Services
DC 37 Laid-off Member Services
Safety net for laid-off members
Resources for the unemployed
In addition to the assistance offered by DC 37, a number of resources are available to help laid off members find jobs and support themselves during unemployment.
Unemployment Insurance
To file an unemployment insurance claim, call 1-888-209-8124. For hearing impaired individuals, call 1-800-662-1220. Information is available on the New York State Dept. of Labor Web site at www.labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm.
Government services
Several federally-funded programs exist to help unemployed people, including public assistance, Supplemental Security Income, emergency food allotments, food stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Medicaid, Medicare and the WIC program. Call 800-342-3009.
Food Assistance
SHARE is a food assistance program, which provides you with approximately $35 to $45 worth of quality frozen meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and shelf stable items at approximately 50% savings. To qualify, you must do two hours of community service. Call 1-800-595-3663 to find out about the closest Share Host Center or visit the Share website at https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/about_spa.htm.
Employment and Training Referral Services
- Veterans Employment Service: Call 800-342-3358.
- Federation Employment & Guidance Services (FEGS): Call 212-366-8400.
- ACCESS-VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) – Assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and independent living. Call 212-630-2300 or submit your question online at https://www.acces.nysed.gov/contact-us. Visit ACCESS-VR at 116 W. 32nd St., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Workforce1 Career Centers: Workforce1 is a service provided by the NYC Department of Small Business Services that prepares and connects qualified candidates to job opportunities in New York City through career centers in all five boroughs. For details, go to https://maps.nyc.gov/sbs/
Municipal Credit Union
The Municipal Credit Union MCU will help members who are facing challenging times. From time to time, everyone faces situations in life, such as job loss, that test their resolve and leave a lasting impact on all areas of their life. MCU’s portfolio of products & services, along with the resources they have available, can help you confront the financial challenges that arise from these situations, as well as deal with the transitions that come about because of your changing financial circumstances. The MCU can be reached at (212) 693-4900.
Internet sites
Helpful Internet sites for the unemployed include www.nelp.org (the National Employment Law Project) and https://nyup.tripod.com of (New York Unemployment Project) which help workers fight to extend unemployment benefits; and https://groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclenewyorkcity/ (Freecycle New York City), an innovative project that, via e-mail, connects people who have things they want to throw away with others who can use those things — for free.
