Recession Resources

This information in .pdf format

Filing an Unemployment Claim

File online or by phone with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), the State of Michigan's source for unemployment claims.

Michigan Works! provide in-person assistance, computers, and job postings, at local offices throughout the state:

No Worker Left Behind - free tuition available to job seekers. Must apply by July 2010 for up to $5,000 per year for two years to get a degree in a high demand field

For additional assistance in filing your claim, watch Filing Your Claim for Unemployment Benefits & Finding a Job at the UIA website.

Health Insurance Options

COBRA

If you do not qualify for insurance through your spouse/partner's employer or for Medicaid, you may qualify for a reduction of 65% of the cost of COBRA for up to nine months through a new government program. This program may also be available if you previously did not elect for COBRA.

Spouse/Partner's insurance

Consider enrolling in health insurance available through spouse's or partner's employer

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPPA, you have 30 days to enroll in your spouse/partner's plan if you lose insurance due to loss of employment, regardless of when the open enrollment period is

Private Health Insurance

Research health care insurance providers based on cost and amount of coverage.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance not-for-profit organization provides "Report Cards" on Health Insurance Providers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS) of Michigan is the state's nonprofit insurer of last resort. BC/BS must accept all applicants.

Government Funded Health Insurance

Veterans qualify for VA benefits: (877) 222-8387

Medicaid is available to low-income families, disabled persons, children, and pregnant women. To apply for Medicaid, go to or call your local Department of Health Services office.

MIChild helps children under age 19 of working families (those who do not qualify for Medicaid). This program has a higher income bracket than the Medicaid program.

Free or Low Cost Primary Care

A list of Free Clinics in Oakland County can be found at the Free Clinics of Michigan site.

At Community Health Centers, you pay what you can afford based on your income.

Michigan Cover the Uninsured provides free and/or low-cost health screenings locally.

Project Healthy Living provides free and/or low-cost health screenings locally.

Ways to Save on Medication

Information on 15 ways to save on medications

Finding a New Job

Cover Letters, Resumes & References

Job Searching

Occupational Outlook Handbook looks at future growth in different occupations. Published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Handbook includes information on income, training, job searching and the job market by state.

Neighbors4Neighbors is a forum for those who have lost a job to find resources, share resources, and be a resource with others in Michigan.

The database ReferenceUSA is available through many libraries. Search for potential employers by industry, number of employees, location, etc.

Job searching websites:

Interview Preparation

About.com's Job Search site offers a variety of interview questions, answers, and interview tips

Yahoo! offers interview tips for a variety of interviews

State of California Employment Development Department has an excellent site on interviewing. Includes questions, pitfalls and thank you notes.

Homeownership Preservation

FDIC Foreclosure Prevention

Toll Free:  (877) ASK-FDIC
Information from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation on protecting yourself from foreclosure rescue and loan scams

Facing the Mortgage Crisis

Michigan Radio and Detroit Public Television are partnering with local agencies to connect people at risk with resources they need to avoid foreclosure. View the brochure

Help for Homeowners from Southeast Michigan Council Of Governments (SEMCOG)

Michigan Foreclosure and Delinquency Assistance from United Way of Southeastern Mich

Housing and Energy Assistance from the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency

GreenPath Debt Solutions

Save the Dream Program

Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Project

Making Home Affordable from the Department of the Treasury

Hope Now

Mortgage Foreclosure Resources for Consumers from the Federal Reserve

ACORN Foreclosure Campaign from Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now

Foreclosure Prevention Resource Center

Credit Repair & Maintenance

Credit Score/Report

Maintaining Good Credit

Credit Counseling

Additional Assistance Programs

General Assistance

United Way 2-1-1 is a multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service available 24/7/365. Its database contains more than 20,000 programs and services such as after school programs, senior care services, medical and prescription assistance, credit counseling and mortgage foreclosure assistance, and housing and utility resources. Dial 211 for assistance.

Displaced Worker Assistance

http://www.house.gov/dingell/pdf/displacedworkerguidebook.pdf
A guidebook compiled by U.S. Representative John Dingell’s office for displaced workers, including information on unemployment benefits, food stamps, foreclosure assistance, job training programs and more.

Michigan Department of Human Services

The Michigan Department of Human Services provides help in numerous ways. Call (517) 373-2035 for assistance.

Utilities

The 2009 Michigan Energy Assistance Directory, developed by the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, provides information on private and public programs that offer energy assistance, as well as a county listing of utilities, programs, and resources available.

Food Stamps/Food Banks

Senior Services

Your Local Library