Saturday--Benefits and Resources Information

April 12th, 2025

Assistance Guide for MBN Employees Based in the U.S.

This guide is designed to provide comprehensive information for employees facing job loss and/or financial uncertainty. It covers unemployment benefits, financial aid programs, healthcare access, job search strategies, and legal resources, including guidance under point #6 specifically for J-1 visa holders. YOU CAN SEE THE GUIDE AT THIS LINK

PLEASE NOTE:

Time-sheet info – In case you have NOT completed your timesheet, HR will automatically complete it on your behalf and process your final pay.

Return of property & assets – Please arrange with Lesia Halatyn, Director, HR lhalatynmbn-newscom or call 202 – 246-7425 to return company equipment and/or to remove personal belongings from MBN.

Requests for employment letters: for verification of employment – please contact Hadeel Al Janabi, HR Manager haljanabimbn-newscom or call 703-852-1458; for a recommendation letter please contact your last immediate supervisor where possible.

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1.      Unemployment Benefits & Financial Assistance

If you have lost your job or are facing financial difficulties, you may qualify for various federal and state assistance programs

Unemployment Benefits

§  Virginia Employment Commission (VEC): Administers unemployment benefits.

§  Visit  https://www.vec.virginia.gov/ to file claims.

§  Eligibility varies based on work history and earnings.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

§  Provides food assistance based on income eligibility.

§  Apply via https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi .

Housing Assistance

§  Programs available for rent and mortgage support.

§  Visit https://www.hud.gov/states/virginia/renting for federal and state-specific programs.

2.      Health & Medical Benefits

Medical and dental coverage continue until the last day of the month, in which your employment was terminated.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Claims for eligible expenses must be submitted within the grace period.
    • Contact: Plan Administrator at 1-800-437-3539.

      COBRA Coverage

      • Allows employees to continue their enrollment in their employer-sponsored health insurance plan for a limited time post-employment.
        • Detailed information regarding COBRA will be sent to you in the mail within 10 days of your separation date. If you do not receive information about COBRA in the next two weeks, contact: Hadeel Al Janabi, HR Manager

          Alternative Health Coverage

          • Virginia: Apply through
            • Maryland: Visit
              • Washington, DC: Apply via
                • Medicaid: Available based on income eligibility:

                  3. Retirement & 401(k) Options

                  • Contact:
                    • Cashing Out 401(k):
                      • Rollover Options:

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                        In case employees fulfill age requirements to begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits and wish to apply for benefits, see the following:

                        4. Social Security & Retirement Benefits

                        • Social Security Benefits (Retirement, Disability, & Survivor Benefits)
                          • Medicare (Health Insurance for 65+ or Disabled Individuals)

                            5. Job Search & Career Support

                            • LinkedIn & Networking Groups: https://www.linkedin.com/
                              • Job Boards for Media Professionals:
                                • Virginia Career & Training Resources

                                  6. Assistance for J-1 Visa Holders

                                  §  Immigration Resources:

                                  MBN’s Immigration Attorney: Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP (Jan Pederson)

                                  Address: 6931Arlington Road, Suite 450

                                  Bethesda, MD 20814

                                  Phone Number: Cell: 202-256-4989

                                  Phone: 240-583-0003 Fax: 240-583-0013

                                  E-mail: janwcslawcom

                                  www.wcslaw.com

                                  §  Support for Employees on J-1 Visas

                                  §  If you are a J-1 visa holder, you may need legal, employment, and humanitarian support. Here are several practical resources which could be helpful:

                                  §  Visa Status & Legal Assistance

                                  •                     Consult an Immigration Lawyer – If you need further legal assistance, consult a qualified immigration attorney. You can find specialists through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) at www.aila.org.

                                  •                     U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov for official guidelines, forms, and instructions regarding J-1 visa extensions or status changes.

                                  •                     National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – Provides resources and legal information for immigrants www.nilc.org

                                  7. Humanitarian & Refugee Support

                                  For J-1 visa holders unable to return home due to war/conflict:

                                  • United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) –
                                    • International Rescue Committee (IRC) –
                                      • Local Embassy Assistance – Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for guidance.

                                        Professional Organizations Which Provide Advocacy Support

                                        •                     Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) – Provides legal aid and resources for journalists. Visit www.spj.org  for more information.

                                        •                     Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) – Assists at-risk journalists worldwide. Visit www.cpj.org  for details.

                                        •                     National Press Club Journalism Institute – Offers financial aid and job assistance for journalists in need. Visit www.press.org  for more information.

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                                        8. Mental Health & Well-Being

                                        • NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free resources & support groups.
                                          • Free Virtual Mental Health Services:

                                            This document is designed to provide employees with information concerning various resources which may be available during employment transitions.  If you have questions, please send an email to/or call Hadeel Al Janabi, HR Manager/Employee Relations haljanabimbn-newscom_703-852-1458. You may also contact: Lesia Halatyn, Director, HR lhalatynmbn-newscom or call 202 – 246-7425.