First Things First - Adapting to Sudden Loss of Income or Occupation

A  growing number of Oregon families have faced drastic changes in their incomes due to the economic downturn.  Educating yourself and understanding the resources available may help prevent costly long-term financial mistakes.  You can find a new sense of security and satisfaction in the process.   Many companies provide services to assist employees who are being laid off.  Find out if your employer is offering assistance.

Practical Advice from OSU:

"Managing Between Jobs"  - a series of publications with valuable tips for helping you manage between jobs.

Oregon Employment resources and unemployment insurance:

• Oregon Unemployment Insurance
• Oregon Employment Division

Utility assistance:

• Portland General Electric
• Assistance agencies in Oregon (PDF) - From NW Natural

Obtaining and/or continuing medical coverage:

• The basics of COBRA - A commercial site (insure.com), but a good overview on this subject of providing a continuation of medical coverage from your employer.
• Oregon Health Plan
• Oregon Family Health Insurance Assistance Program
• Oregon County Health Dept. – County health services directory.  Contact your local office for information related to free immunizations, clinics, and WIC Food Supplement Program.
• Oregon Medical Insurance Pool - Provides health benefit portability coverage, including coverage to those who have exhausted COBRA benefits.  
• Prescription Drugs: NeedyMeds.com  & PhRMA - America's pharmaceutical companies are working with doctors to help low-income patients with their prescriptions.

Education, Retraining and the Dislocated Workers Program:

• WorkSource Oregon- a statewide network that connects businesses and workers with the resources they need to succeed.
• Oregon Community College Directory

Other Community Connections:

• Oregon Helps - A simple, interactive way to find out if you might be eligible for several programs that serve families and children. In English, Spanish, Russian, and  Vietnamese.
• Housing Connections helps renters find affordable, accessible, and special needs housing in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark counties.
• The Beehive - information on money, health, jobs, school, and family. (English and Spanish).
• Oregon 211 - A statewide phone call center system.  Dial 2-1-1 for health and human service information and referrals.  Call center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Other resources outside Oregon:

• Adjusting to Sudden Loss In Income (University of Minnesota)
• National Endowment for Financial Education - dedicated to improving the financial well-being of all Americans

Visit the IRS site:

• IRS home site - Unemployment benefits are taxable, but many expenses of job hunting are tax deductible. Find all forms and publications here.
• Taxpayer Advocacy Service for assistance with IRS-related problems and hardships.

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Content Contact: Susan Busler