Have you lost your unemployment benefits?
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AC360°
The unemployed will now stop getting checks once they run out of their state benefits or current tier of federal benefits.
Top Democrats tore into one of their Republican counterparts yesterday for blocking an extension of unemployment benefits that would provide assistance to millions of jobless Americans.
The Senate adjourned last week without approving extensions of cash and health insurance benefits for the unemployed after Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Kentucky, blocked the measure by insisting that Congress first pay for the $10 billion package. The emergency measure needed unanimous consent to pass.
Bunning, who is retiring at the end of this year, said he doesn't oppose extending the programs, he just doesn't want to add to the deficit. Democrats claim the bill is an emergency measure that should not be subject to new rules requiring that legislation not expand the deficit.
Have you lost your unemployment benefits as a result? We want to hear from you! Let us know.
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Filed under: Unemployment |
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I am not sure when I loose it. It could be this month or could be May depending on what the last extension was. However I thought they were out of money and we were all going to lkoose it.
As many people that honestly need unemployment there are many who abuse the system. Ask any Union worker who work side jobs and receive unemployment plus low cost COBRA!!!!
I've got a job with the government, so I'll never be unemployed.
I am one of those people and its time the rest of the Senate steps up and takes him down. These benefits are all some of us have.
Refer yor creditiors to Senator Bunning. You c an probably find him at fox news with the rest of the people who only care about themselves and their money.
No, I am not one of the unemployed but I agree with the Senator for not passing more unemployment benefits. I agree if it is extended other entitlement programs should be cut because America can not go more into debt. I will argue that several Union workers on unemployment brag of side jobs (cash job and not paying taxes) collecting unemployment, and paying low cost Cobra should not continue riding on my hard working tax monies! Enough is enough!
I have lost my unemployment benefits as of last week. I have been unemployed for 13 months and have been actively looking for work. It is tough going in my city and I am really hoping we get a break soon. Thank God my husband is still employed . I am afraid of what will happen if the extension does not happen or I do not find a job. Senator Bunning should really take the time to consider the consequences of his action. Not everybody can be as lucky as he is not to have to scrape here and there to make ends meet. As one of the people said in his/her comment, may be I should start considering moving to Kentucky.
Reading your stories...my heart sinks at the thought of so many good people in such need. I hope your country can find a way through this soon, and I am grateful once again for supports we have here.
My last UI payment will be in my account on Wednesday. This is the end of Tier 4. It is amazing to me that these idiots in Congress, knowing full well that the unemployment rate is unacceptibly high, just could not care less. The numbers are there...for every dollar of UI given, we as the unemployed or underemployed, put $1 plus back into the economy.
My daughter-in-law and others will lose the additional Tiers and State Emergency Benefits because of the expiration. I guess it was too much to ask that a Tier 5 and 6 be created and the dates moved to the end of the year, so that so many Americans and their families can eat, stay warm and barely survive. Many families have both bread winners out of work.
What will I do from this point on, you ask. Well, I will tell my creditors the truth and they will sue me and I will lose my vehicle, insurance, etc. That should make it easier to find a job. I have already sold what little jewelry I had. I guess you break up the furniture and build a bonfire to stay warm and, of course, food is out of the question. What should we do – ask Congress, they seem to think they know what is best...a health insurance program that will rape and pillage the American people and the insurance companies. God Bless!
I have at least two disbursements left on my current tier and now I can't receive them. I'm a single dad of two and need those benefits now! Please approve the extension Senator Bunning.
I've been out of work since last May. I'm in tier 2 right now. I don't know if I lost benefits yet. Sigh. My pay is less than 150 dollars a week but at least it bought me food. I'm single and had to move back in with my mother because of this.
I hope this changes soon!
Good luck to those considering welfare. I've been trying since 2000 to get SSI benefits because of my depression and anxiety issues. This government is a waste of space in my opinion.
No jobs in my area, coping with a disability and trying to get my financial situation combined with Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Kentucky, blocked unemployment measure is inhumane. It is a clear message of insensitivity, and will be very inhumane if citizens of this nation who wants to work and earn income to have ever means to contribute for their retirement ends up sick from the stress and like beggars in the street. This will send a clear message that someone like Sen. Jim Bunning, just does not care. The unemployed should form groups and rally around congress.
Our vote is mightier than our dollar. We the poor and unemployed remember our dollar will feed us today but our vote will feed our future. We are able to see who gives a ___ and who does not. The poor and unemployed are informed. We will exercise the right to vote and remember Bunning when we do. We will not forget when we vote.
I'm from New York and have been unemployed for a year and a half. Jobs a scarce and unfortunately this was my last week left before a new extension. Why do we put people in power that only care about them selfs? If he doesn't want to extend unemployment atleast do something to help us find jobs instead of sitting with other Republicans trying to block everything President Obama does.
I haven't lost my unemployment benefits as yet, but, will in appx 6 weeks; my husband is having major heart surgery tomorrow and I also had major heart surgery in July, after I was fired. We will manage some how, but, at the moment there are more pressing things to consider.
