Obama stimulus plan and the unemployed

February 6, 2009 6:54 PM

Obama stimulus plan and the unemployed: Will there be any assistance to those looking for work who ARE NOT currently collecting unemployment benefits?

I could be hopelessly ignorant on this matter. But from everything I've read, it seems most of the aid will go to those already employed (fatter paychecks via reduced income tax with-holdings) or those currently collecting unemployment (extension of benefits).

I'm especially curious about job training opportunities. (Although, some free money would be nice too)

posted by sureshot to work & money (8 comments total)

That's a very good question. The number of unemployed who are not collecting benefits is pretty huge. I've heard estimate that, if the unemployment figures were adjusted to include those who are unemployed but have not applied for (or qualify for, i.e. freelancers, contractors, etc.) the actual unemployment numbers would already be well over double-digits. Maybe as high as 12%.

AFAIK, there is nothing in the current bill for anyone outside the traditional job/benefit model.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:28 PM on February 6

I just went over to the White House website and asked this very question. But I think we're screwed.
posted by Maisie Jay at 10:42 PM on February 6

To the extent that the stimulus creates jobs, and averts future layoffs, it should benefit every job seeker (more jobs to which to apply, fewer unemployed people with whom to compete). And those impacts -- creating jobs, avoiding layoffs -- are the intended end of a lot of the spending.
posted by MattD at 4:29 AM on February 7

If you were on unemployment but ran out of weeks, you should contact your state unemployment office. I believe that congress has already approved some number (20?) of extra weeks that you may now be eligible for.
posted by anastasiav at 6:41 AM on February 7

Original Poster here.

Hmmm, seems like I may be out of luck. I'm a freelance writer at a local newspaper whose work and pay has dwindled to said paper declaring bankruptcy. True, I'm not technically unemployed, but I'm really struggling to pay my rent and am aggressively looking for a new field to break into.

Follow up question: should the paper eliminate my beat altogether--or completely disappear, which is actually a possibility--would I qualify for any unemployment benefits? Does anyone know what happens if you are "laid off" from a contract position?

I live in Minnesota, for those with knowledge of state-specific laws.
posted by sureshot at 9:44 AM on February 7

I'm not sure about Minnesota, but in the same situation I was not eligible.
posted by Maisie Jay at 12:02 PM on February 7

Here is the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Handbook. I couldn't see anything that specifically addressed your situation, but there seems to be a determination process.
posted by WCityMike at 2:05 PM on February 7

By the way, your state is going to run out of unemployment funds by Christmas '09.
posted by WCityMike at 2:06 PM on February 7