We went through 2 years of unemployment, a year of terrific income, and now we're unemployed again. One of the worst parts of it is the depression and feeling of uselessness. If you can possibly find something enjoyable and important to do with some of your time, it will make it a little better. Can you volunteer at a local animal shelter a few hours a week? Animals always raise your spirits. It's summertime, does your library have a story hour? Could you read to kids for a while? Is there a local food bank? They're usually looking for volunteers. You've got a lot of hours to fill and getting out of the house and being with other people is the best thing you can do for your mental health.
It is my understanding that PA has 26 weeks of state unemployment, but that the longer term coverage (emergency unemployment) is still in effect, at least for people who are already getting checks. Call your state (not federal) representative or senator. There's somebody in their office who can help you or explain to you exactly what the current benefits are. As for the health care, if you were covered at work, you should be able to pay for COBRA, although it can be pricey. When we've had to pay for COBRA, we don't sign up for the dental so it's a little less expensive. You can ask your state rep.'s office about what kind of lower cost insurance might be around or if the state has an insurance exchange in effect right now. It would be nice if there was one place a newly-unemployed person could go for all of this information, but there isn't. You've got to ask everyone who might know something and eventually you'll get a good picture of what you need to do to survive.
Best to you and your family!
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