BellaOnline Forums Career Unemployment Waiting for Congress to Extend Unemployment Benefits

What are your feelings about extending UI benefits? It was back in April this year when I lost my home as I waited on Congress to approve an extension. Will the November deadline be affecting any of you. There are many people rallying for the jobless, and for an extension to be passed. Check out unemploymentextensions.org, and unemployedworkers.org

I've been unemployed a year now. In my little town there isn't much work and I've applied to the outlying towns but I really don't get much response to the resumes I send out. It's so frustrating. I think the benefits should be extended; to those that are truly trying to find work.

Amy, I am so sorry to hear about the challenge you are now facing.

What type of work are you seeking?

I agree with you Amy, the benefits should be extended. I believe most people who are receiving UI are actively seeking employment, but it's not easy these days finding someone who is hirng, or making it past the crowds of people who are applying for one spot. Congress has to understand that it's just taking longer to come out of unemployment right now. I'm believing that you will find something soon!

I have two weeks left of unemployment benefits left. That is it. I just found out last Monday that I would not move on to my third tier if Congress does not extend unemployment. With 2 million people depending on unemployment benefits, I don't see how they can't extend the benefits.

Could someone explain to me how unemployment benefits work in the US? eg do you get them as soon as you are not working, how long you get them for etc. What does moving on the the third tier mean? What do people do if they cannot get benefits or if their benefit runs out?

In the UK there are various benefits if people are out of work. The governnment proposing reforming a complicated system by introducing a universal credit to replace all work-related benefits.

Hi MissMay:

I was on unemployment for 2 years and did not get the last $1,499 I was owed.

It is so sad that folks are not getting any help and I hope they do EXTEND so that you go on to your next tier.

Please let us know how you are doing - WE CARE!!!

Hi Asha:

I am sure Candice will respond shortly, but I saw your post and will respond based on my personal experience.

You have to first apply and then wait for approval. Once approved, you do not get paid for the first week, but then every week thereafter.

Tiers are after your initial claim, also known as extensions and have to be passed through whatever congress or senate system they have in place for approval. Tiers were created because of the recession. In normal times, you get the initial claim for about 6 months (less or more).

Thanks for this Angela. Quesitons for you or Candice:
1) Do the tiers kick in before the six months or after?
2) Do you still get benefit if you have savings?
3) Can the benefit help pay towards your mortage if you own a house?

Hi Asha:

I will go ahead and answer and I am sure Candice will add when she is next online.

1) The tiers kick in after the 6 months and are only offered during emergencies.

2) Your savings does not affect you getting this benefit.

3) You can use the benefit to pay whatever you want to pay.

I am here is you have any other questions

And I am dying to see what Candice has to say.