Mixed Feelings about new Unemployment Extension

[JamesMom]

First off, please no politics.

Now, I feel for all those who are truly looking for work and desparately need the help. This post is not about you.

Unfortunately my brother isn't one of the downtrodden. He is in his late 50s and has been laid off since March 2009. He knew the company was going to relocate two years before they did. Did he make any plans? NO.

He has been content to live off the government in his rented trailer drinking beer and smoking cigarettes on our dime. And now we (as in US and TX) are paying for him to stay home a few more months as in if he keeps doing what he is doing, he'll be set until the first week of December. A nice 20 month vacation and no incentive to go look for work.

This should be criminal, but he is reporting when he is supposed to and make s the bare minimum, lame attempts to satisfy requirements. But it is utterly unethical. He CAN work and there are jobs - granted nothing glamorous, but would probably make him at least, if not more, than the $1400 a month his living on now. He is debt free and keeps his expenses within that $1400 limit. His old job paid almost double that.

I think he is secretly hoping benefits will extend until he is 62 so he can directly from Unemployment to Social Security.

Makes me crazy that my hubby gets up everyday and goes to work so my brother doesn't have to.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I thought Unemployment was paid for by premiums from employers?

I agree it's hard, but my own father was laid off because he was the highest paid in his department, but he's been there the longest and is the most anal QC inspector there - which is a good thing. He was laid off because of cost, and I think that's wrong. And at 57, it's hard for him to find another job, although he has been able to extend his unemployment by taking on contract jobs when they pop up.

I like what Australia does, if you are on unemployment or welfare, you MUST volunteer somewhere. I think this is great, and it doesn't have to be much, say 15 hours a week volunteering would help out so much!!!

 

[Justsyd2]

I understand how you feel, but your brother is an adult, and as such, is responsible for his own life, and what he makes of it. I know that it's always easier judge others when you're not in their shoes. Perhaps you can be supportive instead of judgmental; see if you can address the alcohol issue, because it devastates so many lives. You never know what a difference you can make in someone's life until you try.

 

[crisi]

Yep, unemployment is paid for by employers. Also unemployment benefits aren't great - in Texas its $378 per week maximum - and that's taxable. If your brother wants to live off that, he's got bigger motivational problems than someone is paying him to sit around...he'd sit around even if no one was paying him.

Some people aren't motivated to work.

 

[wdwfan16]

Yep, unemployment is paid for by employers. Also unemployment benefits aren't great - in Texas its $378 per week maximum - and that's taxable. If your brother wants to live off that, he's got bigger motivational problems than someone is paying him to sit around...he'd sit around even if no one was paying him.

Some people aren't motivated to work.

True but the state funds are so running in the red many states are borrowing the money to pay unemployment. As a result the extensions and new claims are being paid by taxpayers.

 

[dvcgirl]

To be honest, after reading this I feel sorry for your brother. I can't imagine living that existence. Not much of a life.

 

[bumbershoot]

I like what Australia does, if you are on unemployment or welfare, you MUST volunteer somewhere. I think this is great, and it doesn't have to be much, say 15 hours a week volunteering would help out so much!!!

Ooh, that's cool!

 

[Local_Girl]

I thought Unemployment was paid for by premiums from employers?

I like what Australia does, if you are on unemployment or welfare, you MUST volunteer somewhere. I think this is great, and it doesn't have to be much, say 15 hours a week volunteering would help out so much!!!

I really like this idea...not only great for the places where they volunteer, but helpful for the individuals also, as they can use their volunteering experiences to aid them in landing new employment.

Now why can't the U.S. implement such ideas?

 

[wdwfan16]

I thought Unemployment was paid for by premiums from employers?

I agree it's hard, but my own father was laid off because he was the highest paid in his department, but he's been there the longest and is the most anal QC inspector there - which is a good thing. He was laid off because of cost, and I think that's wrong. And at 57, it's hard for him to find another job, although he has been able to extend his unemployment by taking on contract jobs when they pop up.

I like what Australia does, if you are on unemployment or welfare, you MUST volunteer somewhere. I think this is great, and it doesn't have to be much, say 15 hours a week volunteering would help out so much!!!

I like this too. I have said this for many years. I would also include those on any type of public assistance unless they have a physical reason they cannot do the work.

 

[crisi]

True but the state funds are so running in the red many states are borrowing the money to pay unemployment. As a result the extensions and new claims are being paid by taxpayers.

And when the economy heats back up, the employers will recontribute to pay back the taxpayers, as they have in every past recession. Its how the government disincentives layoffs.

