After getting laid off many workers would like to get back into the labor force. But the current economy is making that nearly impossible. To help with the retraining of the workforce, President Obama has passed several measures to help improve the future prospects of those people who are laid off today. Here are a few of the programs available to laid off workers.Unemployment compensationEvery laid off worker knows about this one. It is mandatory for an employer to let you know how to contact unemployment if you are laid off. Most state have the entire process online. Unemployment compensation is a percentage of your previous gross but has a maximum limit. It is not nearly enough, but it is better than nothing. All states allow you to make some money before your unemployment is decreased. Check with your local unemployment office for the exact amount. So, if you get a part time job, you can actually increase your pay while being laid off. President Obama has extended unemployment compensation to a total of 59 weeks. There are 46 weeks at full benefits and 13 weeks with reduced benefits. It may not seem like much, but at least it is some kind of safety net. For older workers it may be enough to get you through until you can file for social security. BVR/WIAThe Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation was designed to help laid off, displaced, and challenged workers to compete in the job market. The Workforce Improvement Act is designed to do the same thing, but has less funding. Both methods of funding are designed to offer workers the chance to go to college, technical or trade school, or simply work with them through a job coaching setup so that they learn a new skill without being on the payroll of a company. Both of these programs are overwhelmed right now, but the president has authorized more funds to help with the load of unemployed workers and those facing impending mass layoffs. While the process is slow and tedious, it pays off by getting you trained with a skill that will help you to return to work and, hopefully, make more money than ever before.Help with COBRAThe stimulus plan includes help with your COBRA healthcare premiums if you qualify, and can subsidize 65% of your premiums. It covers COBRA continuation premiums for up to nine months for workers who have been involuntarily terminated, and for their families. To qualify for premium assistance, a worker must be involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. The subsidy would terminate upon offer of any new employer sponsored health care coverage or Medicare eligibility. Workers who were involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008, and enactment -- but failed to initially elect COBRA because it was not affordable -- would be given an additional 60 days to elect COBRA and receive the subsidy. Participants must attest that their same-year income will not exceed $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for families. The government is doing quite a few things to help laid off workers. It is offering increased funds to existing resources and creating new ones to help cope with all of the company layoffs. Hopefully, this article has helped you get a few ideas about who to contact for help.