Unemployment options
Hi everyone. This might be a rather serious sounding posting but it amazed me when I researched how many options there are when it comes to being 'unemployed/unemployable'.
Firstly, in Nova Scotia, Canada, as I am sure in the US, we have EI or UI or whatever its called. In other words, Employment Insurance. 55% of your insurable earnings from the last 52 weeks of work (assuming you didn't quit) translate into a weekly payment over a certain period of time (9 months). Sometimes this is quite a good sum and one can live quite comfortably. (Here is a tip though - don't quit a job and try for EI/UI - they don't like that, unless it was for extenuating circumstances). Check out that website for nitty gritty details.
Secondly, there is Social Assistance. This is where your basic living expenses, and that includes rent, heat, lights, water, and food and even medical or dental expenses are covered. They even have programs for housing and repairs. Check out the website. Amazing help is available. I know people who just can't work for some reason or have run out of EI and this is the only place to turn (or starve). I also know people who use/(abuse?) this system and make more than most people who work. If you get past the stigma attached to "welfare" this can be a life-saver.
Then there is EI with a catch (I call it that). You can draw EI and after a referral from a job search agency start a 40 week Self-Employment Benefit. This program allows you to continue receiving your EI but make money 'without penalty' while running a business that you are trained to create and operate. In Nova Scotia it is offered through CEED. To me this is amazing, especially if you have a viable business idea and it starts to make money. They will start you from scratch and work with you on a business plan, financing and eventually the grand opening of your business. One has said that to make money you need to own the business not work for a business. This is the ticket for self-employed work @home enthusiasts. And its paid for by the government (Human Resourses Department). The money you make will not stop your EI. If the business looks like it might be struggling, you still have income while you iron out the marketing or advertising campaigns.
Of course, in my mind, the last option is a full or part-time time J.O.B. I remember drawing EI and I actually lived more within my means by NOT having to pay as much for fuel and lunch food because the car didn't move and I ate at home. Think about it - no wear and tear on the car and no commuting on winter roads or contending with traffic. And remember only income tax is taken from EI whereas every deduction known to mankind is taken from a paycheque. In the end you make almost the same amount. You still have to claim it as income though.
I am not saying quit your job! If its working for you - keep it - there are not many jobs around. What I am saying is that there are good options available to people who unfortunately lose their jobs through layoff or dismissal without just cause.
I have worked almost 37 years of my life. I paid into the EI program as a premium from my pay and sometimes it seems reasonable that I should get some of the benefits from that.
To top it all off, I can work @home. Hmm.. might be a good idea as I wait for the tourism season to start again in 2008.
Take time to ReFocus! Telecommute!
Have a great weekend.
Paul
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