Title: Expanded unemployment benefits may bump people from welfare, other aid
Headings: Expanded unemployment benefits could bump people from welfare, other assistance
Expanded unemployment benefits could bump people from welfare, other assistance
Key Points
Expanded unemployment benefits
Medicaid, food stamps and more

Content: Expanded unemployment benefits may bump people from welfare, other aid
Personal Finance
Expanded unemployment benefits could bump people from welfare, other assistance
Published Fri, May 29 20201:00 PM EDT Updated Fri, May 29 20206:28 PM EDT
Greg Iacurci @GregIacurci
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Key Points
Expanded unemployment benefits authorized by the federal government give an extra $600 a week to jobless Americans through July 31. An increase in income from unemployment could reduce aid through programs like welfare, food stamps and Medicaid, or may render people ineligible for the programs. Rules differ between states and programs. Reading, PA - May 8: Major Joy Mudge, left, and Kristy Kushner, right the Director of Social Services, helps to organize boxes ready for distribution. During a food distribution at the Salvation Army location on South 5th Street in Reading, PA Friday afternoon May 8, 2020. ( Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)
MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images
Expanded unemployment benefits have been a lifeline for millions of Americans who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. That lifeline, however, may reduce or eliminate the financial aid some get through other safety net programs such as Medicaid, food stamps and welfare. That’s because unemployment benefits generally count as income for individuals in such programs, according to Jennifer Wagner, a senior policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. These assistance programs, which provide aid for lower-income Americans, typically carry some sort of means testing to determine eligibility and aid amount.