My H got fired last week

Holly_1007

My husband was terminated from his job last week. We kind of knew it was coming, but it still sucks. He has applied for unemployment, but that could take weeks to go through. He has been submitting new job applications everywhere, but I don't have a lot of confidence. I'm not really sure what to do about our health insurance. We were offered COBRA, but it will cost us more than our monthly mortgage payment to keep it, so I guess we apply for state insurance? Or ACA? If anyone has any insight, or just an extra hug, I'm really freaking stressed right now.

Nita2603

Hugs!
And @LoisLayn23‌ knows a bunch of stuff about healthcare, right?!

eshee8198

I'm so sorry, Holly. Check with his old employer - when I left my last job, I was actually pre-paid for health insurance for the month, so I had 30 days of coverage after my employment stopped. I think you have a 30 day grace period for COBRA, so that gives you at least a month to look for other job options before making a decision.

When my husband's been on unemployment, it usually takes no more than a week or two for checks to start kicking in. What sort of work is he doing/looking for? Want to message me - if it's construction related I might be able to help.

AKB090609

I'm so sorry! I'm sure you've looked into it already, but is there anything you can do legally? If I remember correctly he was injured at work and the doctor was keeping him out right?

MarisaKathleen

Holly that completely sucks.  I'm sorry.

I have literally no experience with insurance, but I would definitely look into ACA.  Is your DH covered until the end of the month?  From what I've been told, ACA can take a few weeks.

AlinnJo

Holly I am so sorry. I don't have any advice but I am sending some positive thoughts your way. I hope he can find something quickly. You guys will get through this!

OceanLover26

Just offering a great big hug.  We did Cobra for the 3 months were without insurance at the end of my Sept12 pregnancy and you are right about the prices, and it doesn't even cover 100% (or at least mint didn't).  I would look into what the others mentioned.  FX that his applications start getting some responses asap!  It'll be okay girl! 

Holly_1007

AKB090609 said:

I'm so sorry! I'm sure you've looked into it already, but is there anything you can do legally? If I remember correctly he was injured at work and the doctor was keeping him out right?

Yes, he has been in contact with the union lawyer, but it will be a while when/if anything is resolved from that. For now I'm just trying to take it day by day, try not to let the bills get too far behind and keep food on the table. Ugh. It makes me sick just writing that. I hate that we have put ourselves into such an awful position.

danabsd

I'm sorry, that really blows.  I know how scary it can be.  I don't know what you state healthcare system is like. But around here benefits can be immediate.  Especially with young children. And there's WIC for some extra, help for the boys. 

When I had to go UI it kicked in right when I would have gotten a paycheck so there was no gap in income.

You waitressed in the past right?  (Am I making that up?) Could you pick up a couple shifts while he's home looking for work? 

Holly_1007

I've been trying to find a waitressing job for a few months, things quiet down around here in winter. Hopefully once the nicer weather comes I will be able to find something

AKB090609

Holly_1007 said:

AKB090609 said:

I'm so sorry! I'm sure you've looked into it already, but is there anything you can do legally? If I remember correctly he was injured at work and the doctor was keeping him out right?

Yes, he has been in contact with the union lawyer, but it will be a while when/if anything is resolved from that. For now I'm just trying to take it day by day, try not to let the bills get too far behind and keep food on the table. Ugh. It makes me sick just writing that. I hate that we have put ourselves into such an awful position.

I hope they are able to help you out! Fingers crossed that he finds a great job quickly!

MRoxy0628

I'm sorry to hear this.  I'll think good thoughts that he finds something soon!

BeebopandBuddy

I'm so sorry Holly, that's awful.  Definitely look into ACA and your state insurance.  State insurance will likely be faster as the enrollment period is ongoing whereas the ACA enrollment period ended 3/31 and they are only enrolling people with a life status change.  Obviously you have had one, so you qualify, but it may take longer and be more work for you to prove that and them to review it.  

Stay on top of the unemployment thing.  I did it briefly last year and found that it was a PITA, but doable.

Hyaline

I'm sorry, that really sucks. Insurance-wise, in addition to ACA, I know many states have free or low-cost plans for those who qualify based on income, especially for kids--check into that.

Holly, I can't recall--are you guys active in a church?  Pastors and church staff are often great resources for knowing local and more general assistance opportunities.  Don't be ashamed to check out the local food pantry or other options.

Holly_1007

@eshee8198‌ he was a corrections officer. He wants to be a police officer, but that isn't going to happen. He is tossing around the idea of joining the national guard or some other military branch. He doesn't have a college degree, so I'm not sure how far he will get. Also thinking of getting his CDL as he has a clean driving record. A ton of options right now, just submitting as many applications as he can.

Holly_1007

@Hyaline‌ we don't belo to a church, but That is a good suggestion, thank you

Holly_1007

Thank you all for your suggestions and support. I was so scared to even post something here, I'm happy I did.

thebanich

So sorry to read this. I hope you guys can figure everything out ASAP.

