Husband was laid off

[LeighB]

And I'm just not sure what we'll do. I think i just need to write this and feel sorry for myself for a few minutes.
We were struggling to make ends meet before. We have no savings, about 60 in the bank and he only gets one last paycheck. That will have to go to rent, leaving us about 200 to live on.
We were finally getting to a place in our budget where we could start saving money and we could have a little breathing room. For the third time in a row I had saved enough money to take a workshop I wanted to take and now once again that money will have to be spent. I was planning on going grocery shopping for fresh produce on Friday. Now we'll be eating canned. We do have a decent pantry and I am beyond thankful for that. Our bills are down as low as we can get them, we will be cutting our Internet at the end of the month (since we just paid for this month). Dh can't go to school this summer now so I guess we don't really need it. We've already cut cable and netflix a few months ago.
I'm scared because even if one of us gets a job next week, that's still a week without pay. I have no idea how we'll recover from this. I've tried so damn hard to be frugal and save money. We are NOT ppl who spend money on things we dont need.
I just have to pray we'll somehow make it through.
Thanks for listening.

[KatWrangler]

What kind of work does your hubby do?



Last Tuesday my husband was forced to resign. He is suffering from depression and is under a Doc care and Meds. Its been a rough week for us too. No savings (he was laid off last year for 4 1/2 months and that wiped us out. Haven't been able to catch up since.)

I know exactly what you are going through.

[LeighB]

He's in security.
I'm sorry you're going though the same kind of situation. It seems like people all over are hurting.

[SoHappy]

Best of luck to you. Do you have a garden? I'm amazed how much fresh produce can come from $10 worth of seeds, even in a small space. In the summer you can build amazing meals around what's growing and even feed the freezer for later.

[shelleyd]

hugs. I know exactly how you feel. You'll get through somehow.

[p1gg1e]

SO sorry! I hope he finds something soon!

I got free seeds from earthbound farms. Not sure if that will help? Id got get info on food stamps etc if you can..that way you know when you can go get benefits.

[LeighB]

Thanks for the replies!
We do have a very small container garden out front. We are renters and don't have a yard to garden in. I think our garden will produce enough for one salad! Lol, but hey, it's something.
I am going to return the food stamps application later today. We were actually denied a few months ago because our income before taxes (never remember if that's gross or net..) was $100 over the limit. But now, obviously, our situation has changed.

[KatWrangler]

Call for WIC today. At least you can get milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, juice and peanut butter.

ETA - Don't forget to apply for Medicaid.

[AuntNi]

Is he eligible for unemployment benefits? Have him apply today. In my state, it took about 3 weeks for it to come through, but it's been a huge help.

Sorry you're going through this. I'm going through it, too, and can definitely empathize.

[LeighB]

Originally Posted by AuntNi

Is he eligible for unemployment benefits? Have him apply today. In my state, it took about 3 weeks for it to come through, but it's been a huge help.

Sorry you're going through this. I'm going through it, too, and can definitely empathize.

I think he is. He wasn't fired- it was a layoff.
ETA: Just talked to him, he says he's waiting to get copies of his pay stubs from his employer.

Sorry you are hurting also.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by LeighB

I think he is. He wasn't fired- it was a layoff.
ETA: Just talked to him, he says he's waiting to get copies of his pay stubs from his employer.

I don't know if this is different for different states, but here they count UI from the day you apply, not the day you lost work. And there's a waiting period of (I believe) a week before they start paying. So waiting on anything means less money. I didn't need my most recent paystub in order to apply.

And again - laws vary from state to state but here in the case of a layoff they're required to have your paperwork and final paycheck in hand when they lay you off, or they get fined. If he hasn't gotten that yet, I'd look into your local laws - the penalty is per day (and paid to you).

[Thystle]

Apply for UI ASAP!!!


Call WIC, in CO the new packages come out in June and you get fruit and veggies and bread, etc...


Get the forms for food stamps/Medicaid and fill them out and get all the paperwork ready... incase you need to file them! Have them ready and waiting!


And look around for the nearest food banks... just incase!

[Ianthe]

Originally Posted by KatWrangler

Call for WIC today. At least you can get milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, juice and peanut butter.

ETA - Don't forget to apply for Medicaid.

Yes.. call WIC ASAP.. you should be getting fresh fruit/veggies on your WIC checks now or very soon (ours start in July)... plus everything listed above as well as beans.

Have him apply for UI ASAP too. They are a pain to deal with, but worth it if you need it.

[holyhelianthus]

Just here to offer . We've been there

[annethcz]

[KatWrangler]

Hubby said you do not need pay stubs to apply for unemployment. He needs to apply today. My husband was able to apply online.

[LeighB]

Oh great! Thanks! I'll tell him. I'm not sure why he thought he needed them.

[KatWrangler]

We are in Kansas. Hubby applied last Thursday.

[amyamanda]

{{{{Hugs}}}}} You might find some helpful info here: http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1030924

Will your DH qualify for unemployment?

Take advantage of any support programs you can. In our state you call 211 for info on all of these programs. Take a deep breath and gather info about your resources...then make a plan to get through.

You will get through this. Hang in there.

[LeighB]

Thanks all for the support!
Thanks for that link too.

Dh is applying for a job downtown. It will cost us about $10 in gas a day to get there, but if he gets it it'll pay rent and keep food on the table...so the downsides don't really matter.