for writing or possess strong computer skills, there are still a number of remote jobs and freelance gigs to explore. These jobs tend to be harder to get since many of them require relevant experience or have you learn how to pitch yourself as a freelancer. If you have questions on how to get started as a freelancer or how to look for remote jobs, come ask the community under the #workfromhome topic and you can now also find remote opportunities with the Jobcase search.

I use Upwork to get legitimate jobs from home. I work as a freelance virtual assistant setting appointments and doing telemarketing. I also know that there are other tasks you can do on there not just the ones that I am hired for. - Dana Rankin, Jobcase Member

Things may seem hopeless right now but you can get back on your feet. If you take action to access government resources and open yourself to different job options (even if only temporary), there are ways to get by until this storm is over. Remember the Jobcase community is here for you and that we are all #strongertogether.