Re:The Long-Term Unemployed Are Doomed
by vectorpush on Wednesday December 11, 2013 @12:15PM
(#6888893)
but unemployment benefits have, till now, provided enough income to allow living independently without having to go to work each day
This just isn't a reality in most cases, however, I see that Minnesota caps the maximum weekly benefits at about $600 (before taxes) per week, which would definitely allow a single individual with no dependents to live independently without needing a job (if they receive that much). I am skeptical of the argument that unemployment payments discourage individuals from working, having once collected UI myself, I know first hand how frustrating and humiliating it is trying to make ends meet with the a paltry UI stipend, but when I consider ~$2000 a month, long term abuse seems a lot more viable.
This just isn't a reality in most cases, however, I see that Minnesota caps the maximum weekly benefits at about $600 (before taxes) per week, which would definitely allow a single individual with no dependents to live independently without needing a job (if they receive that much). I am skeptical of the argument that unemployment payments discourage individuals from working, having once collected UI myself, I know first hand how frustrating and humiliating it is trying to make ends meet with the a paltry UI stipend, but when I consider ~$2000 a month, long term abuse seems a lot more viable.