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Today President Obama unveiled the new website www.opportunity.gov to help those who are looking for work get help with training in new careers while keeping their jobless benefits.

Currently, unemployed workers who stop looking for work while going to school lose their benefits, but the new legislation will change that.

Also, where Pell grants were based on your last year’s income tax return, if you’re jobless, that will no longer be the criteria for determining the eligibility for a Pell Grant and finally, the Pell Grant is increased by $500 to a total of $5,350.

I know from personal experience how programs like this help people regroup and get into careers that enable them to weather this kind of economic downturn. When I was laid off in 2000, South Carolina had such a program in place and I was able to take advantage of it which was the start of my path on the career I”m now working in.

Although I am employed, so don’t qualify for the Pell Grant, I still qualify for the $2500 tax credit that is also a part of this legislation.

I also know of a man who was laid off from his job in December who is currently getting his certifications in Microsoft processes using this education incentive. It’s enabled him to achieve a long-time goal while still managing to survive.

In today’s labor market, where tougher employee screening practices is making it tough to get to the head of the pack, having more education and certifications on your resume can only help.

If you’re currently unemployed, does your state offer retraining benefits along with traditional unemployment benefits? If it doesn’t would you take advantage of them if it ever did? Have you ever benefited from such a training program?

Let’s hear your story!

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