**Financial Tip of the Month**

Apply for Unemployment

 

If you are unemployed, you need to do everything in your power to generate income from all resources!

 

Use your unemployment benefits. You paid for it – it belongs to you and you are entitled to get it!  Take it!

 

People may feel bad about applying for unemployment. All employees contribute to the fund that makes it possible for unemployment benefits to be available for folks who are temporaily out of work.  It is like not using medical insurance you have been paying premiums on – it already belongs to you.

 

 

The Maryland CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Campaign is a state-wide network of organizations that promote financial stability for working families. Our coalition includes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partners that provide free tax preparation services, promote access to high-quality financial services, and offer financial education and coaching.

 

 

Maryland CASH coordinates a network of practitioners, while focusing on three main initiatives: capacity building and training, financial education, and research and advocacy.

 

1. Capacity Building and Training: The Maryland CASH Campaign provides training opportunities for our partners and practitioners throughout the state.

        Examples include:

                          VITA training resources

                          Financial Stability Toolkits

                          Financial Social Work Initiative - New Workshop!

 

2. Financial Education: Free and low-cost financial education courses are available through the Maryland CASH Academy. These classes are offered throughout the state to all Maryland residents. Register online at www.MDCASHacademy.org.

 

3. Research and Advocacy: The Maryland CASH Campaign advocates for policies at the state and national level that support financial stability for working families.                 

       

  

If you are an individual tax filer making $25,000 or less in 2009 or a family of 2 or more earning $49,000 or less, you may qualify for free tax assistance. Our VITA coalition partners offer free tax preparation services for Maryland residents. Click here to find a free tax preparation site in your area.

 

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 Maryland Cash Campaign