 

[wdwfan16]

And when the economy heats back up, the employers will recontribute to pay back the taxpayers, as they have in every past recession. Its how the government disincentives layoffs.

Not this time. Then the UC was for 26 weeks and now it is for 99 weeks. So each person who goes to 99 weeks is drawing 4xs what was planned for.

 

[eliza61]

I really like this idea...not only great for the places where they volunteer, but helpful for the individuals also, as they can use their volunteering experiences to aid them in landing new employment.

Now why can't the U.S. implement such ideas?

LOL, I seem to remember this idea was tossed around and people were screaming such words as "Goose stepping nazi, brainwashing".

 

[eliza61]

First off, please no politics.

Makes me crazy that my hubby gets up everyday and goes to work so my brother doesn't have to.

Your beer guzzling, chain smoking brother living in a trailer makes you crazy?

I'd be going to 7 jobs so I wouldn't end up like him? Personally I've never understood this frustration. Your brother is pretty much in line for a life of poverty and it's only going to get worse.


Listen not to make light of your frustration, I just don't want you to have a stroke over some thing that really is not going to change.

Some people will always find a way to milk the system. whether it's people like your brother or people like Bernie Madorf.
If you think it's abuse there are a number of hotlines you can anomoyously report fraud.
Your brother is not going to change. I'm willing to bet the vast majority of recepients are hard working people who would love to be able to find a job in this horrible environment.
The chronically unemployed are teetering on a very thin line of keeping their heads above water and sinking.

In the midst of your frustration have you given any thought to what would happen to the millions of people if they didn't get an extension?

 

[JamesMom]

To be honest, after reading this I feel sorry for your brother. I can't imagine living that existence. Not much of a life.

OP here, LOL - that's what I thought! He is perfectly content to sit in his trailer watching his TV shows, drinking with his neighbors and taking the dog out for long walks. He's been like this his whole life! He doesn't think he'll live long enough for a long retirment so why bother saving for it. He has no desire to travel or expand his horizons. He likes where he is at.
As far as the alcohol problem, over the decadesI have watched him abuse coccaine, loss jobs, his wife and child, go through 3 rehab programs which yeilded 1 year of sobriety. He'll readily admit he is an alchy - but sees no reason to change. Can't make a horse drink water...
I am his only family (since our mother died in Feb) and we keep in touch (that's how I know intimate details of his finances, I do his taxes and he comes over to use the computer for his Unemployment check ins.). We don't critize him for his decisions - as you say, he is an adult, but it is ironic when he complains about the Democrats in office as a voting republican when it is the Demos that are keeping him in the life to which he is accostumed **off politics**

 

[JamesMom]

Your beer guzzling, chain smoking brother living in a trailer makes you crazy?

I'd be going to 7 jobs so I wouldn't end up like him? Personally I've never understood this frustration. Your brother is pretty much in line for a life of poverty and it's only going to get worse.


Listen not to make light of your frustration, I just don't want you to have a stroke over some thing that really is not going to change.

Some people will always find a way to milk the system. whether it's people like your brother or people like Bernie Madorf.
If you think it's abuse there are a number of hotlines you can anomoyously report fraud.
Your brother is not going to change. I'm willing to bet the vast majority of recepients are hard working people who would love to be able to find a job in this horrible environment.
The chronically unemployed are teetering on a very thin line of keeping their heads above water and sinking.

In the midst of your frustration have you given any thought to what would happen to the millions of people if they didn't get an extension?

OP here, I mean "crazy" in the lightest sense of the word. No, I am not losing sleep over my brother. It's American - you can live your life however you want providing it isn't illegal. I was just venting my frustration because I am anticipating that he will become so lethargic about employment, that when the free money finally does run out, he'll be on my doorstep! Call me cruel, but we believe God helps those who help themselves and I don't need his perosnality around my children for longer than an afternoon visit.
He could be using this time productively to learn new skills, make new contacts and, heaven forbid, get a job, lol.
Trust me the only sleep I'm losing is how I'm going to tell him "no" when the begging starts. Thanks to this law, that day will hit around Christmas...great... lol.

 

[Kellydelly]

Just be grateful you are not in his shoes . He seems to have an uncertain future, where you have more to be grateful for and appreciate. After living through my husband's recent unemployment I don't begrudge anyone whatever aid or benefits they qualify for.

