|
A range of public benefits is available for individuals and families, including those who are working but having a tough time making ends meet. Although the process may seem intimidating, the benefits may provide immediate assistance and an opportunity to move toward financial stability. You may be eligible for emergency assistance or you may qualify for longer-term help such as childcare subsidies, health care, food stamps, tuition subsidies, and help finding a new job.
Local communities and the state and federal government provide a variety of services, tax credits and other programs to help families. Understanding how to access these programs and tax credits is especially important during challenging economic times.
Tips for Accessing Community Service
- If you call an office and do not get an answer right away, keep trying!
- If you leave a message, be sure to include the best times for someone to return your call.
- Before going to any appointment, ask for a list of everything you need to bring.
- You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. If you feel that a worker is not treating you properly, ask to speak to a supervisor.
- It is important that you have an address, email and or phone number where employers or organizations can reach you. If you do not have an address or phone number, ask a dependable family member or friend if you may use theirs or visit Place of Hope to register a mailing address.
Place of Hope
606 Pendleton St. Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6463
http://www.united-ministries.org/programs/page37/page37.html
It's easy to sign up for a free email account through www.yahoo.com or www.gmail.com.
South Carolina Unemployment Insurance
Workers who had a job and became unemployed through no fault of their own may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits while seeking a new job. Unemployment insurance benefits help bridge the gap between jobs by replacing part of the worker's lost income. For complete information on unemployment insurance, go to the SC Employment Security Commission One-Stop Center, call 1-800-529-8339, or visit http://www.sces.org/ui/claimant/index.htm. See the "Individuals" link for more info.
Tips on eligibility:
- You must be laid off through no fault of your own.
- You must have worked for an employer (or employers) who paid taxes in your name.
- You must have earned sufficient wages in order to establish an entitlement to benefits.
- You must be able to work, be available for work, and be actively seeking full-time employment on your own behalf in a suitable occupation.
Tips on Filing a Correct and Complete Claim
-
Collect the employer names, addresses, and dates of your recent employment. You may find it easiest to do this by collecting any pay stubs or W2s.
- If your unemployment is through no fault of your own, be prepared to provide supporting documentation. Keep written, official notification of your layoff, termination, or severance handy.
- You can file a claim for unemployment insurance online, by telephone, or in-person.
- To file online, go to www.sces.org and click "Online Claim Filing and Job Registration." This site is open 7am – 7pm Monday through Friday, closed on weekends and state holidays.
- To file via telephone, call 866-831-1724
- To file in person, visit SC Employment Security Commission One-Stop Center, 706 Pendleton St. Greenville, SC 29602, (864) 242 3531 Ext. 326
- You will be required to complete a weekly benefit certification process, which can be completed online, via telephone, or in person.
Tips About Unemployment Benefit Checks
- How much? Unemployment benefits are based on an individual's earnings in a base period. If eligible, you can expect to draw approximately half of your regular pay, up to a maximum of $326.00 per week, plus a recently added $25 Unemployment Benefit Stimulus Supplement. South Carolina state unemployment benefits are subject to federal income taxes, and you may elect to have taxes withheld from your unemployment check.
- How soon? Across the United States, it generally takes two to three weeks to receive your first benefit check after you file your claim. Check with your state unemployment office for details.
- How long? The regular state program provides for a maximum of 26 weeks, but benefits may be extended by South Carolina during times of high unemployment or other special circumstances.
Social Security
If you are 62-64 years old and have been laid off, you may be eligible to receive partial Social security benefits based on your lifetime earnings. Call the Social Security Administration Office toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 for further information. www.socialsecurity.gov.
Social Security Administration
319 Pelham Rd. Greenville, SC 29615
Utilities
Because of the vital role that utilities – gas, electricity, water, and telephone – play in your family’s security and well-being, it’s particularly important that you contact the companies as soon as you know that you’re going to have difficulty paying your bills. Acting before you are several months behind may help you avoid shutoffs. Most companies are willing to work out an alternative payment plan with you. You may be able to qualify for financial assistance with heating or cooling bills through the Low Income Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Call “211” to connect you to the administrators of this program.
SHARE
652 Rutherford Rd. Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 233-4128 www.sharesc.org (click on "Services")
United Ministries
606 Pendleton St. Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6463 www.united-ministries.org (click on "Emergency Assistance")
Food
(See "Emergency Services" below)
You may be eligible for food stamps. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits give a person or family more buying power at the grocery store. The benefits are not intended to cover all of a family's food costs, but will lessen the amount of income that must be used toward groceries each month. Families, people living alone, and people living with roommates use SNAP benefits. People who are homeless can get SNAP benefits, too. SNAP eligibility and benefits are based on several factors including:
- The number of people who live in a household and buy food and prepare meals together;
- How much money your family has left from its monthly income after certain household expenses are subtracted.
You may complete an application form for SNAP benefits at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or you may use the forms on this web-site (3800, 3800-a, 24126) and deliver, mail or fax the application to your local DSS office. Go to http://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/foodstamp/index.aspx for more details about SNAP.
Greenville County Food Stamp Greenville County DSS
301 University Ridge, Suite 6700
Greenville, SC 29601
P: (864) 467-7700
Fax: (864) 467-7947
Health Services
In most cases, group health insurance ends within 30 days of termination. However, under a 1985 federal law called COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), laid off employees have a right to continue their group health coverage for 18 additional months at their own expense. Check with your former employer about how you can continue your health insurance coverage under this law.
Publicly supported health centers are also available and offer general and specialized medical care and, in some areas, dental services. Visit http://www.scdhec.net/health/region2/services.htm for a list of Greenville County Public Health Department services and locations.
Greenville County Public Health Department – Main Office
200 University Ridge
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 282-4100
Department of Health and Human Services (Medicaid)
301 University Ridge, Suite 6700
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 467-7926
www.dhhs.state.sc.us/
There are medical facilities in Greenville County that provide services at reduced fees. For further information about health services in your area, call United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Emergency Services
Emergency assistance for basic needs like food, clothing and shelter is provided by a number of public and private agencies. For further information, call United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Public Assistance
Family Independence, Medicaid and Emergency Assistance programs vary in their requirements and availability from state to state. For further information about availability and requirements for your area, call United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1.
Veteran's Benefits
Greenville County Veteran's Affairs
301 University Ridge, Suite 5900
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 467-7230
|
