Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Lawmakers are racing to agree a deal before many programs expire at the end of the year.
Many in Congress are pushing for the extension of two major unemployment programs to help people through the pandemic.
But experts told Politico that millions of people could disruption to their payments even if Congress passes a deal.
This would be down to bureaucratic problems restarting the programs at short notice, which could push people into further hardship.
Congress may have already missed its chance to seamlessly preserve unemployment support via a coronavirus stimulus bill.
Slow, bureaucratic systems used to distribute the funds mean that some people could see major delays in getting the aid even if lawmakers manage to pass a COVID-19 stimulus package this year, Politico reported.
Unemployment compensation programs end Dec. 26, 2020
Headlight staff reports
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will begin issuing the $1,200 one-time supplemental unemployment compensation benefit to eligible claimants during the week of December 14th. This stimulus payment will be made before many Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants will see their benefits end on or before December 26, 2020, according to federal program guidelines.
The supplemental Worker Pandemic Benefit (WPB) will be sent to claimants’ preferred payment method as a separate payment in addition to their weekly unemployment benefits. Claimants may revise their payment method at any time by logging in to their UI account and selecting “View and Maintain Account Information” in the left-hand menu and then selecting “Payment Method Options and Tax Information.”
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Even if Congress passes COVID-19 stimulus soon, lags in the system mean millions face disruption in getting unemployment support
Even if Congress passes COVID-19 stimulus soon, lags in the system mean millions face disruption in getting unemployment support
Sinéad BakerDec 15, 2020, 21:57 IST
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) with bipartisan members of Congress as they announce a proposal for a COVID-19 relief bill on Capitol Hill.Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Lawmakers are racing to agree a deal before many programs expire at the end of the year.
Many in Congress are pushing for the extension of two major unemployment programs to help people through the pandemic.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a $908 billion coronavirus rescue package Monday, with a potential deal coming down to the wire since Congress has until the end of the week to strike an agreement that can be tied to longer-term spending legislation.
Economists have stressed the need for additional aid as 12 million Americans could lose their unemployment benefits the day after Christmas. Eviction moratoriums for renters and protections for student borrowers are also set to expire, as well as a federal program for paid family leave.
The package is split into two bills. The larger, $748 billion bill, called the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Act of 2020, includes enhanced unemployment benefits. It would also temporarily extend an eviction moratorium and federal student loan forbearance, according to a summary of the proposal, which was obtained by USA TODAY.
Nick Oxford/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Congress is scrambling to pass an emergency relief package this week as the economy shows signs of strain.
Around 13 million people stand to lose all jobless aid if lawmakers fail to renew certain federal programs.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a plan on Tuesday that could aid unemployed people with new $300 federal unemployment benefits and an extension of another program covering gig workers.
Nearly 13 million Americans could lose all their jobless aid at the end of the month if Congress doesn t renew federal unemployment programs that it set up in the spring.