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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 6.5 million people unemployed in the U.S. Whether you recently lost a job, a disability has prevented you from working, or you are trying to enter or re-enter the workforce, there are a variety of benefit and assistance programs available to help.

Unemployment Assistance Programs

Benefits.gov has information on over 1,000 programs, some of which are highlighted below, that support citizens currently out of work.

• American Job Centers offer a range of free services to job seekers including training, career planning, and connections to job openings and local hiring events. The Job Centers are convenient to reach with nearly 2,500 locations throughout the U. S.
• Are you out of work due to a recent major disaster and looking for relief? You might qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance if you are unemployed because of the disaster. Your state unemployment insurance agency will have information on availability of assistance and instructions for applying.
• The Job Accommodation Network provides guidance on disability employment issues and identifies resources for people with disabilities to help secure a job. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) also provides information on how to check eligibility and apply for disability benefits.
• Unemployment Insurance is operated in each state and provides benefits to citizens unemployed through no fault of their own. Find information for your state and check your eligibility through the Career One Stop Service Locator.
• Job Corps, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), provides skills training and services, such as career counseling, room and board, and basic medical care, to help young people find meaningful employment. If you are between the ages of 16 and 24 and meet low-income requirements, you may be eligible to enroll in the program.

Additional Resources

To learn more about what kind of unemployment assistance programs are available, read our article Unemployment and Job Search Assistance.

Don’t overlook the resources available to you during this time in your life. There are numerous agencies and programs that can provide help and guidance depending on your situation. We encourage you to visit Benefits.gov and take the Benefit Finder questionnaire to help locate additional assistance you may be eligible to receive.