Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Unemployed people now have even more time to get back on their feet. President Barack Obama signed the fourth unemployment insurance extension in 18 months Friday. The new law grants people who are out of work 20 additional weeks of benefits.
“I feel 20 weeks will give many people hope,” said Denise Elliott, spokesperson for the Department of Labor.
The total length of unemployment insurance available is now 99 weeks.
The national jobless rate in October hit 10.2%, the first time it's been over 10% since 1983. Additionally, the Labor Department says 35.6% of those unemployed have been out of work “long-term” – 27 weeks or longer. Long-term unemployment hasn’t been that high since World War II.
Unemployment benefits recently dried up for 2,900 folks in Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Now, those people may qualify for more.
“This will help people pay rent and put food on the table and maybe give them some hope, allow them to keep going, allow them to continue their job search efforts,” Elliott said.
Peggy Garvey-Miner did clerical work for 30 years, but has now been out of work since May. “I have so many friends in the same boat,” Garvey-Miner said, “the only thing that's saving grace is the fact that these extensions are coming through, especially when they have children and were the second bread winner. It's been a big benefit.”
Alicia Jackson lost her dental office job around the same time, and has been looking for a new one since. “I think the extension is great because it gives us more time to look for a job, have some money at the same time and take classes they have here,” Jackson said.
Both women rely on unemployment insurance to get by. While they haven't used up their benefits yet, both say they are glad to hear they've been extended. It gives others like them more time to get back on their feet.
Ironically, employers are the ones footing the bill for increased unemployment insurance. To pay for the benefits, Congress will extend a payroll tax that had been set to expire at the end of the year.
