The End of Unemployment Benefits: 5 Things to Know

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Underemployment is just as serious as being unemployed--working part-time, no benefits at minimum wage, etc. I completely agree with the above comments that there should be a complete ban on foreign workers coming into the USA--the so-called visa programs are a joke. Hire Americans--not foreigners! Also deporting every illegal alien and securing the border needs to happen. Even more importantly, there needs to be across the board legislation passed that denies illegals and all non-americans access to education, foodstamps, housing, medical, Social Security/SSI, etc. "refugees" should also not be eligible for any entitlements--no more giving each "refugee" $10,000 each plus excluding them from paying income tax for 7 years. Enough is Enough! In addition, the minimum wage needs to become a "living wage"--can't support a family, pay for a home of $7.25/hour--make the minimum wage subject to COLA every January 1. America needs to start taking care of Americans FIRST and foremost.

Rocker of ND 8:51AM July 23, 2009

Live in a state that brings in exchanged students from Russia, Jamaica, and plenty of mexicans to take our jobs. I go into a store, and try to explain what I need. I don't understand, why they would do something like this. Especially, knowing our unemployment rate. We can't get a job, but they can. Now tell me what is wrong with this situation. My son and his family had to move back to another state, to try to find a job there. But yet were hiring foreigners to do the job. We have put in so many applications, but no interviews. Then go in and find a foreigner doing the job we applied for. So we exhaust our unemployment benefits, and could possibly live on the streets. Tell us what is wrong with this picture. I'm angry and want results. This is my country, born and raised here, not someone elses. The government needs to open there eyes, and stop letting the foreigners get rich, while we get poorer.

Mad of SC 7:53AM July 23, 2009

I am teetering on the verge of losing my house. I am 53. I have 3 dogs which I can barely afford to take care of anymore, they haven't been to a vet in 2 years. I have been unemployed for a year and a half and was denied unemployment benefits because I resigned from my last job as a long term substitute teacher. I had gone back to night school to get a teaching certificate which hasn't helped me cause I can't find a teaching job. I'm overweight, broke, my kids are disappointed in me. I feel like a loser. I usually try to maintain a PMA (positive mental attitude) but I must admit it is getting tough to do that. I am running out of money and have stretched my last tax refund about as far as I could. I also have been selling my stuff. I am trying to narrow down my possessions so I can get out fast before the sheriff sale of my home. I am behind on all of my bills and am just hoping they can't put me in jail for non-payment. then again at least I would get meals, medical care and a roof over my head. Better than living in a tent city. I was a suburban housewife who volunteered for dozens of school, church and civic activities. I can't believe I could be homeless and lose all of my things in the next few weeks. I just don't seem to qualify for any programs.

felitzi of NJ 7:03AM July 23, 2009

This country was founded on capitalism! The right for life,liberty and the pursuit of happiness. People came here wanting and WORKING For the American Dream to become rich. While
other people came here across our borders getting healthcare, welfare and not to mention our jobs! all free for them and there families. Stop blamming the rich the government is using that as a smoke screen to take away from there responsiblity in this mess they have created. The government is using the rich to incite jealousy amoung Americans who are having a hard time in this economy and if your honest that is exactly what it is jealousy that they have made it and they have it. WELL THEY WORKED FOR IT! I am not rich I am on umemployment have been on it for a year already. I can't seem to find any work and am willing to do just about anything. My husband and I have worked all our lives we are AMERICANS that can find work. I love reading job adds that they say must speak Spanish WHY? They should learn to speak English. Don't tell me they are not affecting the job market for Americans they clearly are! We are going to loose our home, excellent credit rating, cars everything we have worked all our lives for it is not the rich people's fault it is our governments fault. THEY NEED TO STOP WORRYING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AND OTHER COUNTRIES AND WORRY ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! IT IS TIME FOR AMERICANS TO STAND UP AND TAKE THERE COUNTRY BACK! WE NEED A MILLION MAN MARCH OF THE UNEMPLOYED ON WASHINGTON FOR THEM TO GET IT!

