If you’re like the 78% of people who live paycheck to paycheck, an injury that keeps you out of work can be devastating to your finances.
Even if you qualify for workers’ compensation for the injury, you won’t get your full paycheck. The common amount is 60% or two-thirds of what you made on average a week before the injury.
Can you pay your bills on 60% of your salary?
Add in medical bills and other injury-related expenses to your regular monthly bills, and your bank account drains quickly.
Whether money was already tight or you’re worried about your smaller income, making money from home helps you compensate for lost wages. Many of the money-making ideas are things you can do even while injured.
Read out suggestions for coming up with cash quickly. They won’t make you rich fast, but they may help you keep your bills current until you get back to work.
Sell What You Don’t Need
You’re out and work and at home anyway. Why not use that time to go through those storage areas you’ve been meaning to declutter? Selling those old items you no longer use is a quick way to make cash since you get paid as soon as you sell them.
The fastest way to sell your belongings is locally through a swap group, Craigslist, or similar online postings. You can get rid of the item right away without messing with shipping. You also don’t pay any fees on most sites like Facebook or Craigslist, which means you keep the entire sale.
Online auction sites such as eBay let you reach more buyers. If mobility is an issue, consider you’ll have to package and ship the items sold on eBay. You also lose a portion of the selling price to the eBay fees.
Some people flip items through these online selling formats by purchasing things cheaply at garage sales, flea markets, or thrift stores. Then, they sell them for a higher price to make a profit. Make sure the profit is worth it and that the items you buy will sell for as much as you hope.
Freelance With Existing Skills
Do you know how to program computers, develop websites, take professional-quality photos, or write marketing copy? Work on a freelance basis using those skills to make money from home while you’re out of work.
You can offer your services locally or to people you already know. Expand into the online world by creating an online portfolio of your work. Fiverr is a website where you can post your freelance services to find clients.
Rent Out Space
Do you have an extra room you’re not using? Maybe you live in a big city and have off-street parking available near attractions. Renting out those spaces gives you money for space you’re not using anyway.
Renting a room on a site like Airbnb lets you reach lots of potential renters. You’ll find the most potential renters if you live close to major attractions. You can rent a single bedroom, a mother-in-law suite, or even a full apartment or home if you own a second residence.
Always check on local zoning laws before renting out part of your driveway or a room in your home. Some cities restrict this type of rental service because it’s considered a commercial activity.
Make Something to Sell
If you’re the creative type, consider making a product you can sell online. Jewelry, hand-pained signs, homemade soap, and wreaths are just a few options you can sell on sites like Etsy. You can also sell locally through swap sites, farmers markets, craft shows, and similar venues.
Crafts aren’t the only thing you can sell. Some people make baked goods or decorate cakes. Check on your state and local laws to make sure you can legally make and sell food items from your home.
If you’re handy with tools, consider making wooden crafts, such as shelves. If you have welding tools on hand, you can make metal decor to sell.
Drive for Ride-Sharing Services
Depending on the type and severity of your injuries, you may be able to drive for a ride-sharing company. Services like Uber and Lyft let you take on driving jobs that fit your schedule. That makes it more flexible if you can only work for short periods or have other commitments.
Do Surveys and Focus Groups
These options won’t make you rich, but you can make a little spare money by giving your opinion. Many online survey companies pay you a small amount for each survey you complete. Online or in-person focus groups might give you free products or compensate you for your time.
Some of these companies let you accrue your earnings until you cash out once you reach a minimum amount. You might have the option for cash or for gift cards to different stores. Choosing a gift card for a store you shop at frequently helps offset your costs, which can help your overall budget while you’re out of work.
File a Legal Case
Taking legal action isn’t a quick way to earn cash. But you may eventually get the financial compensation you deserve. That can help you get caught up on the medical bills and other financial obligations you’ve been struggling to meet.
If someone else caused your injury due to negligence, an unsafe work environment, or similar situations, may have grounds for a legal case. These cases are usually based on a contingency fee, which means the lawyers only get their fees if they get money for you. You can read more here about legal options for construction injuries.
Earn Money While Out of Work
Whether you’ll be out of work for a few weeks or several months, you’ll likely feel the financial strain. Finding side jobs and extra ways to make money can help you stay on top of those bills.
Check out more of our money articles to find more ways to make money, save money, and make better financial decisions to help you through your injury.
