myBenefits is the fast and easy way to find out about many health and human services programs and how to apply for them, anytime and anywhere. The site is aimed at helping low income working families and individuals make ends meet. Programs include: food stamps, home energy assistance, earned income tax credits, child and dependent care credits, Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and school lunch programs, among others.
A bad economy creates a world of opportunities for scammers who feed on desperation. We’ll discuss how to protect yourself from being duped, and what to do if you believe you have been the victim of a scam, with experts from the New York State Better Business Bureau, the New York State Consumer Protection Board and Christine Durst, a nationally-recognized Internet fraud specialist.
We’ll explore the journey of a New Yorker who is trying to turn his lack of success in the Internet dating scene into a successful new venture that is creating new contract work in our region. Also, we’ll offer some tips on starting one’s own business in a tough economy. In addition, we look at why hiring disabled workers can give some businesses a competitive advantage.
The recession presents those who have recently graduated from college with a tough job market, and many are finding that a Bachelor’s degree isn’t yielding desirable employment. We’ll introduce you to one such graduate. Also, those seeking a career change may be interested in learning more about training opportunities. Plus, we’ll dissect a phishing scam targeting those who utilize online banking.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) includes a ‘train-the-trainer’ program, available in English and Spanish, designed for those interested in teaching financial education to others. The Jump$tart Coalition can help educators with curriculum enrichment to ensure that basic personal financial management skills are attained during the K-12 educational experience. The National Endowment for Financial Education also offers practical resources and materials created with educators and facilitators in mind, and the Council for Economic Education offers lesson plans, online teacher training and more resources that can assist in K-12 financial education.
Online resources are not particularly helpful unless you have relatively consistent access to a computer with an Internet connection. If you do not have suitable Internet access, your local public library can help. Find your local public library within the New York State public library system and begin making use of this valuable, free resource today.
File a complaint here if you believe you have been the victim of an Internet scam.
Scott is a pharmaceutical engineer who was laid off, along with others, by a drug company in December of 2008. In an overcrowded job market, he has been out of work for much longer than he ever expected, and he has now expanded his job search beyond New York. Scott attends job fairs and fills out online applications, but the process is starting to wear him down.
Scott says: ‘You…kind of give your mind a break, but as you’re doing something else, you’re thinking, ‘I should be looking for a job,’ so it’s challenging.’ | • Watch Video
Shefik is a web programmer from Brooklyn who was laid off at TIME Magazine and TIME.com. Even with skills that are tailor-made for the digital age, Shefik finds himself hustling around New York City looking for a new job.
As he does so, he is also using much of his new-found free time to develop his own business.
Shefik says: ‘There are a lot of [web jobs] out there, but it’s just about maintaining that integrity of what I want to do.’ | • Watch Video
