Help When You're Facing Unemployment

When you face unemployment you lose more than just a job - many Oregonians face losing friends, and a community that they've come to depend on; they face a feeling of loss; they face an inability to provide for themselves and their families. It hurts financially, and it hurts emotionally.

But when you're unemployed you're not alone, and there are a lot of resources available to help.

The Oregon AFL-CIO worked hard during the legislative session to extend unemployment benefits so you can continue to pay necessary bills and stay afloat, to expand training opportunities so that you are ready with the skills you need when the economy picks up, and to expand Oregon's safety net so that all of Oregon's families can make ends meet even as we face double-digit unemployment.

This page has two sets of information - first, we have resources for Oregonians who are facing unemployment but who have not yet been laid off. Second, we have resources to help you when the paycheck stops.

Preventing Layoffs by Working With Your Employer

Many Oregonians have been able to prevent or limit layoffs by working with their employer and agreeing to furlough days, delayed pay increases, and other measures. Oregon provides many opportunities to help you and your employer find creative ways to keep their doors open and keep you at work.

WorkShare allows your employer to apply for Unemployment Insurance to make up part of your wages if they cut your hours by between 20% and 40% for a short period of time. You cannot apply for WorkShare, your employer has to apply. But you can bring it up. Check out the program and get your employer all the information you can now - before they decide to make layoffs.

If you are furloughed you can often apply for Unemployment Insurance even if you are not looking for other work. There are special conditions that you have to meet, though. If your employer is considering furloughing workers to help save costs, or because work is down with the down economy, make sure you and your coworkers have all the information you need about filing for Unemployment.

Resources to Help You When the Paycheck Stops

First - sign up for Working America Working America is an organization for Oregonians who believe in the same issues that unions work for but who are not members of a union. By joining Working America you'll have access to many of the same discounts and benefits you received as a union members, and you'll get the same information you've always gotten as a union member. Sign up here.

Second - make sure you don't lose your health insurance The Federal government has expanded many benefits to help unemployed workers through this economic crisis. You can now keep your COBRA benefits (a continuation of the benefits you've been receiving). If you were laid off after August 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2010 you can get 65% of your COBRA benefits covered - that's means you'll only be responsible for paying 35% of your healthcare benefits - a big help as you face a family budget crunch. There are also state insurance programs that you might qualify for. You can find information about COBRA subsidies and other ways to keep your family insured at the State Insurance Division's website.

Third - find out what other resources are available There are a lot of resources available in Oregon. Working America has compiled a whole list of them, which you can search based on where you live and what you're looking for. There are also places for you to connect with other people who are out of work. Check it all out at the Unemployment Lifeline.

Fourth - find out if you qualify for Trade Act Assistance If you lost your job in part due to trade you could be qualified for extra assistance. You and you're employer have to apply to be TAA certified. We can help you find out if you might be eligible, and can help with the application process. If you think you might be eligible let us know.

Fifth - think about what you want to do next While your unemployed are there training opportunities that you could take advantage of so that you can be more competitive when companies start hiring again? Are you looking to change careers, and if so is now a good time to go back to school? There are many training opportunities available for unemployed workers - through apprenticeship programs, community colleges and Oregon's university system. If you are considering retraining you may be eligible for extended unemployment, tuition help, and increased COBRA assistance. Talk to your union leaders about whether or not you and your coworkers might qualify for retraining, and get in touch with us if you have more questions.