Why applying for welfare may help you get a job

[here_is_to_hope]

I posted this op earlier and real quick, let me say thank you for all of those kind words! And hearts too! Looking at that thread, gosh, you betcha I feel all hope-y and change-y! :silly:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7679144

I am in between naps so I can get up and go to my job but I wanted to share something I learned recently.

I had applied at over 22 different jobs over the last nine months with only three call backs and no offers.
I thought :wtf: because I was more than qualified for the work I applied for.
When the poop hit the fan and our savings were in double digits, my wife (laid off last month) and I bit the bullet and applied for TANF, Oregons' take on welfare.
While the program is a tremendous blessing and very helpful...

I learned that many of the positions I had applied for went to those in the TANF program whose wages in turn would be subsidized by the state.
The state would pay approximately 50 percent of an employee's wages through a 6 month or 12 month period, depending on the job.

This burned my butt at first as my ego had taken a beating but in hindsight, this program does allow apprentice programs and might encourage an employer to help in training a displaced worker or a worker who simply needs more skills.
So I guess my point is, these programs, while a pain in the butt, can really help you out in finding work or at least gaining a few new skills for your set.
I found my job on my own but I am still using the TANF program for a certification class and other benefits while I am still only employed part time.
I know its tough, I have gone from having a satisfying career with a bit of money coming in to doing whatever it takes to pay my families way.
But if you find yourself where I am/was, look into what the state may offer, don't wait till the savings account is in single digits, there is help out there.


And thanks again to those Du'ers who posted such nice things in my earlier op, my wife read through them and gained a bit more understanding why this site is my first and last stop on the innertubes, I love DU!

:grouphug:

[Warpy]

1. Congratulations on finally landing a job that pays the bills

and which will allow you to finish the courses you started.

Congratulations also on seeing the wisdom of hiring preferences for people who are desperate enough to have swallowed their pride and applied for welfare.

It's just too bad your ego got kicked in the crotch before you found that out. I've been through a couple of bad periods like that and it hurts.

[tonysam]

2. It does no good if you are single with no children.

All you can get are food stamps.

[prolesunited]

4. Or if you have any assets

like a dependable car to get you to and from work even if it's already paid for or you haven't been foreclosed on your home yet, no matter how modest it is.

[quiller4]

5. A car valued at less than $7,000 or homeownership are not

disqualifiers in Washington state and I don't think they are in Oregon, either.

[prolesunited]

6. Well, they are in my state

You basically have to be homeless and penniless to qualify for Medicaid or any kind of state aid.

Those state's sound more humane.

[Mojorabbit]

3. I am so happy things are looking up for you! nt