Flamingemu

I am sorry Holly, I hope he finds something quick.

melody921

I'm sorry Holly. I can't even imagine how stressed you must be. I hope he finds something fast. I don't have personal experience with unemployment, but unfortunately we've had quite a few relatives who had to file for it in the past couple of years, and it worked out fine. In the meantime, avail yourself of any and all resources that are available. That's why they're there.

Pokedot

I'm really sorry Holly. After everything you've been through. Ugh! I hope you can get the help you need and something comes your way very quickly!

bosha711

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear! FX he finds something bigger & better soon! (HUGS)

MeatballEsq

Holly I'm so sorry. Losing a job is extremely stressful. I really hope something comes his way soon.

misscheapandchic

I'm so sorry to hear that Holly no advice just ❤️

Eastie156

Sorry Holly, that really sucks. I'll say from experience (I lost my job in August of this past year) have him file unemployment ASAP. It took awhile for me to get paid. The state of MA is slow sometimes with their payouts. ((Hugs))

redneckmomma25

Hope this is short lived and your husband finds something soon!

hmp1

Are you still working part-time for your MIL(?)? Can you pick up additional hours and do they offer benefits for part time employees? 

Hyaline

About joining the military--the National Guard would likely only be a part time option right now (after initial training).  Activation for Guard and Reservists are down after the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, so it's unlikely it would be a full-time job for him.  Still, it's extra money every month (and you would have the option of Tricare for insurance, which is seriously a damn good deal for most people compared with other options out there).  Joining to go active (aka full time job) would mean joining the military "for realsies" not as Guard or Reserve--which involves you guys being willing to go where they send you.  It's a huge decision, and I really would advise not making it based off of where you are now. If he's serious, he should talk to a recruiter, but be careful, some are honestly kinda sheistery (not all, but my husband has seen some shit things happen to his sailors because of crap recruiters pulled).

27boo

I'm so sorry to read this. Definitely take advantage of resources like WIC to get you through this. Fingers crossed for your husband.

Holly_1007

I am working PT for my MiL, but she has no room for any more hours, and doesn't offer any benefits. We are still in the "exploring" stage of the military thing, because of my SD we really don't want to chance a big move.

MommaP12

I am so sorry Holly.

I haven't read all the replies but the kids should have free coverage through the state/ACA now so they should at least be okay by some means.

I hope he finds a job soon.

kelbel527

More hugs.  So sorry you guys are going through this.    

I hope the unemployment comes quickly and he finds something fast.  Just don't be afraid to ask for help in the meantime.

pharmer78

Oh no! I hope his job search is successful and quick! 

LyndseylovesHugh

Hyaline said:

About joining the military--the National Guard would likely only be a part time option right now (after initial training).  Activation for Guard and Reservists are down after the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, so it's unlikely it would be a full-time job for him.  Still, it's extra money every month (and you would have the option of Tricare for insurance, which is seriously a damn good deal for most people compared with other options out there).  Joining to go active (aka full time job) would mean joining the military "for realsies" not as Guard or Reserve--which involves you guys being willing to go where they send you.  It's a huge decision, and I really would advise not making it based off of where you are now. If he's serious, he should talk to a recruiter, but be careful, some are honestly kinda sheistery (not all, but my husband has seen some shit things happen to his sailors because of crap recruiters pulled).

I agree with all of this, especially the part about not joining because of your current situation. My H was in the national guard while in college and is now active duty, so I have seen both sides. Let me know if you have any questions about either!

PenelopePond

I'm so sorry . Hugs. If you need anything don't be afraid to text me . I have no good suggestions, though. I hope he's able to find something fast.

jenndub

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry and I hope things work out alright. Good luck with everything.

DianeD1

That really sucks I hope things work out for you soon!

phytoocean

My DH has been on unemployment in MA since February. It took about a month to get the checks flowing. Make sure you file for extra money for dependents. You can get $25 extra per week per dependent. I am not sure what part of MA you are in, but the job search hasn't bee fruitful for my DH yet, but he has gotten several interviews. Hopefully, it won't be a long time for your DH.

Holly_1007

phytoocean said:

My DH has been on unemployment in MA since February. It took about a month to get the checks flowing. Make sure you file for extra money for dependents. You can get $25 extra per week per dependent. I am not sure what part of MA you are in, but the job search hasn't bee fruitful for my DH yet, but he has gotten several interviews. Hopefully, it won't be a long time for your DH.

I'm sorry about your DH! We are in central MA. My H has been looking for a job here and there for a little over a year with no luck, that's why I'm not very optimistic. I've started exploring my options regarding working full time and I want to cry. Ugh.

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miss50

Hug. Wish I had more, but I know how much it sucks. Great advice has been given. You are such a strong/smart woman. You will get through this quickly.