Submitted by angiehsu t3_yrnreg in massachusetts
Hi all,
I've previously worked for 4 years and am now up-skilling in a graduate program so am technically unemployed. What are some benefits, grants, and programs I can take advantage of to supplement my livelihood during this period of time? Paid taxes to the government during my time working so would like to use these benefits when I need them.
Thanks!
How is that relevant at all?
Because she has available assets that amount to more than the average person makes in 2 years, but chose to stop working and wants the bill footed by others.
OP is getting USD 4800 annual in dividends. That won't cover the rent.
No, but they have 155k invested. If you lost your job and were going hungry, but had 155k in the market, wouldn't you pull some out to survive? But OP is choosing not to work and pursue a graduate program. Fine, but why should funds for benefit programs be used for them when they have the means to survive?
> Fine, but why should funds for benefit programs be used for them when they have the means to survive?
This reads as another version of "poor people shouldn't have nice things". Should people with 401K, IRA, and 403B finds take those out rather than using a government-provided service for the purposes it was designed for?
She isn't poor. She has 155k invested at 25 and is pursuing a graduate program. Can you afford that? I can't.
I absolutely believe in people taking advantage of benefits programs, who need them, and I'm happy to pay taxes that contribute to that. But I'm against benefits programs being abused by people who don't actually need them.
Since when is total assets a determinant for whether someone can claim unemployment and training?
You know what, you're right and I'm not looking to argue a moot point. I still stand that those who have the means to live should reserve benefits for those who truly need it, but it's not up to me to decide who actually qualifies. I made a snap judgement from the pieces of information I saw, but if the powers to be determine they qualify for benefits, I won't argue lest I ever need help.
Because I'm not currently employed at the moment
But are you unemployed by choice, or were you let go? Are you currently looking for work?
You may qualify for MassHealth, perhaps for free, with no income. I know a former grad student who did that, after aging out of their parents health insurance. Worth checking out.
In order to be considered Unemployed you have to be available and able to work, and actively looking for work. If you do not fall under that category then you are simply not employed, and unemployment benefits would probably not be available to you. Not sure about any other programs that could help though, is this something you can apply for financial aid for? Or scholarships?
It doesn't work that way.
Opening-Dimension742 t1_ivul7md wrote
According to your post history you have about 155k invested with around $1200 in quarterly dividends. Why exactly do you need unemployment benefits?