 

[bettymae1121]

I understand your frustration, but the problem becomes how does the government tell the difference between people like your DB and people who really truely need the help? The tougher we make it to claim benifits the more legitimate claims are denied. I'd rather run the risk of helping more people at the expense of those like your brother milking the system than the other way around. I'll always err on the side of helping people.

 

[eliza61]

OP here, I mean "crazy" in the lightest sense of the word. No, I am not losing sleep over my brother. It's American - you can live your life however you want providing it isn't illegal. I was just venting my frustration because I am anticipating that he will become so lethargic about employment, that when the free money finally does run out, he'll be on my doorstep! Call me cruel, but we believe God helps those who help themselves and I don't need his perosnality around my children for longer than an afternoon visit. He could be using this time productively to learn new skills, make new contacts and, heaven forbid, get a job, lol.
Trust me the only sleep I'm losing is how I'm going to tell him "no" when the begging starts. Thanks to this law, that day will hit around Christmas...great... lol.

Oy, Vey. Can you take an unexpected vacation around Christmas?
No you're not cruel believe me. I've got family members who every day verify to me why some species eat their young. LOL.

It is very hard first of all it this day and age, to keep your family on track. My pastor too also tries to reiterate to people that the Almighty really is expecting us to put forth a little effort.

I have a pretty standard answer for those lovely leeches (and I have a few) in my family. I love you, I will try and help you if you ever decide ot make a change but I do not give out cash.

Good luck, at least you have a very good attitude about it. That goes a long way.

 

[cheshireqt]

I completely understand where you are coming from. Yes, some people have a great need and unemployment gets them back on their feet, no one in their right mind would begrudge anyone assistance when needed. However, there are those who work the system to get benefits that they feel they are entitled to, when you or I can clearly see that they should not be entitled to them. Case in point...I have a friend who moved here last year from NY because her DH got a higher paying job in DC. She applied for Unemployment to follow him here and has collected unemp. commiserate to her previous salary in NY for a full year. She has decided that having the year off was wonderful, DH's job is going well, and so she has no intention of going back to work ever, but is quite happy to collect another year of unemployment 'as is her right.' Meanwhile they own 3 homes, none have renters in them (one is house in NY, one is house here and the third is a vacation house. His grown son and sons GF lives for free in the NY house). They also own 2 timeshares, where they have vacationed this last year and just bought another car. She joined a gym and works out several hours a day (that is the part that makes me a little jealous ). When I very gently asked her about going back to work or what she had decided to do this fall she said that {paraphrased quote}: "since she is eligible for another year she is going to take it. She has worked since she was 16 and is 38 now so has done her "time" and "deserves" to not work. After the second year is up she will not be going back to work because they are selling one of the three houses (the one his adult son is living in for free) and so they will not need the $ from a second income." (close quote) Personally (and this is the first part of this post where I veer from known fact---I think they kept the house in NY in order to continue to collect NY unemployment).?l and possibly so that the market would be better when they sell.
Maybe she is being disingenuous, maybe it is all a lie, but maybe she is telling the truth and receiving 2 years "retirement" pay in the form of unemployment and riding the gravy train as long as she can. If so I truly don't get it, she is a very together person in all other areas of her life, and moral, ethical etc. Yes I am the one who sees it as unethical to collect benefits for 2 years when you have plenty of $ and no intention of going back to work anyway. As far as being judgmental goes, I love her but just do not understand this one thing.
As for your brother, that has to cause you a lot of pain to see him spiral further down a dark hole. In a way the benefits are actually hurting him because there is no accountability in his life and he is becoming dependent on a certain lifestyle. Obviously at some point the gravy train will not be sustained and all of the bad habits learned (drinking all day long) WILL probably become your problem when he asks to move in with you, or whatever solution he comes up with next.
As far as who pays for the benefits, the taxpayers do ultimately pay for it.
From wikipedia:
"Unemployment benefits are payments made by the state or other authorized bodies to unemployed people. Benefits may be based on a compulsory para-governmental insurance system. Depending on the jurisdiction and the status of the person, those sums may be meager, covering only basic needs (thus a form of basic welfare), or may compensate the lost pay somewhat proportionally to the previous earned salary.The federal government lends money to the states for unemployment insurance when the states run short of funds. In general, this can happen when the unemployment rate is high. The need for loans can be exacerbated when a state cuts taxes and increases benefits. All loans must be repaid with interest." (the state pays back feds with interest).

 

[benolathe]

To be honest, after reading this I feel sorry for your brother. I can't imagine living that existence. Not much of a life.

That is exactly what I thought. How BORING life must be when you do absolutely NOTHING except sit around your house.