California court to rule on gig worker classification

Aug 5, 2020
The issue has big implications for workers' access to safety net benefits that have become crucial during the pandemic.
For many ride-hailing drivers, unemployment insurance and other benefits are major issues.
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Millions of unemployed workers now rely solely on state benefits — and they vary wildly

Aug 3, 2020
There is no federal standard for unemployment benefits, so states create their own rules.
A message on a car window demands a better system for supporting unemployed workers in Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

$600 weekly benefit did not reduce employment, study finds

Jul 31, 2020
Yale research says there were a lot of reasons people did not go back to work that were more important, like lack of child care or the fear of getting COVID-19.
Some Senate Republicans have argued that the $600 benefit is too much, discouraging people from returning to work. Above, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell walks to the Senate floor on Thursday.
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Back to work doesn't mean back to spending as before

Jul 29, 2020
Two workers share how the pandemic has changed their month-to-month finances.
Image Credit Andrey Popov

Months into pandemic, many still not getting unemployment

Jul 29, 2020
Some who have lost jobs because of COVID still have not filed for unemployment benefits, even though they’re eligible.
For every 10 people who successfully filed for unemployment benefits, an April study found that three or four were unable to get through, and two didn’t even try because it was too difficult.
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The pros and cons of extending additional unemployment benefits

Jul 28, 2020
Money in jobless people's pockets can stimulate the economy, but longer unemployment payments could slow a recovery, experts say.
Baristas prepare drinks at a coffee shop in North Carolina. Some say high unemployment benefits are discouraging employees from returning to work during the pandemic.
Al Drago/Getty Images

Republicans have rolled out a COVID-19 relief bill. Here's what it includes.

One major difference from the Democrats' bill is a sharp decrease in the amount of money for pandemic unemployment assistance.
Despite having a bill, Senate Republicans themselves remain divided on issues of spending and policy.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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Expanded unemployment benefits help small businesses, too

Jul 27, 2020
They have been a lifeline for laid-off workers. They also boost demand and enable businesses to focus on staying afloat.
A hostess at a Miami restaurant waits for customers behind a partition. The expanded unemployment benefits helped small businesses make decisions early in the pandemic.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Republicans weigh options for pandemic unemployment wage replacement

Jul 24, 2020
One idea for replacing the current $600-a-week benefit is paying workers a percentage of their past wages.
Senate Republicans have delayed introducing a COVID-19 relief bill.
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

Gig workers worry about losing federal jobless benefits

Jul 23, 2020
If the $600-a-week pandemic payment disappears, many may have trouble covering their basic expenses.
Gig workers have received unemployment benefits many would not have been entitled to before pandemic assistance began.
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