- Provide compensation to workers who lose their jobs due to circumstances not of their own making and not

through misconduct

Who Qualifies for EI?

- The applicant can’t have caused his own unemployment.- Applicants who are let go because of poor job performance do not qualify for EI- The applicant cannot willingly quit their job, for anything other than medical

reasons, and qualify for EI.- The applicant must have been employed for a specific period of time, the length

is determined by each state.- If you have been disabled and can’t work again, you do NOT qualify for

unemployment.- Applicants must be:

- Physically capable of working- Ready to accept work that’s offered- Be actively looking for work

EI Benefits:

- In order to continue receiving EI benefits, you must:

- Make weekly, bi-weekly reports to let states know you are actively seeking employment or have found a job.

- Come to the claims office as required – To attend employment workshops or employment services to help you find a new job.

How are EI Benefits Calculated?

- EI benefits are calculated using the amount of money you earned in the base period, which is a specific 12 month period.

- Your weekly amount is calculated based on the three month base period in which you earned the most money.

EI Benefit Period- The EI benefits are available for a period up to one year after the

claim is filed.- The number of weeks benefits will be received will vary between

12 to 26 weeks.

EI benefits are taxable.

Types of EI Benefits Available:

- Unemployment compensation for federal employees

- Unemployment compensation for ex-service members

- Trade readjustment allowances

- Extended benefits

- Self-Employment assistance

- Disaster employment benefits

What to do when you’re laid off:

- Understand your financial picture

- Calculate your weekly and monthly expenses

- Find ways to reduce costs

- Deal with debts you may or may not be able to pay off

- Consider borrowing money from family

- Contact an expert

Can filing Bankruptcy help individuals who are unemployed?

- Bankruptcy was designed to help those who are overwhelmed by their financial problems.

Benefits of Declaring Bankruptcy

- Clear your outstanding debts and have your debts reorganized so that you can manage them

- People you owe can no longer harass you for money- Emotional stress of debt will be relieved- Clean slate to rebuild your credit

Disadvantages of Declaring Bankruptcy

- Stigma attached to declaring bankruptcy- May lose your assets - Dealing with major lifestyle changes- It can be harder to get credit again- Self-Esteem problems associated with declaring bankruptcy

When Should You File for Bankruptcy?

- When you have tried to reduce your debt without the courts intervening and cannot do so.

- Debts are so large that they can’t be repaid within 5 years.

- You are spending your retirement money to survive.

- When changes to your mortgage create a larger payment than you can afford to make.

- When you have mostly unsecured debt, as in credit card or medical bills.

- When you are borrowing from one lender to pay another.

Choosing the Right Attorney

- The right attorney can help you manage a heavily emotional situation

- The right attorney understands the bankruptcy policy and how it can best benefit you

- The right attorney can help you save more in the long run

- The right attorney cares about your financial future

Your Employment Future:

- Consider a career counselor or coach

- Take an aptitude test to evaluate your skills

- Conduct a self-assessment to determine your best talents

- Learn from your previous jobs

Finding the Perfect Job:

- Develop a Plan

- Search for jobs in traditional and nontraditional places

- Scour the Internet

- Be creative to find jobs

- Research Employers and be prepared for interviews

Develop a job network with:

- Friends

- Relatives

- Neighbors

- Acquaintances

- Co-workers

- Business people in your previous industry

- Professionals (doctors, lawyers, dentists, teachers)

Resume:

- Make sure your resume clearly represents your skills, experience, and goals

Cover Letter:

- Let your cover letter tell potential employers about you and your goals

- Use your cover letter to highlight skills and talents not mentioned in your resume

What to do during an interview:

- Sit properly

- Use proper table manners

- Bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, and references

- Dress appropriately

- Be on time

- Make sure your body language shows your interest

- Prepare questions for your potential employer

How can Allmand & Lee Help you?

- Allmand & Lee is committed to helping families during financial crisis

- Allmand & Lee care about their clients and wants to ensure they benefit from their services

- Allmand & Lee can help you find solid financial ground

Contact Allmand & Lee today:214-884-4176