Yes, my benefits have now ended. My husband and I have both been contributing members of society our entire lives. We have been married 29 years and I became unemployed with the bank of my employment failed in 2008. My husband was laid off then rehired and relocated to South Georgia. We have been supporting two households on one salary for the past 18 months. My husband has now been notified his location is closing and he will also be unemployed. We have both been successful executives our entire careers, but there are not jobs in Georgia. We have a 11 year old and a 18 year about to graduate and attempt to go to college, however we are not sure we will even be able to keep our home. The benefits I was receiving at least helped up to put food on the table. Such a shame....I've never seen anything like this in my 48 years. It's truly sad.
I am one of the many americans who is part of this major problem. Yes, I understand that these things must be paid for, however, cutting off benefits will not solve the problem, it will actually increase the problem beyond belief. The unemployed who do not receive their benefits will not be able to feed their families, pay rent , pay mortagages, buy gas to go out and find jobs, and most importantly PAY THEIR TAXES. Has the senate thought about that one? I don't think so! The government needs to "think outside of the box" to bring down the deficit, and pay the bills. More taxes on the american people won't do it. They do not have to worry about unemployment and having no money because they are set for life. I foresee many problems coming down the pipeline and the american people will only take so much before their anger explodes.
I am one of those unemployed w/o benefits now. It's scary because I was planning on having another federal extension but all of the sudden this guy who will have high-level healthcare for life and raises ($$) even after he retires puts the stop to everything. It's tough because the job market is flooded with people interviewing so it's highly competitive and that was a life line. It's disappointing all the way around.
I am fortunate enough to have a job but my mother's benefits are gone. Her money stopped last week and when she tried to get them extended was told it wasn't possible. Now her COBRA insurance is in jeopardy. My mother is a cancer survivor who suffers from diabetes and side affects from chemotherapy. With insurance she pays almost $200 a month for medication. Without insurance she won't be able to afford most of her medication.
I am a single mom and I need my unemployment benefits right now. Our house is in forclosure due to the divorce and I am trying to take care of my son and get back on my feet. Now it looks like my unemployment will expire in one week and I will not have the extention that I otherwise would have. Unemployment is preventing me from getting other social services so it is saving other government money. I have worked (and paid in) for 30 years, where is the help when I really need it?
Yes, I'm one of the laid off/unemployed and I need this money to pay my bills...this is my last week. Please approve the extension asap so we don't have to worry and stress about paying our bills in addition to finding a job.
I'm in limbo. I used to live in Kentucky but moved to Indiana long ago. I'm familiar with Bunning and McConnell both. These two enjoy being the turd-in-the-punchbowl. They are both self-serving, self-absorbed, and indifferent to the needs of most people.
I lost my job a year ago. I have looked for a job every day since I was laid off on February 28, 2009 but I have not been successful yet at finding full-time work. I was lucky to go back to work for my old employer as a contractor part-time without benefits for six months last year but that contract has since ended. Being unemployed and worrying about paying my mortgage is stressful enough. Without the extension, I now have to worry about not having health insurance because I can't afford to pay the COBRA premium.
Iwill be one of the unemployed affected by this next week. I seek work consistently on a daily basis. I am stressed I will be evicted and not have money to survive without the benefits. Does that mean I should go on welfare? Stressed!!
My unemployment extension will run out in April if these idiots can't get their act together, then what am I supposed to do?
I can not believe one rogue senator can hold up a bill that provides a literal lifeline for so many...is there no way around this? Personally, I'd declare him incompetent, wrap him in a straight jacket and haul him away. Another sad, horrific example of what's wrong in this country. There is no connect between our government and the people they purportedly govern.
Senator Bunning: Your fellow senators, do not agree with you. Your fellow hard working Americans in dire straits, do not agree with you. I most certainly, do not agree with you. You are kind of like that one broken tooth in my zipper, that prevents me from zipping up my jacket. Stop leaving me and the American people out in the cold.
Am one of the people as well havent recived a check since Dec 19th...and things are looking bad..home is in foreclosure,bills are through the roof,and to top it off am a diabetic with no healthcare...and jobs in my state are far and few between one interview in over a year.
Last week I got my last check, today I'm looking for ways to make at least what I was getting. I'm looking to starting my own business by selling products on ebay and other websites. Hoping and praying, God will not let me down. i have a family of 4 but I will not become a victim of this recession!!
How about the thousands of small business owners who have lost there business because of the greedy actions of others, all to find out they do not qualify for unemployment benefits. There are thousands of former business owners like me who paid their taxes, contributed to the benefit of our communities, to lose everything. I have lost my income, my home, all while the people responsible have lost nothing. Yes, I'm angry.
I am one of those impacted by this poor excuse for a Senator. No wonder he is not going to run for reelection. But I expect nothing less then to have the Republicans care less for the unemployed. After all how big of a contribution check to their campaign can an unemployed person make to a Republicans campaign fund. The Republicans need to stop obstructing and get out of the way.
