More states plan to end unemployment benefits and pandemic aid early. What to know

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

23 states are backing out of the $300 weekly federal bonus checks as soon as June, with Florida being the latest state to announce it's canceling extended federal unemployment benefits. That'll cut off more than 3.6 million people from getting payments.

The extra $300 payment per week and the benefits extension to Sept. 6, along with the allocation of pandemic unemployment assistance to the self-employed are part of the American Rescue Plan passed in March. Last week, Labor Department officials declared that the federal government cannot intervene to provide jobless benefits once states cancel participation. Also, the White House is unable to force state governors to pay out the extra federal benefits.

So what does that mean for those who are unemployed? We'll tell you what you need to know, including how the IRS has started refunding millions to those taxed on their 2020 unemployment checks. Here's the latest about the advanced child tax credit payments starting in July and stimulus "plus-up" payments. You might also be interested in how you could get thousands back for child care expenses -- like day care costs -- with the new child tax credit. This story has been updated with new information.

Which states are opting out of the enhanced federal unemployment benefits?

So far, 23 states have announced plans to cancel the enhanced pandemic-related unemployment benefits. Citing labor shortages, state governors claim that this unemployment coverage discourages workers from taking jobs. Some economists and analysts disagree, noting that several factors are preventing people from finding suitable work, including lack of child care and fear of contracting COVID-19.

https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/more-states-continue-to-end-unemployment-benefits-and-pandemic-aid-early-what-to-know/

[Lovie777]

1. Well at least 27 states will continue and still have good employment numbers . . . .

where the economy will greatly improve.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. GOP Governors cutting their own throats....

Voters will begin to feel the effects that $300 was making in their daily lives. They will remember come Election day as they stand in line for hours and hours.

It is they do not want to work, but given what state they live in and what the Minimum Wage is in that state, makes a difference of whether they can get childcare or not. That $300 was helping Americans in a positive and impactful way.

Gear up Democratic Party candidates to pounce on the cruelty of GOP lawmakers and Governors.

[napi21]

3. It's WRONG to eliminate that $300, but what's worse is that we have to recognize there are employers

who actually pay people so little that unemployment benefits are actually higher! Instead of complaining that employees aren't coming back to work, they should be hiding under a rock in shame for paying them so little!!!

[dlk]

4. I wonder where states opting out are redirecting the federal funds?

Something smells funny!