I try not to post too much family stuff on here because it's all out in the open. But I think I mentioned that my bro' lost his job. Anyhoo, as he was paid off with a month's notice period, he'd said to me that he couldn't sign on for unemployment benefits until he was officially unemployed. Well, a month has gone by, and now he is quite, quite unequivocally unemployed.
Called him up today, and wanted to know if he was going to the unemployment office on Monday. Nope, says he, I've got to go to the bank to pay a check in. He finally got some (but not all) of his severance pay. Right-o, says I, that'll take, what, 10 minutes? THEN are you going to the unemployment office? Uh, well, I don't know where the nearest one is, says he. OK, then, says I, another 10 minutes to call them and find out. THEN are you going? Well, says he, they probably only give you benefits if you've got no money left, and I just got this check. Ohferheavenssake. He won't even ask them if he's entitled to benefits, and you don't get benefits backdated from when you were officially unemployed - you get them dated to the day you signed up for them. He then said he didn't want to go, and it'd probably be full of junkies and benefits cheats, and, and, and. I pointed out that nobody wants to go to the unemployment office, with the economy the way it is it'd probably be full of people like him, and he's paid his taxes his entire working life so he's entitled to some help when he needs it. Could I persuade him? NO. He said he might go later in the week when he wasn't so busy. [Busy with paying one check into the bank, that is.]
But more exasperating, he's talking about spending his severance money on a new car stereo and a new hands-free phone kit for the car, and some new glasses. And other crap besides. All of which add up to at least a mortgage payment. I pointed out that it may be a long time before he gets a job, and he'd better count the mortgage as his number one priority for any money he has, otherwise he'll end up homeless. To which he hemmed and hawed, and said he was, but just in case he got the job he applied for this week, he could spend the money after he starts working, and he was just writing out everything that he "needs". I reminded him that he needs to include a savings account when he starts getting paid again, so he has a rainy day fund for the future, but that sailed in one ear and out the other, as usual.
Erk. Why oh why are brothers so frustrating?
6 comments:
Is he here or in the UK? Here you can often file an unemployment claim over the phone these days or even online. Just a thought although it does seems he s just not interested. Stubborn boy!!
Geez, he's just intent on digging a hole. IMO, nothing you can do. I've got a sister like that. I've learned to just roll my eyes.
sheesh. you can lead a horse to water...
I think your brother is guilty of being a man. They all behave in a similar mananer. It's sex and not his sibiling status that is the problem...
I live in Florida and applied for unemployment either online or over the phone (can't remember it was a few years ago) - never signed anything, never visited anywhere or anybody. Simply collected my well deserved unemployment check as your brother also deserves!
Don't try to teach a pig to dance. It annoys the pig and wastes your time. I try to remember that with my mom, but it is hard with family, huh?
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