| It may sound too good to be true but, yes, you | | | | otherwise have and give them the measurable |
| can go to school while on unemployment. | | | | and differentiated skills they need to not just get |
| Going to school while on unemployment is the | | | | through these hard times but to get ahead when |
| perfect time to advance your career. So decide | | | | the economy comes back." |
| what schooling and training matches your needs. | | | | The government encourages people to go to |
| As soon as you have submitted your | | | | school while on unemployment. Many states offer |
| unemployment application, begin exploring financial | | | | programs to help you receive career training while |
| aid options, federal grants, and scholarships. | | | | unemployed. These programs are generally for |
| Filing for Unemployment | | | | jobs that are in high demand. Check with your |
| You can fill out an unemployment application online. | | | | state unemployment office to find out how they |
| Eligibility varies by state, so contact your local | | | | can help you. |
| Employment Security Department. Before you | | | | The U.S. Department of Education is also working |
| are officially on unemployment, most states | | | | closely with colleges and universities to help |
| require that you first be determined unemployed | | | | unemployed students meet their financial |
| through no fault of your own. You must also | | | | obligations. So talk with your college or university |
| meet the requirements for wages earned during | | | | to find out how they can assist you. |
| a four to five calendar quarter before filing a | | | | The Federal Pell Grant Program is one way the |
| claim. When applying you should have a school or | | | | government is aiding people going to school while |
| training program in mind. | | | | on unemployment. Students can receive up to |
| After initially applying for unemployment, fill out a | | | | $5,350 for educational costs. Such costs include |
| Training Benefits application. These benefits will | | | | tuition, books, and housing. They also offer help to |
| allow you to continue to receive unemployment | | | | those in school with dependents. The exact |
| throughout your school program. Some states still | | | | amount you will receive is determined upon |
| require students who wish to go to school while | | | | completing an application. These grants are |
| on unemployment to be both available and | | | | available to unemployed students seeking an |
| seeking for work in order to receive training | | | | undergraduate degree or certificate. |
| benefits. | | | | While collecting unemployment, you can go to |
| Government Help and Aid | | | | school. The U.S. government wants you to be |
| President Obama urged an unemployment reform | | | | better trained and better equipped for your |
| in May 2009. This reform allows more funds for | | | | career. There are many programs and benefits |
| those pursuing an education while unemployed. | | | | available to help finance your higher education. |
| Speaking of unemployment, he said, "It should | | | | Take advantage of these schooling opportunities |
| offer folks educational opportunities they wouldn't | | | | while unemployed. |