Entry bubble Unemployment Compensation

By: Colleen | August 27, 2008 | Category: Money

Usually here at Gov Gab we're pretty good about making our posts all sunshine and rainbows and what-unemploymentnot. However, it's not a big secret that there is a lot of not so pleasant stuff going on. Food and gas prices are on the rise, and so is unemployment.

The U.S. Department of Labor's July report says that 43 states and the District of Columbia reported an increase in unemployment during the month of July. Nationwide, the unemployment rate is 5.7%—up a full percentage point from this time last year.

If you are laid off due to "no fault of your own," then you are eligible for unemployment compensation. Check your state's Department of Labor to find out the best and easiest way for you to file. Many of them let you file online or by phone. Be prepared with information such as you social security number, your mother's maiden name, and the Federal ID # of your employer (found on your W-2).

If you've been out of work because of a major disaster (must be declared by the President) like a flood, tornado, fire, or hurricane you are also eligible for Disaster Unemployment Insurance. People are eligible to claim for Disaster Unemployment Insurance a week after the event and up to 26 weeks following the disaster.

Laid off and thinking of starting your own business? There's help for that as well.

Unemployment compensation is designed to help keep you going while you find new work. During this time it is important to carefully watch your expenses, and save money. Any advice to help make ends meet while looking for work?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: colleen   compensation   department   labor   laid   money   of   off   u.s.   unemployment  

 

Entry bubble Find a Job

By: Joanne | May 20, 2008 | Category: Money

help wanted ads

Are you sick of your job? Are you ready to move on to other things? Are you unemployed and wearing a deep groove in your parents’ sofa? A student looking for an internship? It sounds like you need a job.

From time to time, we all need to look for a job, and I don’t know if you find it easy, but most of us don’t. You’ve got to figure out what you want to do, determine if there’s a market for the occupation that interests you, polish that resume, and begin the hunt.

It’s always good to look in the local paper or check an online source for local job listings, but the government’s got some resources to help too. If you’re looking for a job or an internship with the federal government, you’ll find all openings announced to the public at USAJOBS. Check out your state job bank for even more job opportunities in your area. If you need a helping hand, look up your local Department of Labor office and see what services they offer to job seekers in your area. And if the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware of job scams.

p.s. Thanks for all your great suggestions in response to my post last week! This post was inspired by one of your comments, and we'll be using more of your ideas in coming posts.

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: career   employment   federal   joanne   job   labor   resume   scam  

 

Entry bubble Summer Jobs for Kids

By: Nicole | May 16, 2008 | Category: General

Backyard FootballHere in D.C. it’s 75 degrees and sunny, which can mean just one thing. Soon, it will be 90 degrees and so humid I’ll need SCUBA equipment to breathe. I might not be thrilled by this prospect, but the kids in my life can’t wait. Summer for them means trips to the beach, lazy days playing pick-up football, and extended bedtimes. In another year or two, it might also mean a summer job, possibly a government job.

So, for those of you who have kids 13 and older, I've gathered together some helpful resources. The U.S. Department of Labor provides specific information for parents about the rules governing youth labor. For example, there are special rules regarding the minimum wage for young workers. There are also time restrictions. Generally, kids 14-15 can work a full 40 hour-week during non-school weeks, but only 18 hours during a school week. There are no federal time restrictions for kids over the age of 16, but you should check your state laws because some provide stricter guidelines. There are different rules for kids whose parents own their own business or farm.

Even if your kids aren’t quite old enough to have a summer job, they can begin investigating careers. Using the Web, you can find information about which industries are growing, as well as match students’ interests with possible career options.

VolunteerAnother terrific idea for kids during the summer is volunteer work, which can provide new skills and foster a sense of civic involvement. In addition, colleges are often impressed by applicants who volunteer their time to help others. Many government agencies have volunteer opportunities.

Do you have any creative ideas for great summer jobs?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: career   jobs   kids   labor   school   seasonal   students   summer   teens   vocation   volunteer   youth