Benefits for Unemployed Moms

Unemployment is a devastating experience for anyone, but an unemployed mom has different challenges that a single household does not have. This is because they are not only responsible for themselves, but they are responsible for their children as well. Even though, it is a challenging time. Some options are available to make the pain of unemployment less of a burden. These options include unemployment insurance, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid and employment training.

The unemployment program is under the auspices of the Department of labor. The program assists eligible unemployed workers who are unemployed due to situation beyond their control, with temporary financial help. The state administers the program using federally mandated laws, and the employer makes the fund possible by paying into the program. In order to obtain benefits, the applicant is required to meet eligibility requirements based on their individual state guidelines. The program bases its eligibility requirements on wages earned during a certain time-period referred to as the base period. The base period varies between states.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the food stamp program, helps low-income individuals and families with grocery expenses. Eligibility for SNAP is based on the applicant household income and financial resources. Financial resources include bank account as well as other assets with exclusion of private residence and Supplemental Security Income. The maximum amount of cash in hand or savings allowable is $ 2000 for non-seniors, and $3000 for senior citizen 60 years or older or disabled individual. Some states now offer online application, such as Georgia and Florida. Information about states application process is available at the SNAP website.

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, which provides assistance for women, infant and children deemed to have nutritional risk. The program provides food that supplements the diet for women and children up to five years old. It also provides healthy eating information and health care referrals. The federal government provides funding through WIC State agencies, who administers the program. The program is available in the continental 50 states and its territories.

Medicaid is a federally mandated program available through the state. The program is available for low-income families and individual who meets the eligibility guidelines set by the states. Some consideration taken to determine eligibility is pregnancy, disability, age, income and financial resources. When you see a medical provider, the program reimburses the medical provider for service rendered.

The Work Force Investment program is a federal program run by each state. The program helps the unemployed and underemployed individual develop skills to return to the workforce in high demand areas. The program covers short-term training to facilitate faster return to the job market. These programs eligibility information are available at One Stop Career Centers.