California Unemployment Rate 12.6% - 4.7 Million Jobless Depending On Tier 5 Unemployment

According to the most recent estimates from the Census, the State of California has the largest population in the country with a total population of 37,172,015. [Source]  Consider this when you factor in the most currently known unemployment rate in that state, 12.6%, and you can total at least 4.7 Million Jobless Americans in California alone.  The largest state impacted by this recession due to population. [Source] 

These figures are based on March, 2010 unemployment numbers taken at face value.  They do not take into account anyone in that state who may be off the grid and uncounted.  Not to mention all of the workers who are trying to obtain any work they can get; be that 20 hours, 10 hours, or even 4 hours a week or less.  Under the current system for calculation, these persons are counted as employed. 

When talking about California unemployment alone, it is safe to measure that number in millions.  And millions are depending on the action of government for a Tier 5 Unemployment Extension.  Just like everywhere else in the country, job creation is slow at best.  The State's system for handling unemployment claims is flooded. 

California's EDD (Employment Development Department) cannot keep up with the demands of the millions of jobless in California.  Comparable to other unemployment systems in other states, the system is out-dated and cannot keep up with the demand.  Nonetheless, millions depend on that system. 

The official website for the Employment Development Department:  http://wwwedd.cahwnet.gov/

Links to forums or or other social gathering where the unemployed in California can collaborate information: 

Four Pillars Forum - California Unemployment Benefit Extension

Unemployed-Friends Forum - California

Facebook Group - California Government

If anyone knows of other sources for the millions of unemployed to gain information, please post in comments.  This is an ongoing effort to provide as many resources as possible to the millions of jobless in California, including the advocacy of a fifth tier of unemployment benefits. 

With this many millions unemployed, Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein need to be doing all they can to advocate for the continued extension of unemployment insurance to these people.  In addition to the 53 Representatives in Washington, D.C. representing the districts in California.  Contact information for these Representatives can be found here:  http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=CA

If you are a long term unemployed Californian you may be already aware of these resources, however if you are someone laid off late last year this information may be useful.  This is a continuing project of US Unemployed Blogsite to post information for all states in an effort to make an organized contact sheet for the jobless in America.

Resources For Managing Your Finances While Unemployed

The loss of a job can drain you both emotionally and financially. Below you will find resources gathered by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions to help you manage debt, avoid foreclosure, cut expenses, and more.  This is an area of the blog which may be expanded as more resources are recognized.

Credit and Debt Help

Paying off or keeping up with large amounts of debt can be difficult when you are unemployed. Learn more about your rights and what to do if you are over your head in debt.

How to Deal With Creditors Dealing with creditors can be difficult and stressful, especially after the loss of a job. Choosing a Credit Counselor Reputable credit counselors can advise you on managing debt and help you budget. Debt Consolidation Advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation.

What To Do If You’re Knee Deep in Debt If you are overwhelmed by debt, learn about some of the options available to you. Repairing Bad Credit Credit cannot be repaired overnight. Learn how to help yourself and how to spot scams.

Local Credit Counselors

Consumer Counseling Northwest CCNW serves Western Washington. Credit Counseling Services of Inland NW CCCS serves the Spokane Area.

Credit Counseling Service of Tri-Cities Serves the Tri-Cities area. Credit Counseling Service of Yakima Serves the Yakima Valley area.

Avoiding Fraud and Scams

Fraudsters specifically target the unemployed. Avoid becoming a victim of a scam or fraud by learning about the latest scams.

Web Scam That Targets the Unemployed Information about a scam targeting the local unemployed. Financial Fraud Alerts Local financial fraud alerts from the Department of Financial Institutions.

Consumer Alerts Local consumer alerts from the Washington Office of the Attorney General. Alerts from BBB Alerts from the local Better Business Bureau.

Trouble Paying Your Mortgage - Avoiding Foreclosure

Foreclosure is a stressful situation for those who must go through it. If you
are having trouble making your monthly mortgage payment, seek help right away.

Foreclosure & Homeownership Counseling Free counseling sponsored by the State of Washington. Information about Foreclosure Information about foreclosure and possible alternatives.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams Information about foreclosure rescue scams and what to look for. Loan Modification Services - Caution Be cautious of someone offering to help modify the terms of your home loan.

Cutting Expenses

One of the first things you need to do when you lose a job is cut spending.
Find creative ways to cut costs on utilities, groceries, entertainment, etc.

66 Ways to Save Money 66 ways you can start saving money today! Saving Money on Groceries Tips on how to save money when grocery shopping. Save on Energy Costs Tips on how to save on your energy bill. Save Money on Your Utilities Tips on how to save on your utility bills.

Save Money at The Gas Pump How to save on gas. Save Money on Entertainment Ideas on how to save money on entertainment. Save Money on Phone, Internet, TV Tips on how to save money. More Resources and Tips Resources and tips on how to save money.

 

Budgeting and Managing Money

Managing money while unemployed can be difficult. Learn more about managing
money during tough times and how to set up a tight budget.

Tips for Managing Your Money Tips on how to manage money during tough economic times. Household Budget Worksheet Interactive budgeting worksheet.

Budget Building Tips on how to build a tight budget from Today Show contributor, Jean Chatzky. Saving On A Tight Budget You can save money - even on tight budgets.

Retirement Accounts and Health Care Coverage

Many unemployed workers worry about their retirement and insurance coverage.
Learn more from what happens to your retirement and insurance coverage after a
job loss.

WA Department of Retirement Systems The Department of Retirement Systems administers retirement benefits for public employees throughout Washington. Job Dislocation - Making Smart Financial Choices (PDF) Information about making smart financial choices after a job loss. Retirement and Health Care Coverage Q&A’s about retirement and health care coverage for dislocated workers.

Protect Your Health Coverage and Retirement Benefits Helpful information about health care coverage and retirement benefits. Your Employer's Bankruptcy - How Will It Affect Your Employee Benefits? Fact sheet  on how an employer’s bankruptcy will affect your benefits. Protecting Pension and Health Care Benefits After Job Loss Tips on protecting your pension and health care benefits after a job loss.

Taxes

The loss of a job can create new tax issues. Learn more about filing taxes while unemployed.

Financially Distressed Taxpayers The IRS recently announced new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers. Tax Impact Of Job Loss (PDF) The loss of a job may create new tax issues for you. Learn more from the IRS. Unemployment Compensation Information from the IRS about unemployment compensation.

VITA Program: Free Tax Help Help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.  Earned Income Tax Credit The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate incomes. Taxpayer Rights Your rights as a taxpayer.