Yes, I am one of the people that lost my benefits. With a mortgage & minimal income from a part-time retail job, I am wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do. It's not like I was getting SO MUCH from unemployment benefits, but it HELPED my situation. A LOT of us (unemployed) have been struggling for a while. I felt like things were looking up, but now I'm not so sure.
I am blessed enough not to need unemployment benefits right now but I know people who do. I find it ironic, that the people worried about the national deficit are the people that have jobs , and pretty good ones. The people that dont know how they're going to pay their bills, cant afford to be worried about tomorrow because today is in jeopardy . There are some people that really don;t know how to feed their children tonight., they don't have light, or heat. And I find it disgusting, that a man secure in his financial future is preventing people from getting the help they desperately need.
I am one of those effected and rely on this compensation to survive. Standing on principle is one thing, standing on the backs of the unemployed to make that stand is another. Sen Bunning should be ashamed of himself. He should be stripped of his salary and benefits, put on unemployment and see if he could make it. I doubt he would. He should be ashamed of himself.
I am an unemployed in Illinois benefits ending soon
Where are these new green jobs
Maybe Illinois could legalize medical marijuana and help suck people get medicine they need and create jobs and tax it problem solved?
Yes, I lost my unemployment benefits. Last week was my last week of benefits. As a staunch Democrat, this only fuels my liberal beliefs.
I have been unemployed for nearly 3 years and will lose my last tier of benefits in March. The job market in California is a disaster and I don't know what I will do. As a disabled, 58 yr old woman, the cards are stacked against me to begin with, despite my extensive experience. On unemployment, I make too much to qualify for MediCal so I must pay for my insurance on my own. The whole system is out of whack. I continue to believe this will ultimately result in a better path for me, but the stress of losing benefits again is getting to me.
Thanks for listening. Seems the government is not.
I will loose my unemployment benefits in three weeks if there is not an extension. I have been unemployed for 13 months and have been actively looking for work. It is tough going in my city and I am really hoping we get a break soon. Thank God my husband is still employed- I feel for those that are single or where both spouses are out of work and in this position- we are lucky we still have our home and have been getting by by belt tightening and sacraficing. I am afraid of what will happen if the extension does not happen or I do not find a job. Bunning should be absolutely ashamed of himself. I am sure he is not worrying about how his kids are going to get fed or how the heat will be paid.
Yes! I am one of the millions to find this devastating news, as i eat breakfast with my family. My contribution to the household is imperative. I never thought I'd get laid off as an Executive Assistant after working my way up since a teenager... But cheers to the "man of the hour"
Yes I am one and got my notice today that my benefits will be ending. The letter also stated to continue to file "in case" an extension is passed in the future. Luckily we have money saved and cut our extra expenses when I was laid off last August. There just aren't jobs in my area for someone with 15+ years experience. Everyone is looking for new grads or entry level positions. So I either need to move or change careers.
I have 2 weeks left and I am Done without an extension, I was not laid off, I went from 40+ to around 25 Hours per week and was there for over 12 Years, I was Unjustly Fired and Replaced by someone part time at Minimum wage, In other words it was cheaper for them in the long run to pay me unemployment and hire someone else at a Lower wage.
They even tried to fight the Unemployment Claim but I had the documents to prove that they were Fools and Won.
We the People do not deserve this type of treatment!!!
Spiritually, Emotionally, Physical PAIN!! Especially, when you are 'ACTIVELY' looking for work..
It's sad that when the american people need the government the most they hide behind bureaucratic "debate". We don't need to start over on the health care reform, we need to start over with our government before these self-righteous politicians, we have now, completely ruin this great country.
i just received my first extension....if i lose my benefits i'll be living out of my car....unfortunately nurse ARE NOT at a premium.....there are FREEZES on hiring even part time nurses....duh....i'd rather be working
well i guess that's that. it's bad enough how tough it is to get a job in michigan, now i have to worry about losing the little things i do have because the people who have jobs in the government don't seem it necessary to help the people who don't. thanks for letting me live in a country where i can really believe in my government.
Yes, I will be affected...less than 2 years ago I was an Executive at a Movie Studio, next week I will have nothing. Maybe I'll move to Kentucky and collect welfare?
Yes, I will be one of the millions to lose my unemployment benefits in three weeks.
After reading about Senator Bunning and his vote I visited his website to offer him some much needed advice.
yes, i receive my last payment tomorrow. Its $137 and i was in tier 2. So, now, i will have no money at all. I live in Kennesaw, Georgia. Georgia has one of the highest unemployment rates and jobs are scarce. I am a student as well as a single mother. I dont know what we are suppose to do.
It must be nice for Bunning to be a rich millionaire without any appreciation or genuine care for the hardships of average people struggling to make ends meet. I think he should be put out of his job immediately.
Fortunately I am not one of these people, but this is political hostage taking by a down and out Bunning.