Unemployment and the new stimulus?

[starry_solo]

Most states were so bottlenecked with unemployment claims, that they approved nearly everyone who applied. Most states also decided not to raise the unemployment insurance premiums employers paid during COVID, giving them no incentive to fight claims.

I truly feel for the OP. A close relative lost her dream job of over 20 years as a result of the pandemic, and is having a hard time moving on.

That said, the inflated unemployment checks had no checks and balances. In many states, (when the benefit was $600 + the state) one could collect $800-$1000 a week, with no payroll taxes deducted. There’s no reason that a part time server who made $300 a week should’ve been collecting $800+ in unemployment. Unsurprisingly, various sources (WSJ, LA Times, etc) estimated that 80%+ of unemployed workers collected more on unemployment that they did working.

I read several posts on here where the users talked about collecting the $600 benefit for jobs they occasionally did for fun. Usually the narrative was ‘I worked as a paid lunch aid at my kid’s school, only when I wanted to. I applied for unemployment and was stunned when I qualified.’ No, you truly didn’t qualify and yes, you’re abusing the system.

I wish that were the case. CA is still so far behind that I know of people who have been out of work since last year and had their unemployment claim pending, with one claim somehow being "lost" by the system that they were told to apply again (and still nothing). In the meantime, CA sends out unemployment checks to scammers in other states. Yeah.... There are lots of stories like this.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I wish that were the case. CA is still so far behind that I know of people who have been out of work since last year and had their unemployment claim pending, with one claim somehow being "lost" by the system that they were told to apply again (and still nothing). In the meantime, CA sends out unemployment checks to scammers in other states. Yeah.... There are lots of stories like this.

I live in CA. Those stories were outliers. Last year, CA processed virtually every claim. It was only after the local media (and remember, the LA Times and most news stations are among the most liberal in the country) exposed some of the most ridiculous claims -- infants collecting unemployment checks after their parents claimed they were unemployed actors, etc. -- did the state create some level of standards.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Terrible flawed plan not to have any sort of consideration for the amount of extra federal aid, and more so not to make any attempt to verify or limit claims.

The states could easily look into claims, even if it was after a few months, to at least do a cursory check & remove clear abusers of the system. Hiring people to look into it would still be cheaper than paying out blindly. Total win/win.

 

[Judique]

It's obvious you feel strongly about this, but unless you are trying to get this thread closed, please be aware that you are close to turning this into a political assault.

The OP asked a budget related question, which is the nonpolitical intent of this board.

 

[starry_solo]

I live in CA. Those stories were outliers. Last year, CA processed virtually every claim. It was only after the local media (and remember, the LA Times and most news stations are among the most liberal in the country) exposed some of the most ridiculous claims -- infants collecting unemployment checks after their parents claimed they were unemployed actors, etc. -- did the state create some level of standards.

lol, virtually every claim. I still know people who have been in pending status for a year. There’s a huge FB group with tons of Californians complaining about the lack of progress by CA. Sure, they hired people to help with the backlog but it doesn’t help when you constantly call and get cursed at by those same people who say you need to be patient...

 

[GBRforWDW]

Thank you. I have another interview (finally!) on Monday and I am hopeful this might come through!!!

How'd the interview go? Were you able to find any additional information on your specific state as far as continued unemployment?

 

[MKCP5]

How'd the interview go? Were you able to find any additional information on your specific state as far as continued unemployment?

Thank you so much for asking! It went really well and I have a second one on Friday morning. Feeling pretty encouraged and I am prayerful that this one will work out. I haven't been able to find out anything about the unemployment situation, when you call they send you to many different pre recorded messages but you are not able to actually speak to anyone. Worst case scenario I guess I will find out when my claim expires. Here's hoping I will have a job before then!

 

[MKCP5]

I know y'all all have strong opinions on this, and my post was not intended to create a divide among people. Let's please just take a breath. Everything is bigger and harder and angrier and more frustrating and more upsetting during these difficult days. Stay well, take care of you and yours. Better days are coming <3

 

[GBRforWDW]

Thank you so much for asking! It went really well and I have a second one on Friday morning. Feeling pretty encouraged encouraged and I am prayerful that this one will work out. I haven't been able to find out anything about the unemployment situation, when you call they send you to many different pre recorded messages but you are not able to actually speak to anyone. Worst case scenario I guess I will find out when my claim expires. Here's hoping I will have a job before then!

Congrats on round 2.

totally understand what you’re saying about unemployment. As if not having a job was bad enough, you have to deal with the worst phone system in the world!

 

[MKCP5]

I don't know what state you live in, but in my state you are not eligible for unemployment if you "left" your job and the employer has to verify why you are not longer working at your job. Also, if you are offered a job, you have to report it during each weekly certification and would lose your unemployment unless you have special circumstances to not take it -- Currently Covid positive, taking care of someone covid postitve, etc.

Yes. Where I live you cannot collect if you have voluntarily left your job. Your benefits will be denied by your employer. when this question is asked by the unemployment office. Each week I file I have to answer if I have been offered a job, if I quit a job and I have to list the jobs I applied for (not all, but a minimum number)