Resources for the Unemployed

Quick Links to Government Services

Unemployment Insurance

First Call for Help
Dial 211 - provides connection to community resources, provides emotional support, crisis response, and suicide prevention.

State of Wisconsin - Quick Lists - Assistance
Click on "Public Services" on the left, then under "Quick Lists - NEW!" click "Assistance".
Provides links to essential human services, including the Wisconsin Access site. See also "Family Services" and "Online Services"

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Provides links to Services Available for Workers, including unemployment insurance, veterans services and apprenticeship opportunities.
also
Vocational Rehabilitation
Provides employment services and counseling to people with disabilities, arranges for services to enable an individual to go to work and provides training and technical assistance to employers regarding disability employment issues.

Dane County - "Food, Jobs, Shelter, Childcare"
Provides links that help meet basic needs for food, shelter, jobs, and childcare services - with links to applications. Also energy assistance and financial assistance. Also, find out if you're eligible for FoodShare (previously Food Stamps) at many library locations.

Job Center of Wisconsin - "Other Assistance" Links
Click on "Information for Laid-Off Workers" and or click "Job Seeker Tools," then "Other Resources," then "Other Assistance".

Financial Assistance

Assistance for Job Seekers

This spring, Madison Public Library and the Dane County Job Center are partnering to offer job seekers the tools and resources needed to make 2010 a successful employment year. Beginning in January of 2010, workshops will be offered at the Central Library for job seekers at any stage of their employment search. The series, "Are You Ready for 2010?: Diversify Your Approach to Employment", led by representatives of the Job Center, focuses on diversifying your approach to landing a job in uncertain economic times. Each session runs for an hour and a half, and registration is required; register online or call 266-6350. It is preferred that participants also register for an account on the Job Center of Wisconsin website prior to attending.

Transferable Skills: Identify Yours
Thursday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m.,
and Thursday, February 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Develop a Formal Work-Search Plan
Thursday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m.,
and Thursday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m.

Diversify Your Resume
Thursday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m.,
and Thursday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m.

Marketing Your Skills and Cover Letters
Thursday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m.,
and Thursday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m

See more classes and workshops.

Bankruptcy:
Wisconsin Bar Association
Click "Legal Q&A," then "Continue," then "Bankruptcy."
also
American Bankruptcy Institute Consumer Bankruptcy Center

Benefits:
Wisconsin ACCESS
Click "For answers to common questions, click here"
Helps determine eligibility for benefits. Also call 1-800-362-3002.
also
U.S. Government
or
Wisconsin Government
Click "Public Services" then "Assistance"

Credit:
For free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228, or go to AnnualCreditReport.com.
also
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Under "Quick Finder," click "Free Credit Reports." Can also click on "Credit & Loans" for information about credit repair and credit generally.

Financial Assistance:
Government Loans
Business, Veterans and education loans

Foreclosures:
Federal Reserve
Click "Consumer Information" then "Mortgage Foreclosure Resources"
also
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Health Care Services and Health Insurance:
Badger Care
also
Wisconsin Government
Click on "Public Services," then scroll down to "Health Services."
also
Dane County Human Services

COBRA (Continuation Health Insurance Coverage):
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Administration
Click on "Health and Retirement Benefits After Job Loss" in center of the page and/or "COBRA Assistance Under ARRA" near top.
also
Department of Labor Job Loss Toolkit

Home Energy Assistance:
Home Energy Plus (1-866-HEATWIS)
Has weatherization Assistance Program, too.
also
Dane County Health and Human Services
Scroll down to "Housing/Energy Assistance"

Money-Stretching Tips:
U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission
also
Wisconsin Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Barbara's Guide for Penny Pinchers

Wisconsin Shares:
Wisconsin Department of Children & Families Child Care Subsidy

Wisconsin Works:
Wisconsin Department of Children & Families W-2 Program

Don't forget to visit your local library for help with your job research, or visit our Job and Career Resources page.

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