If you are out of work due to an injury, you don’t know what to expect or how to handle your situation. Even if your spouse works, it’s difficult when there is one income less. Finances become tight, and even doing simple things such as grocery shopping becomes a hassle. Here is how you can take care of your finances and family, even when you are down to one source of income. Read on to learn about how to make life easier and stay alive in the meantime while recovering from your injury.
Ensure You Have Filed a Claim and Seek Compensation
If you were injured at work due to negligence on the part of your company, it’s imperative you file a worker’s claim. This starts the process in creating a paper trail, and showing how an accident occurred which you were not at fault for. If you are out of work because of the injury, contact a lawyer who is skilled in workplace injuries. Ask your attorney for assistance as you seek compensation for your injuries. Although the money won’t be immediate, a company found at fault is responsible for paying you. This money can be put toward bills and payments that were missed because of your injury, along with any medical debt that has occurred because of your injury. The process seems intimidating at first, but seeking help is well worth it in taking care of you and your family’s needs.
Look for Savings Everywhere You Go
Now that money is tight, you need to do everything possible to stretch it out and make it last. Start out by taking inventory of every expense you have at home. Examine what steps you can do to either eliminate the expenses or cut them down, so you are saving money. Some examples of ways you can save include:
a) Bartering
This can be done on everything from arranging child care, or having your hair and nails done. Offer to trade a good or service to someone else in exchange for something else. You could trade a day of cleaning for watching your children.
b) Getting rid of unnecessary luxuries
Cancel the paper, cut down your entertainment package to just internet and basic cable, and decide how many cell phones you need running. There’s no reason to have luxury items if you have difficulty affording them.
c) Coupon
You can buy the Sunday paper to take advantage of coupons, or look online for various couponing websites and resources. Only buy things that are on sale, and shop around at different stores to find the best deals for your family.
Finding savings doesn’t have to cost money. Time and planning will be your best bets when trying to find the deals that work for you, so take advantage of your time off from work to seek out the best deals.
Determine If You Qualify for Unemployment
Although this situation varies by individual, it’s worth considering unemployment to determine if you qualify. If you were fired or threatened because of your injury, this could develop into a case where you are owed both unemployment, and a settlement claim. Speak with someone at your local unemployment office. Talking with a lawyer can be a helpful resource. You’ll find out if you have a case, and what you might be entitled to. In the meantime, there are various government resources that offer help to struggling families out of work because of a work injury. You and your family should seek services such as food stamps and electrical assistance to keep your heads above water as you recover.
Spend Time with Your Family
If your job took you away from your family a lot, consider this an opportunity to reconnect with them. Spend time with one another, and see how they are feeling. Emotions run high during trying times such as these. As a family, talking freely and discussing what steps to take so everyone can pitch in is important in maintaining a balanced and happy household. Your family may have ideas about how to handle this situation and what the best course of action is to take.
If you are out of work due to an injury, make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your family more than anything else. The process is overwhelming, but with a little support, and help from someone in the legal system who understands how to proceed, you’ll find getting back on your feet is easier than you expected, if you know what steps to take.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
