5 Survival Helps For The Unemployed Single Parent

Single parents have many challenges to face and questions to ask themselves when applying for work. There is no second income to fall back on. Your job search focus may get lost at times trying to meet the very real needs of basic survival for yourself and children. These suggestions can help two parent households with low income also. These you may have already tried. If not, I offer some that might help you or spring forth new ideas for how to meet today's basic needs while out of work:

1-If you have lost your job, you may need to seek out federal welfare. Federal welfare is a way to get enough government support to just survive. They will require you to improve your financial situation within a certain time period. The USDA backs the Food Stamp Program. It is designed for low-income people to allow them to buy healthy foods. The program is organized on a state level, so you will apply with your state's department of health if you qualify. If you are approved for the Food Stamp Program, you will be issued a card that looks like a credit card. This provides you with a way to use the stamps without embarrassment. Most grocery stores are part of the Food Stamp Program.

To determine whether or not your family qualifies for the Food Stamp Program, this application asks questions about your assets. Even if your monthly income qualifies you for food stamps, having many assets may cause you to not be approved. Your income will also be counted when determining whether or not you are eligible for the program. Gross incomes can be 130% of the poverty level or lower to qualify. If figuring based on your net income, you can be at the poverty level or lower to qualify. The size of your family will determine whether or not you qualify. These limits are substantially lower than the limits for some other government food assistance programs, such as WIC.

2-What to do if you don't qualify but need to get some food on the table? Check local food banks and pantries which also can supply clothing as well. I've volunteered for some years at one of our local pantries that is run by local churches and charitable individuals. If you need the help, please do not feel ashamed in asking! There are so many people out of work and most of them have similar stories such as yours. You will certainly not be an oddity in asking for temporary help. Usually you will need some identification, social security card and proof of address on a recent bill in your name to fill out a form to receive temporary groceries and clothing. Most do not have a lot of funds with so many needs at this time to help pay a power bill or something. Check to see if there is other assistance in your area with heating costs and so forth.

3-Health Department: Federally-funded health centers care for you & your children, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide:

>-checkups when you're well
>-treatment when you're sick
>-complete care when you're pregnant
>-immunizations and checkups for your children
>-dental care and prescription drugs for your family
>-mental health and substance abuse care if you need it

4-The President recently announced that unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits may qualify for a special hand in paying for education and training. And aid can be significant: In particular, the Federal Pell Grant program can provide up to $5,350 for educational costs at community colleges, colleges and universities, and many trade and technical schools. This is only one example of several federal student aid programs available to assist unemployed workers.

5-If you need help finding affordable daycare resources, check with the "Child Care and Development Fund" for low-income financial assistance.

Even if it doesn't feel like it, Jesus Christ loves you and your children and wants to see you prospering financially and in super health even as He makes provision to prosper your soul through believing in Him & His Word. Read your Bible, He's there speaking encouragement and love to you today to carry on...