Journey In Unemployment Land | 4
Post 4: 7/9/2024
2024-07-09 15:19:16
I had a ton of engagement on my last two posts about how life is going in Unemployment Land. I've made a hashtag (#JourneyInUnemploymentLand) for those following the journey because it's healthy for us to talk to each other and provide insight into the nitty gritty reality of being unemployed in America.
🗓️ So, I'm starting week 5 in Unemployment Land. Here's how my morning went:
I woke up, put on my robe, and followed up on two things that our family cannot go without: medical insurance and food.
🏥 If anyone has ever had to deal with COBRA, you know that it's not very intuitive or streamlined. Essentially, folks on COBRA get a new insurance plan identical to the old coverage. This doesn't happen automatically. I have no insurance cards yet which means 1) no prescriptions for my chronic illnesses and 2) the surgery I need to get is hanging in limbo because it was deemed not an emergency. I decided to send an email instead of calling to spare my sanity. Let's see how fast the powers that be call or email me back.
🥗 I mentioned that I applied for food stamps in my last post. Well, I called to follow up since 7 business days have passed. The robot that the Georgia Department of Family Services uses sent me straight to voicemail. Luckily, my case worker called me back within an hour. I spent 50 minutes on the phone with her. I will be going to the office in person today with the folder (pictured below) in hand. They want to know everything about my household (like true Zillenials, my spouse and I have a roommate).
They wanted to know:
🏦 The balances in our checking and savings accounts.
🛂 Our passports to prove our citizenship.
🧾 Pay stubs for everyone in my household.
💹 How much is in my IRA.
📄 When I'll receive the last of my severance.
🏠 Our lease agreement.
✍🏿 Our monthly bills.
🚘 And the value of my car.
This isn't my first ride in Unemployment Land, guys. I keep a printer in my house at all times because of the ongoing bureaucracy that is Georgia's government. I still have my EBT card that I received at 21. I can tell that story another day if you all are interested.
To my families out there: keep your head up. This is a journey, not a destination.
#lookingforwork #opentowork