Jobseeker Resource Guide
Job Transition Resources:
New York Unemployment Insurance Program:
Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, and able to work:
Local Human Services Agency Directories:
Dial 2-1-1 to connect with community resources near you — child care, senior services, counseling, food, shelter, job services, and much more. This service is free, confidential and available 24/7. You can also search the directory online:
- 211 Life Line (for Cayuga and Seneca Counties)
- 211 Cortland (for Cortland County)
- 211 Tioga (for Tioga County)
- 211 Tompkins/Cortland (for Tompkins and Cortland Counties)
State and Federal Assistance Programs and Resources:
New York State Programs:
Quickly check your eligibility for food stamps, temporary assistance, WIC, and Home Energy assistance online right now at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. You can also contact your local Department of Social Services office:
- Cayuga County DSS -County Office Building, 160 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021 Phone: 315-253-1011
- Cortland County DSS – 60 Central Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045 Phone: 607-753-5248
- Seneca County DSS – 1 DiPronio Drive, Waterloo, NY 13165 Phone: 315-539-1800
- Tioga County DSS – 1062 State Route 38, Owego, NY 13827 Phone: 607-687-8300
- Tompkins County DSS – 320 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 Phone: 607-274-5680
Federal Programs:
Looking for a New Job – Finding and getting a job can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques may increase your chances of success.
National Dislocated Worker Grants – National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs), formerly known as National Emergency Grants (NEGs), are discretionary grants awarded by the Secretary of Labor, under Section 170 of WIOA. DWGs provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to respond to large, unexpected layoff events causing significant job losses.
Trade Act Program – The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program is a federal entitlement program that assists U.S. workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as a result of foreign trade.
Rapid Response Services for Laid Off Workers – These services and resources are part of a program called Rapid Response, which will customize services and resources to your needs and the needs of your company, with a goal of getting you back to work as soon as possible and minimize the disruptions on your life that a layoff will cause.
WIA: Adults and Dislocated Workers Program – The Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment, and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.
Health Insurance Options:
New York State of Health – You can quickly compare health plan options and apply for assistance that could lower the cost of your health coverage. You may also qualify for health care coverage from Medicaid or Child Health Plus through the Marketplace. Anyone can apply here.
Health and Retirement Benefits After Job Loss – Information from the Department of Labor.
NeedyMeds – Information about finding assistance programs for prescription drugs and healthcare.
RXAssist – Free medications for people who cannot afford to buy their medicine.
Legal Help:
LawHelpNY – This site provides access to free legal information and referrals to free legal help. Topics include housing and foreclosure, public benefits and assistance, debt collection and bankruptcy, family issues, and more.
Legal Information Institute Directory – Search this directory from Cornell University to find lawyers in your area. In addition, the website provides open access to legal information, creates materials that help people understand law, and explores new technologies that make it easier for people to find the law.