Free Career and Job Search Advice

[jim4god]

I have a friend who left his work on January 9, 2006. He did not apply for unemployment benefits. I became aware of his needs in February and began organizing to help him.

In the discussion, I discovered that he has clinical depression and had stopped taking his meds because he couldn't afford them. As the stress built in his job and layoffs began at his worksite, he was being asked to do things he hadn't done and was unable to process some of the communications, he fled work. A week later many were laid off so he was unable to return.

It is my understanding from others that this leaving work might qualify as "leaving with cause".

What would be needed to have this designation? Is it too late to apply for unemployment benefits from that 7 year job? How would he proceed? Do you need a Dr. confirmation of his Clinical Depression?

Thanks for anything you can do,

Jim Blackwell

[Missy]

Yes you need a doctors conformation. Written statement from his formal co-worker would also help. You need to gather uo all the information you can get. Any minor detail that you think is not important. They seem to what to know everything.

Missy

[Guest]

[Shay Sweet]

I don't think you mentioned what state you live in, but this has been my experience:

The Department of Children and Families is a huge help in obtaining 1)Medicaid to see a doctor who will properly diagnose and to pay for medications prescribed.
2) Workforce Innovation program is an excellent resource for getting cash assistance while you job hunt, child care (if needed) for up to two years while searching and after employment begins, resources for putting together resumes and lining up interviews, and people to assist you with the whole unemployment process.
3) Food Stamps may sound degrading, particularly to men for some reason, but it's really not even noticeable to the public eye. You receive a plastic card, similar to a credit card or ATM card, which you use at the register for your purchases. It looks like you're just swiping a debit card and entering your PIN number, and you could get up to $300/wk in food stamp benefits, depending on your household status.

As for unemployment, they don't give a rat's a$$ if you have social or situational problems. In fact, one of the requirements for receiving unemployment benefits is that you are able and available to work , without limitations such as no child care, no transportation, etc. They want the recipient in GOOD SHAPE to take any "suitable" job that pops up, and there is a penalty for refusing that "suitable" job. If I were you, I would tap into your state's resources before applying for federal money, just to get back on the proper medication so you are able to go through the motions of job hunting again.

Good Luck to your friend!