Unemployment $$ running out...

[kval07]

NYT: Aid to unemployed is running out - The New York Times- msnbc.com

An estimated 1.5 million will exhaust their unemployment benefits by year end. I'm trying to decide if the goverment will extend them again or not. I just don't know. The program at this point is out of control. I know just recently when I had to call to claim my weeks in Michigan, it would take upwards of 15-20 minutes for the call to go through. I'm so thankful I only had to call twice!

I want to say that I don't want the gov't to extend more benefits, just because of the spending frenzy already going on up there on Capitol Hill. BUT at the same time, I think about the negative effect no income period will have on all these people who will run out of benefits. What will happen to them? Their kids? Their houses? And what about the even bigger damage to the local economies?

This one is a tough one for me. It seems unfair that all the good hardworking people out there who lost their jobs through no fault of their own should have to suffer the consequences, but I don't believe the gov't should be handing out checks until the end of time either.

Should the government extend benefits for people again and why or why not? Are you one of those people who will run out or have already done so?? What are your plans? How did you deal or how do you plan to deal?

[beth119]

I'm on the fence about this...

Unemployment is always the LAST thing to recover during economic downturns... BUT.. you are right... there are a lot of people who are unemployed....

[cheynesnana]

I'm hoping there's one more extension.. I agree that the government can't keep handing it out.. but by the end of September there will be over 100,000 people in Michigan with no benefits.. my roommate has 3 checks left and he's done.. he keeps getting interviews, but no jobs. It's really going to be hard if that many people are without any source of income!

[beth119]

What about extending it to the HARDEST HIT STATES?

[MyPriceSavings]

I know mine just ended and I don't know what I am going to do. Take out student loans? I am a student and have worked full-time all my life until I was laid off almost a year ago. I have been actively looking for work with a few temp jobs in between but most of those I would get to the work site just to get sent home. Only a year left of school but what do I do until then.....I really need an extension but prolly won't be eligible bc I have exhaused.

[faeryedark]

IDK, this is a toughy. I want to say,if the person is truely looking for work. Then yeah, extend it. I know acouple that don't "seem" to be doing all that much looking. I keep hearing..."Well, I applied online for this and that."
But, I see places hiring and I tell those people...the response is less than enthusiastic.
I deliver a bulk delivery to the unemployment office so I see notices up. I tell those people .."look, so and so is hiring but you have to GO to the unemployment office and ask for referral (per the statement on the notice)"
So, that irritates a little.
My husband's company hired 2 people 4 mos. ago. I told my friend's hubby as soon as I knew to get his app. in. He waited 2 weeks. By then there was a hiring freeze.
At the same time, my friend is working 2 jobs and they're okay right now as long a he's getting unemployment but if it runs out and he's still unemployed, they're sunk.
So, IDK :sad:

[Lucky1307]

I can't say for sure what needs to happen. BF and I were both receiving unemployment and are both still actively seeking work. My benefits ran out a month ago. Thanks to HCW and the things I have learned here I have been able to feed us and our pets very cheaply(even made money last month). I have also been selling parts of my little stockpile and we take in a pretty good collection of pop can/bottles. BF's benefits look to run out this month. He was employed and was running his own business at the same time. He was also smart with his money and has a little back-up. He is doing jobs that at this time last summer we would have passed on, we are using free marketing to advertise his business and he has begun selling some of his personal "project" cars. We have no credit card debit, I have student loans but no payments because I have no income. But please we do not live badly and if push comes to shove we can get rid of cable($36/month) and internet($50/month). I hate to get rid of the internet because we use it for HCW and his business. Another option(I know not many can do this) is to extend our house payment from the 4 years 2 months to 9 years 2 months. We bought on contact and the house payment is $389 if we extend the life it will be under $200. Our personal goal is to not let that be an option.

[jldemole]

It needs to be extended. I was laid off 7 months ago from a job I was at for 5 years. I've applied to companies for $8 an hr and CANNOT even be interviewed because "I'm overqualified" and they don't want to waste time hiring someone like me who will only leave when the economy picks up.

My husband was laid off less than two weeks ago after being employed for 8 years . Struggling doesnt begin to explain our situation. For the first time in our lives we are TRYING to get public assistance and are so embarassed by it because we have ALWAYS worked and supported our family. But right now we are not going to make it.

I agree there are alot of people out there who take advantage of the programs out there. Right now we are on the side that NEEDS help and CANNOT be penalized because of scoundrals who are taking advantage of the assistance that is out there.

By the same token, I am also one of those who think the government is handing money out like it grows on trees. MY personal issue is WHO they are handing the money to, and the lack of responsibilites and ACCOUNTABILITY that SHOULD go along with it. If these people cannot explain where the money is going (bonus's anyone) then they need to return the money (or forced to return it) and the money be allocated to other resources that need it. (Like shoot some my way)