I live in GA and I work part time.im about to have surgery on left hand. It’s called a cmc arthroplasty thumb surgery. I don’t know how I am going to pay my bills with no income.

A) I understand that you are worried about how you will pay your bills after your surgery. Here are some resources that may be able to help:

• Apply for unemployment benefits. As you mentioned, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you are temporarily unemployed due to your surgery. You can apply for benefits online or by phone.
• Contact your health insurance company. Your health insurance company may offer financial assistance to help you pay for your surgery and related expenses.
• Look into government assistance programs. There are a number of government assistance programs that may be able to help you pay your bills, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF.
• Talk to your landlord or mortgage lender. You may be able to work out a payment plan with your landlord or mortgage lender if you are unable to make your full payment.
• Ask for help from family and friends. If you have family and friends who are able to help, don’t be afraid to ask for their support.

Again here are some steps you can consider taking to help manage your finances during this time:

1. Apply for Unemployment Benefits: Since you work part-time and are facing a temporary inability to work due to surgery, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits in Georgia. Be sure to provide accurate information about your situation when filing your claim.
2. Check Eligibility for Disability Benefits: Depending on the nature of your surgery and its impact on your ability to work, you might also want to explore the possibility of applying for short-term disability benefits if applicable. Check with your state’s disability program to see if you qualify.
3. Budgeting: Create a budget to assess your current financial situation. List all your essential expenses, such as housing, utilities, food, and medical costs. Identify areas where you might be able to cut back temporarily.
4. Emergency Fund: If you have an emergency fund, now might be the time to use it to cover essential expenses during your recovery period.
5. Contact Creditors: If you’re unable to make payments on bills or loans due to your circumstances, consider reaching out to your creditors. Some creditors may offer temporary payment arrangements or hardship programs.
6. Community Resources: Look into local community organizations, charities, or non-profits that might provide financial assistance or resources for individuals in need.
7. Surgery Preparation: Talk to your healthcare provider about the estimated recovery time and any limitations you might have during the healing process. This can help you plan for how long you may need financial support.
8. Explore Remote Work: If your surgery doesn’t prevent you from working entirely, explore the possibility of remote or online work options that can be done even with limited mobility.
9. Support Network: Lean on your support network of friends and family during this time. They might be able to offer assistance or provide emotional support.
10. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on any changes in your state’s unemployment benefits policies and guidelines, as well as any resources available for individuals undergoing medical procedures.

Remember that it’s important to have accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation. Reach out to the Georgia Department of Labor or other relevant agencies for the most accurate guidance on unemployment benefits and financial assistance programs available to you.

Here are some additional tips to help you manage your finances after surgery:

• Create a budget and track your spending. This will help you see where your money is going and make sure you are not overspending.
• Cut back on unnecessary expenses. This may mean canceling subscriptions, eating out less, or finding cheaper alternatives for things like transportation and childcare.
• Get help from a financial advisor. If you are struggling to manage your finances, a financial advisor can help you create a plan to get back on track.

I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that these resources will help you get through this difficult time.