I Just Qualified For The 2nd Fed Extended Unemployment Benefits...And I Might Get Cut Off Tomorrow

[stopbush]

I just received notice on 12/20 that I have qualified for 13 more weeks of Federal Extended unemployment benefits. That works out to $5850 in benefits running into March.

I just sent in my form to claim the first two weeks of benefits, which end on 12/29/12.

If Congress doesn't extend and fund these benefits, I'll be SOL on receiving the remaining $4950 I've qualified for. That money - while only about a THIRD of what I was taking home from my last job - is essential for my family to make ends meet these days. My wife works, but I have no income these days outside of unemployment benefits.

We are currently digging into our retirement accounts to paper over the gaps in meeting our monthly nut.

I would mention that to continue to qualify for Fed benefits, you must look for work and list at least 3 employers per week that you have contacted in your search for work. That's not a problem for me, as I average at least 5 resume submissions a week, but I'm getting fewer responses than ever from employers. Worse, this month alone, I received e-mails from 3 potential employers informing me that they had pulled back on their search and were mothballing the search until further notice. I have to think that all of the economic uncertainty doesn't help when potential employers are deciding if they can afford to hire new staff.

So, thanks to the Rs out there for really screwing me over. Happy fucking New Year.

[freshwest]

1. Sorry about this.. yes, eff the job destroying, people destroying GOP. Your pain is nothing to them.

Hold on tight and let us know what happens. Is there another program you can qualify for because of this?

Naturally if the government gets shut down as the GOP wants, there won't be many people to process the paperwork.

[roguevalley]

2. Oh my god. I am so sorry, StopBush. I wish only the best and will keep positive thoughts

for you and yours.

[loyalkydem]

3. You are in my thoughts. I hope it works out

[renate]

4. how infuriating that people like you are at risk to protect people making $1M a year

It's beyond infuriating, beyond ridiculous... I can't believe the Republicans who are against the deal aren't being swarmed by villagers with torches and pitchforks.

Good luck. I think you'll be okay because public sentiment is behind getting a deal done, but it must be so scary right now.

[stopbush]

7. Thanks. John Nichols was on The Ed Show tonight, pointing out that unemployment benefits

really help the economy. Not only is the money spent immediately, but every $1 in benefits generates $1.10 in the economy. That's a 10% ROI.

I'm hoping they get this done before 1/1/13. Like we're not already stressed out between not having a job and being in the middle of the holidays (which are difficult to truly enjoy when you don't have a job!).

[DearHeart]

5. I'm sorry that you also have to deal with this crap! I just exhausted all of my UI...

and still no job. Living on savings and will have to get a job at Walmart or something very very soon! That is going to kill me

I hope those jerks in DC reach a deal in time for you to continue your UI until March!! Good luck to you!!

[sellitman]

6. I' ve been in your shoes recenly.

Things did get better. Sometimes it's hard to believe they will, but they will.

Hugs

[Pretzel_Warrior]

8. I feel your pain. I work but wife is on unemployment

And waiting to hear if congress extends. It is utter bullshit making so many Americans hang in the balance while they fuck around.