Title: Long-term unemployment benefits expire: 6 things to know - Los Angeles Times
Headings: Long-term unemployment benefits expire: 6 things to know
Long-term unemployment benefits expire: 6 things to know
Who lost benefits?
Why the change?
Which states will be hit hardest?
Why hasn’t Congress extended unemployment insurance again?
What are the arguments for allowing benefits to expire?
What are the arguments for extending the program again?
Business
David Lauter

Content: they would lose benefits at that point. The Obama administration estimates that by the end of 2014, 4.9 million people will have been affected. Advertisement
Why the change? In good times, the federal government and the states jointly provide up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, paid from employer payroll taxes, to people who lose their jobs. Advertisement
The idea, which dates to the 1930s, is to help laid-off workers until they can find new jobs. Well over half of Americans either collect unemployment insurance during some part of their working lives or are married to someone who does. During periods of high unemployment, the federal government has expanded the unemployment insurance program with money from the general fund. Advertisement
In June 2008, when the recession was young and the unemployment rate was 5.6%, Congress approved a 13-week extension. As the recession deepened, Congress passed additional expansions. At its peak, the program offered up to 99 weeks of coverage.