New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Massachusetts currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 10.2%, but there some great news for residents without a job because of the worldwide COVID pandemic: Federal Emergency Management Administration Administrator Pete Gaynor announced he has approved the state’s request for additional unemployment funds after weekly $600 federal aid expired.
FEMA’s grant funding means those who are currently unemployed will receive $300 in federal funds. Since Governor Baker has already stated that he would agree to accept President Trump’s extended unemployment benefits plan, that means there will be an additional $100 bringing the total funds to $400.
For those who have been concerned about the loss of income at the end of July when the $600 checks they had been receiving, expired: the new payments will be made retroactive to Aug. 1.
As of July, the state’s unemployment 16.1%, a drop of 1.6% drop from June with most of the jobs being lost in construction, hospitality, and transportation.
I agree unemployment has gone up, however; do you have any idea how many of these claims are fraudulent? And knowing this they are still paid many thousands of dollars. I believe it’s pay now look into later.
What the heck about your regular American citizen, regardless whether they are retired or looking for work? Where is our help please? Many, many Americans are going under financially. I implore you to please help us all. Be it unemployment or not. We are all Americans. We need dire help. I fear for our country. I myself am very afraid of my future.