It’s been 4 months since I lost my job in November of 2024.
As of today, I still have not been able to secure a part-time job replacement. Plant sales, although consistent, only bring minimal amounts of revenue. I also learned that both of my recent unemployment appeals were denied, so they are taking 2 weeks of payments back, deducted from my weekly payout allowance going forward instead of deducting it from my Unemployment Fund (what I have paid in for 40+ years / balance of almost $4000.00 unused). See the image below; this week I’m being paid $31.22 in unemployment.
As a result of my job loss, not yet being able to find a replacement part-time job yet, low plant sales revenue, health issues, and learning of MS brain atrophy, I have decided to take my Social Security benefits early. Solely for the purpose of knowing I will have some type of income beyond my unemployment each month. My first check is due April 2025, so I just need to ‘survive’ March. I still plan on working part-time somewhere.
I was also made aware in October of 2024 that my apartment building would be put on the market sometime in late 2025 for sale. That will certainly raise my monthly rent 100% minimum. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is around $1250. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is around $1,400–$1,626 per month. The size of the apartment can affect the rent. I currently have a 3-bedroom, so downsizing is mandatory. My Social Security check ($1121) alone wouldn’t even cover my monthly rent.
It’s with extreme discomfort and desperation that I am forced to ask for help. I’ve set up a donation fund to help offset expenses/debt I have incurred as a result of my job loss. If you would consider it, whatever amount you elect would be greatly appreciated. No amount you opt to give is too little; i.e., $25 is cool! Click on the donate button to proceed, then enter an amount you would like to donate. No PayPal account required. You can use a debit or credit card to fund your donation. It’s private and secure. And if you decide to not make a donation, for any reason, that is perfectly fine, and there would not be any hard feelings. There’s also no need to explain why. These are trying times for us all.
I’ve never forgotten those of you who have always helped and supported me throughout my lifetime, whenever I needed it. You are loved back.
For the sake of transparency, here is a screen capture of my unemployment earnings since November 2024.
