1. The EI (Unemployment Program) is designed to: - Provide compensation to workers who lose their jobs due to circumstances not of their own making and not through misconduct

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Develop a job network with: - Friends - Relatives - Neighbors - Acquaintances - Co-workers - Business people in your previous industry - Professionals (doctors, lawyers, dentists, teachers)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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