The End of Unemployment Benefits: 5 Things to Know

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I live in Illinois and been laidoff for a year as of 10/27/09. I received a note on my last unemployment check sub that as of 10/25/09 my benefit year would end, and the unemployment office would be opening me a new claim. I read that the claim periods are last 2 quarters of 2008 and first 2 quarters of 2009. I did work 10 months in 2008, but no work that has paid into unemployment since. I worked as a subcontractor cleaning offices when the new wind farm was build that ended 8/09. I still have weeks left on my extention and would be able to draw the new extention when it past as well. So whats going to happen with this new benefit claim will I get the same amount as my first claim? Please has any one gone through this in Illinois that only paid into in the last quarters like myself. Please help I have lost everything being out of work and pretty much lost all hope of ever having a good job again. I have a college education Health care Admin and that`s not even helping.

Diana Dorsey of IL 2:39PM October 29, 2009

My Unemployment Extension has ended and still no job. Mid 50's and studying on own to change career path...NYS Workforce can't seem to come through with the voucher to pay for six month course with approved school listed on Dept. of Labor site. They would pay if I sign up to be a "Wind Apprentice". If only I could secure temp work at least. Took civil service tests last year...passed...still nothing. 93% on the Census test...they'll call next year. Resumes sent to the ethers. Paid for private health insurance with a whole week of unemployment...now what...thrown to the wolves...Medicaid...absolutely frightening. With all that is within me, by golly, I'm gonna work for MYSELF if I have to and pay cash for a two-year certificate course beginning in February!But at the moment...I wish you all well.

Bebe of NY 12:07AM October 22, 2009

Out of Benefits, out of Work, Out of luck,... No money, no jobs, yet here in America we can be glad that our country is pouring money (Our Tax Dollars) into funding for the building of Schools, Creation of jobs, and economic recovery programs of various sorts in places like Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Somehow that just does not make me feel good at all. We can "pour" money into the recovery of a country and bomb it at the same time.
Less American People are collecting Unemployment:
That is because the Government cut off the Extended Benefits (Now people have no Benefits or Paychecks)
The Consumer Index is up:
Due to the (Phony) "Spike" in Dollars added to the economy by that "Cash for Clunkers" program (Which after ending, has shown that sales have fallen considerably,... what a surprise).
Less "New Claims" on Unemployment:
Note that they are not saying no new claims, just less. Most places have slowed or stopped laying people off because you can only lay so many off before you have to close your doors. Many places are now working with a skeleton crew.
I would like to purchase a new car next year,... can I have a Government Cash Discount too ? Very unfair program, but who (in the Government) cares. It made the economy look better on paper, and that was the intent.
The bottom line is: "You take care of your own family (USA) first. Then if you have something left over, it is a good and kind thing to share (with those who have helped us in the past, not with those who hate us)."
No jobs, no money, prices rising, and us with a President who while presently engaged in War with two different countries, gets the Noble Peace Prize.
Does anything make sense anymore ?

John Callahan of CT 10:09AM October 12, 2009

I've just exhausted my second extension. My work search is a full time job in itself. Not sure what the future holds, I'm optimistic, but optimism won't keep me from being homeless if something doesn't change soon. Not sure what to do now....

Debbie of CA 8:25PM September 21, 2009

I rent an apartment, I worked in construction, I have no more benefits but my bills remain, I can only pay those off as I job search, and dealt with theft and tickets, and car repair as well. I am very much in need of something other then health care reform, the extension of benefits as the job search continues!

Bill Schwenke of MN 9:09PM September 16, 2009

I had a couple of extentions and now I do look a few times a week for another job, I even was asking less money then what I have been getting for the last 10 years, and my resume is on line and everytime I look my resume has been reviewed and looked at 0 times, I dont know what to do, my husband got hurt at work in Feburary, and he is on comp, and they pay nothing, so I pray we all can get another extention and I know we are not in this alone, so I do hope they reconsider extentions we are facing forclosers, and that is just the start, this was are first house my husband and I bought and it has been nothing but misery and very depressing, so I hope congress does the right thing and help all of us, Thanks for listening.

Diana Trueblood of MI 8:11PM September 13, 2009

Is there anywhere to look and see what happens after your first 26 weeks runs out? I get no straight answers from anyone or anywhere. I was told to just keep certifying and the 2nd tier kicks in. I was told you have to apply. What gives? And i'd like to add a note to all those with jobs that like to walk around with their noses up in the air talking about everyone living off of them and how they support us. Think before you talk. I've worked for 18 years straight and paid taxes every year and lost my job for the simple fact that the greedy business owner cut jobs to stay in the black. Cut jobs with no regard to loyalty or service. Just to stay in the black. So, to no fault of my own I look at it as I paid into it and now i'm collecting. Dont be so snobby cause you may be one month or 500 points from the dow going down from losing your job. And to all the businesses out there, what comes around goes around. All these new interview tactics your employees are showing are down right rude and disrespectful. Just cause there is a lot of people out there to choose from does not give you the right to belittle those who are out of work trying to find work. I've never seen such rude interview tactics in my life. Lets hope they dont have to go out and find a job cause karma is a b****

Darren of GA 8:02PM September 11, 2009

this hard times really got to me my unemployment ran out beginning of sept and i dont really know what to do sad sad sad story working all this years and never asking for help and now that i need help i hit a brickwall thanks american dream

going back 2 my old ways $ of CA 4:59PM September 09, 2009

I am a 52 year old women who has worked hard all her life. By no fault of my own I lost my job 18 months ago. I have applied for EVERYTHING!! from min wage and higher but live in a state with 12.8% unemployment. My benifits run out next week. I dont qualify for any thing else because I am single and have no dependents. I will lose my house and have every bill I have go to collections. My credit will be shot and I can do nothing about it. 2 years ago I was sitting pretty thats all it took to depleate my savings. NO UI benifits means the street. At least I can get fed and clothed from the homless shelters!!!!!!!

Sonja of OR 11:03PM September 02, 2009

To the poster named : "Immigrants": What planet do you live on? Surely not this one. Immigrants who are not American citizens do not pay taxes and they are not entitled to the benefits Americans have without being a citizen. End of story. For those who are also living on a foregn planet, if you choose to remain here, on Earth, wake up, this Administration is corrupt and as long as keep trusting them to hold your hand while they steal your pockets you are a fool and deserve what you voted for.

Ken of OK 2:13PM August 22, 2009