Jennifer Nasi of CT 6:41AM July 23, 2009

I was laid off in December 2008. After working for nearly 15 years in the bank service industry, specifically ATM services, I was laid off due to the banking crisis. My initial job searches centered on similar companies in the same industry but none were hiring. My resume got me a few interviews and one very lame job offer (half what I was making).
As the spring time turned to early summer, I realized that the industry I thought was recession proof was fully the cause of the mess we all were in...why would I want to work in that industry again? My denial turned to depression then to anger and fear. I kept looking in expanding fields seeking anything even remotely linked to my job skills. Then I read a quote that said, "find what you love to do and you'll never work another day"...that was the moment I knew I had to look for a job in aviation. I love airplanes, flying anything that involves the field of aviation. My job search took me to a nearby city where jobs in the avionics field (my military training was on helicopters) were abundant. I immediately got two interviews and within a week...a great job offer. I now earn the same wage as I did last year in a job that I love. Keep looking, never give up, look at what you love to do in your life and go find that job. Do consider relocating, it will cost less in the long run even if you can't sell you home, rent it or walk away and start fresh. Good luck!

Silas T. Lutrell of IN 6:40AM July 23, 2009

My unemployment benefits were exhausted months ago. I've been barely scraping by, selling off my personal belongings online. But, I really don't have much to sell, and sales are way, way down recently, anyway (to nearly nothing). I'm so depressed because the bills are due and I can't pay them. My family is unable to help me, and I don't want to burden them anyway. If I lose my home (an eminent event), I'll die. I'm a 51 year old grandmother - I don't know how to survive on the street, nor would I care to. I've never asked anyone for anything, always being the self-sufficient care-giver myself. I don't believe in suicide, so I fear my death will be slow and agonizing. I fear the very real possibility of losing my mind before death, a terribly depressing thought (worse yet, becoming institutionalized for my frailty). How can someone who has literally worked like a dog and stayed out of trouble all her life end up this way? Since jobs are non-existent (for me), I could use a Small Business grant or, at the very least, some financial help until I can secure employment. By destroying the common people, the Government is destroying America. I think they know it, and don't care. On top of my own problems, my heart aches for my family, friends, and neighbors (even for my dog), who are all in this mess together with me. There is no excuse for the suffering our 'leaders' have caused - and to think we pay them to do this to us (as if we had a choice). This situation shakes up my faith in God. It is murder by robbery and neglect (I think most of you understand what I am trying to say). Our System is sooo exploitative.

Debra Denman of WY 3:47AM July 23, 2009

Congress better work on passing another extension NOW! What are they waiting for? NELP and Michigan are lobbying for the unemployed. Come on Pelosi, Hoyer, Reid..get with it! Some have already run out and many more to run out in July and August. Get this done before your recess!
www.unemployed-friends.forumotion.com

David of MI 9:48PM July 21, 2009

What freaking audacity to say as the House Majority Leader that they will extend unemployment basically when they have nothing else to do. His complete and total lack of concern, empathy and understanding should be criminalized for heavens sakes. People have run out and continue to run out of time and benefits. I cannot tolerate this attitude when millions of illegals in my county and state collect billions in state and federal government assistance with tax payer dollars. Meanwhile hard-working American Citizens lose their jobs and generations of assets. My state is raising taxes by 1.8 billion dollars for the sole purpose of supporting illegals. In reality they should be helping the unemployed obtain re-training and get them back to work. Get generational welfare recipients off the roles - - -anything other then billions going to illegals. I will spend the day tomorrow filing a complaint w the EEOC. For the third time now, a would be employeer has discriminated against me for my age. In 30 years I have ever been w/o a job this long. My compensation is running out and this 50 year old lady and her family will soon be living in the street. This problem is happening to my generation everywhere. Savings gone, jobs gone, illegals and the young get what little there is out there. I am a 14 year military veteran too - that has not done a thing for me. Employeers could care less, the country as a whole could care less. The country stopped caring for its own citizens ages ago. They dedicate time and resources to big business, big money interests and their own pin up success. Every single elected Democrate and Republican should be voted out as soon as possible and we just need to start over. What a complete disgrace, embarrassment and betrayal of the American People and all the forefathers who came before us. The American Dream is no longer remotely possible for every American. Its possible for the filthy rich and the special intersts in Washington. Well good for them. America is turning against them. They will be jobless.

Marlene LaRue of NC 7:55PM July 21, 2009

Please stop dragging your feet. People have already exhausted their benefits. What are they supposed to live on with no income at all? There are NO jobs out there. Please help them now!

Victoria Wagner of PA 6:57PM July 21, 2009