Does anyone else feel the same way about unemployment benefits?

[ctuser1]

DW got furloughed 3 months ago. She was initially getting the $600 extra assistance. That stopped at some point of time. But now we got another notification from CT Dept of Labor that she can get another $300 extra per check since when the $600 ended.

She will return to work-from-home for half of the hours (i.e. 20 hours/week, doing "job sharing" with a colleague) from the end of Sept. So the UE checks will likely end from then, because CT DOL has an income test for unemployment benefits that comes into play for "part time" unemployment claims.

All that is fine and kosher, technically.

The problem is how I feel about this whole thing!! The wording on that letter for extra $300/week triggered this. You had to certify that you qualify for "low income support assistance".

I kinda now feel guilty having this money show up in our bank accounts - as if I am taking it when it was really destined for more deserving candidates (like the restaurant servers and food trucks and other such - mostly lower income - folks!).. We don't need the unemployment assistance!! DW's income used to go straight to savings - so her furlough only impacted our savings rates.

I'm normally a shameless proponent of the welfare state. I used to think that I would have no qualms about using food pantries and welfare if we really hit on hard times. But I am now re-thinking that!! Worse, I'm now scared what I'll think about myself when the time comes to claim Social Security!!

Has anyone else grappled with such "issues"?

[DadJokes]

I firmly believe that we should have unemployment benefits and many other welfare programs. However, I also believe that we should have better needs testing for such programs. Since we don't have needs testing, I don't have a problem taking advantage of them.

I plan to take full advantage of loopholes within the FAFSA & ACA when I retire.

[sixwings]

You pay into it, take it when you need it. There's nothing wrong with that.

[PDXTabs]

I firmly believe that we should have unemployment benefits and many other welfare programs. However, I also believe that we should have better needs testing for such programs. Since we don't have needs testing, I don't have a problem taking advantage of them.

Furthermore, for the most part, unemployment benefits are not welfare. They are paid with an insurance policy that your employer paid into, and you earned with your labor. AFAIAC this is just like Social Security. Your labor paid for this benefit, take it.

[RetiredAt63]

Plus, you could always pass that money on.  I'm sure a food bank would be able to make good use of it.

[AnnaGrowsAMustache]

Plus, you could always pass that money on.  I'm sure a food bank would be able to make good use of it.

This is the best idea, I think. If you feel bad, donate it to people working at the coal face.

[ender]

I firmly believe that we should have unemployment benefits and many other welfare programs. However, I also believe that we should have better needs testing for such programs. Since we don't have needs testing, I don't have a problem taking advantage of them.

Furthermore, for the most part, unemployment benefits are not welfare. They are paid with an insurance policy that your employer paid into, and you earned with your labor. AFAIAC this is just like Social Security. Your labor paid for this benefit, take it.

It depends on whether it's normal unemployment (which is as you say) or is a special policy passed specifically as a result of covid - like the $600/week was.

[Rdy2Fire]

You pay into it, take it when you need it. There's nothing wrong with that.

I totally agree!! I don't qualify for any of these monies but if I did I'd take it.

Many people pay in their whole lives and never take benefits (unemployment and social security, specifically). I understand that's the idea behind these social programs but the amount most pay in will FAR surpass what they ever take out, if anything at all.

[I'm a red panda]

You pay into it, take it when you need it. There's nothing wrong with that.

I agree with that; but these extra $300 and $600 payments aren't coming from the same fund. They are federal and state assistance.

I understand that initially the reason there were no means tests is they just needed to get the money out fast. But now I really think there should be. And I think that they should be monitoring that people are actually job searching way better. Our daycare says she schedules tons of interviews that people don't even show up for, which has never happened to her before.  Because when you are on unemployment, you have to file to show you are looking for a job. But for people who make more on unemployment than they do working (which is also never the case under typical unemployment, but is with additional payments for low earners) they aren't looking for a job.

[phildonnia]

If your car gets wrecked, do you feel bad about getting a welfare payment from your car insurance?  Of course not.  What if you had enough money saved to buy a car without the insurance settlement?  No, you'd still take it.

Unemployment insurance is not welfare.  It's insurance.  You (or your employer) paid the premiums.  Now you make the claims, and get the money.  I don't see that there's anything here to be ashamed of. 

[Rdy2Fire]

You pay into it, take it when you need it. There's nothing wrong with that.

I agree with that; but these extra $300 and $600 payments aren't coming from the same fund. They are federal and state assistance.

I understand that initially the reason there were no means tests is they just needed to get the money out fast. But now I really think there should be. And I think that they should be monitoring that people are actually job searching way better. Our daycare says she schedules tons of interviews that people don't even show up for, which has never happened to her before.  Because when you are on unemployment, you have to file to show you are looking for a job. But for people who make more on unemployment than they do working (which is also never the case under typical unemployment, but is with additional payments for low earners) they aren't looking for a job.

Well although I agree there should be better controls, the problem also stems from there was no mandate to try and find a job and they shut down the state search systems because COVID shut down the world. Yes, now that we are somewhat over the hump there should be some other monitoring in place but I think the fed $$ (including the extra $300) are gone now (not sure)..

And I agree the money came from a different 'fed bucket' then regular state unemployment but again, do you think you will ever collect all the SS you put in? It's a gamble the government doesn't want you to win which is why they keep upping the age. I say, if you can get the $$ take it, I am not saying it's right to abuse the system for years and years like some do but 2020/COVID are an anomaly.

[Rdy2Fire]

If your car gets wrecked, do you feel bad about getting a welfare payment from your car insurance?  Of course not.  What if you had enough money saved to buy a car without the insurance settlement?  No, you'd still take it.

Unemployment insurance is not welfare.  It's insurance.  You (or your employer) paid the premiums.  Now you make the claims, and get the money.  I don't see that there's anything here to be ashamed of.

Exactly!! And as I said in the other post response, if you're a systematic abuser then that's obviously bad but, this year is an anomaly so it is what it is, if you're entitled/qualify for the money, take it