Aid besides unemployment (unemployment benefits, school, contractor)

[robertpasa]

I cannot get unemployment benefits because my last job was as a contractor. I am a single man, no kids. I haven't worked at all since Aug. 2009. I have no disabilities.

Is there any kind of govt aid I can get, like food stamps? I don't like the idea, but things are getting awfully tight. Where would you usually go to apply for this aid?

Thanks

[wrcousert]

You might be able to get general relief (welfare). The last I heard, it paid about $220 per month. I believe you can get it for up to five months per year. You should also be able to get food stamps (probably about $120 per month).

You will be required to participate in a work program - probably picking up trash or something like that, and you'll have tons of appointments to go to, many of them will take all day (mostly sitting around, waiting for your turn with your case worker.) Miss any of these appointments or show up a few minutes late and your case will be closed and you'll have to apply again.

All this for maybe $350 worth of benefits (about $78 per week including food stamps). You could probably make more than that picking up aluminum cans.

Good luck.

[robertpasa]

Is the work program stuff for welfare and food stamps, or just welfare?

It generally doesn't sound like my cup of tea.

I'm unemployed and supported by my parents and my own savings which won't last much longer.

[wrcousert]

I think the work program is for the cash portion of your general relief program (enough hours to pay it off at minimum wage). I received it for a short time back in the late 90's, so it may have changed since then.
It may actually be discontinued soon because of the state budget crisis.

I would avoid it at all costs. The pain you'll go through to get that small amount of money isn't worth it.

If you're healthy, you might want to try selling blood plasma. I understand you can make about $50 per week. I'm not sure where you would do that though.

[smokingGun]

I don't want to sound negative, but if you're a contractor waiting around for the housing/building industry to pick-up again, I wouldn't hold my breathe. When the last RE bubble burst in the early 90's it took nearly 10 years for property values to reach their former peak. You may want to think about going back to school to re-train yourself in another field. Good luck!