Many of those affected by the failure of the unemployment extension bill are still sending out hundreds of resumes. Image: Flickr / wwworks / CC-BY
This afternoon, the House of Representatives failed to pass an unemployment extension. The unemployment extension would have added an extra 12 weeks to benefits. If Congress takes no action by Nov. 30, hundreds of thousands of people’s benefits will expire.
Unemployment extension basics
The unemployment extension bill that the House failed to pass today would have added extra time to the federal jobless rolls. State unemployment insurance usually covers 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. Federal unemployment extensions then kick in. Federal unemployment extension usually lasts about 73 weeks and continues to pay benefits to the unemployed. States administer the program, but the federal government funds it.
Unemployment extension bill fails
The last few times an unemployment extension has been on the table, the federal government has eventually voted to extend benefits. Six months ago, the House and Senate had a seven-week delay while they debated the $34 billion cost of extending unemployment benefits. Whenever Congress extend has extended unemployment, the extension was made retroactive, meaning those still on the unemployment rolls usually get all the money they would have otherwise.
The problem with unemployment extension
There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people who face losing their unemployment benefits if the extension does not pass. Unemployment insurance is a system that was originally developed as just that — insurance if and when things go wrong. The unemployment extensions are taking a larger and larger toll on the budget as rolls grow. Some economic theory says that supporting the unemployed is an important part of recovery in a weak economy – having no money makes it tough to contribute. At the same time, others say unemployment extensions are costing far too much money, and the money would be better spent on encouraging businesses to hire.
Are you facing a loss of benefits because the unemployment extension did not pass?
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They have no idea how to re-educate themselves and become a job entrepreneur and create one.
Find out, "how to create a brand new job opportunity for the unemployed"
My regular 26 week unemployment is scheduled to end in January. I have been paying into this system since I was 14, I am now 40, and cannot find another job. The unemployment has enabled me to barely keep a float along with my husbands income, but if I dont find another job before my unemployment runs out, and the repubs vote against an extension. Our home will have to go into foreclosure and we will be forced to live with relatives, apply for food stamps, welfare, and whatever other services that I am going to need to survive. Funny how its ok to line the pockets of large corporations and banks but screw the American people.
I am one of the ranks of the unemployed. I have a have been trying to look for a job in the IT sector for about a year. I scour the job boards looking for a job. might have to live with my parents and find a 9 to 10 hr job. not the best but its something. If i don't get this job i hope it passes
The Republicans are almost impossible to deal with on this matter, as todays vote clearly indicates. They have lost touch with the American People, and are only concerned with pleasing their Tea Party cronies! The Democrats almost all, voted to extend benefits to the unemployed, which is an obvious sign, that they are in fact the more responsible party. I urge everyone out there, to go stock up on food and water….oh yea, and get a few guns…..because you are going to need the ammo to protect your food from the Millions of starving unemployed people roaming the streets. You think i'm kidding but i'm not! The Republicans are 100% ignorant and I wish alot of them became unemployed this past election. The fact is, some of the same people needing this unemployment extension voted for these morons. Good job if you voted for ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN! You just cast a vote to put yourself on the street with no food! Congrats!
First, let me say that I am so thankful to have a job in this horrible economy. Let me then say, that turning our back on the unemployed right now, would be the worst decision that has ever been made by the United States Gov't. Let me be very clear, in what I have to say. If in fact, they do not extend benefits….You will see the crime rate SKY ROCKET! People have to eat!