Extra $600 unemployment benefit slated to run through July ‘will be taken away from people ONE WEEK early’
UNEMPLOYMENT benefits will be ending sooner than expected for many Americans who counted on the enhanced benefits through the end of July.
The extra $600 Americans received weekly under the CARES Act, an economic stimulus package passed by Congress to help elevate economic turmoil brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, was officially set to end on July 31.
However, states will only pay it through the week before, ending July 25 or July 26.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the pandemic compensation approved by the CARES Act can be paid no later than the week ending “prior to Friday, July 31.”
Every state except New York, who’s end date is Sunday, July 26, this means Saturday, July 25.
This unexpected shift is due to when unemployment benefits are paid.
Depending on the state, benefits are paid on a weekly or biweekly basis on Saturdays or Sundays.
Given the pandemic compensation was set to end “on or before” Friday, July 31, the closest Saturday or Sunday is the weekend before July 31.
Many states, including New York, originally listed July 31 as the end date.
According to USA TODAY, New York state’s department of labor will be switching the end date on its website.
Alabama’s Department of Labor will alert those receiving benefits about the date change, at least two weeks in advance.
USA TODAY reports that Americans will “have to pull their belts even tighter” with checks $600 lighter after receiving it for several weeks or months.
“The federal government will meet its obligation under the CARES Act. Any phase four economic package must prioritize pro-growth economic measures that incentivize employers and our great American workforce for re-employment and a return to the labor market,” Judd Deere, White House deputy press secretary, said.