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.state.ny.us.

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 New York is a food assistance program, which provides you with $30 worth of quality food for $14. To qualify, you must do two hours of community service. Call 718-518-1513 to find out about the closest Share Center.

Employment and Training Referral Services
Veterans Employment Service: Call 800-342-3358.

Federation Employment & Guidance Services (FEGS): Call 212-366-8400 or visit 135 Hudson St., New York, NY 10013.

Office of Vocational and Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID): Call 212-630-2300 or visit 116 W. 32nd St., 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Workforce Career Centers, operated with a grant from the New York City Dept. of Employment, provides comprehensive job training and employment services. It has offices in Manhattan (212-621-0702), Brooklyn (718-694-9100), Queens (718-557-6755), the Bronx (718-960-4678) and Staten Island (718-390-0676).

Workforce Development Program, sponsored by the New York City Central Labor Council, provides free counseling services to union and nonunion persons who are seeking help for family, emotional, stress, marital or drug and alcohol problems. For a confidential appointment, call 212-532-7575.

Budget and Credit Counseling
This service, supported by the New York Central Labor Council and Central Labor Rehabilitation Council, offers union members confidential, one-on-one counseling and advice on such topics as budgeting, debt consolidation, credit reports, consumer rights, establishing credit, home ownership and bankruptcy. For an appointment, call 212-532-1239.

Municipal Credit Union
The MCU will help laid-off members with their loan obligations. Its hardship program permits members with outstanding loans to defer payments on the principal, double the remaining term of the loan, delay mortgage payments up to six months and refinance the loan to lower monthly payments. The credit union will also enter a settlement agreement to permit the member to pay only 85 percent of the current balance. Call 866-836-9844.

Internet sites
Helpful Internet sites for the unemployed include www.nelp.org (the National Employment Law Project), www.nyup.org of (New York Unemployment Project) and www.unemployedworkers.org, which helps workers fight to extend unemployment benefits.