Congress just recently passed a $2.2 trillion stimulus plan that has expanded unemployment benefits to those that under normal circumstances, would not have been eligible to file a claim for unemployment benefits such as part-time workers that would not have met the wage a week minimum requirement which in Ohio is $269-a-week, self-contractors or “gig” workers. But even though the stimulus plan expanded the group of people now eligible for unemployment benefits, the state of Ohio is not in a position where it can process the surge in claims and hand out the money to those desperately in need of the aid. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is essentially overwhelmed as claims and unemployment rate continue to rise. This is a problem in that people need the money to make car payments, rent, utilities, food, etc. that need to be paid regardless unless they find alternatives to help survive this time of unemployment. The only reason why the system is so inadequate is due to the fact that the Department of Jobs and Family Services never experienced a time where there was a massive layoff of people at the same time.
https://www.dispatch.com/business/20200412/coronavirus-ohio-workers-waiting-for-expanded-unemployment-benefits
https://www.dispatch.com/business/20200412/coronavirus-ohio-workers-waiting-for-expanded-unemployment-benefits
3 comments:
I think the entire nation, and countries all over the globe, were not ready for this kind of a pandemic, let alone its economic effects. The stimulus package is definitely not enough, and there will be more unemployment benefits required very soon as families are struggling. With increasing social distancing requirements, it is hard to say how long people will be out of jobs and how many more will be lost.
I agree with Sophia that no one could have predicted the economic impact this pandemic has created. The stimulus package is a great start, but more needs to be done if this economic halt is going to continue over a prolonged period of time. This is a learning experience for everyone involved. Even when things do begin to reopen, it will be a step by step slow process. It's unpredictable when the economy will be running at the same speed as it was before the outbreak.
It is a sad reality, but I believe so many small business owners as well who also may be able to get compensated by financial aid are already too late if they have not signed up for this. For so many people this money will be a lost promise and they wont see this money they really do need.
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