Extended benefits

Extended benefits

Approaching.

It's the final day for people who are receiving extended unemployment help.

These benefits have added an extra $600 to budgets stretched thin by layoffs and business closings.

Now that extra cash has run dry..

Wcbi's bobby martinez joins us live in the studio with a look at what people can expect.

Joey, that extra six hundred dollars has helped eliminate the financial stress for thousands of mississippians.

But the uncertainty of covid and the lack of agreement among lawmakers in washington means - the future is still up in the air.

"we need help, and we need this to continue."

What was once a financial relief to millions of jobless americans across the country..

Will now be a thing of the past come friday.... sot - valerie smith - received benefits - starkville.

"it has helped me and my family a whole lot during the unemployment.

Because without the extra $600 i wasn't knowing how to keep a roof over our head or how we was going to eat or pay all the bills."

Smith, who has been on unemployment since march went back to work just this week..

She is worried for those who relied on that extra cash to pay their bills.

Sot - valerie smith - received benefits- starkville.

"so now that the $600 is ending, not only myself, there's going to be a lot of families out there hurt.

How are they supposed to pay the rent?

How are they supposed to pay the utility bills or feed their kids?

Because if you go back to work during the coronavirus and you get sick, you have to go back on unemployment again and then what?"

Kaylee berry, deputy director for the office reemployment assistance here in mississippi..

Says there isn't another option for those looking to receive extra money at the moment..

But there are talks between congressional leaders on an extension..

Sot - kaylee berry, deputy director, mdes "it is my understanding that there is ongoing discussion about a potential extension or a possible form of the $600 payment that maybe passed moving forward."

So what if an employee is asked to come back to work during this pandemic..

Sot - kaylee berry, deputy director, mdes "there may be conditions where a person might be directly impacted by covid.

That would allow them to have ongoing eligibility even if they did not return to work but it will be based on their circumstances the circumstances of the job offer to them, suitable work, a lot of factors come into play."

Berry says you can also seek help in finding a job by berry says you can also seek help in finding a job by visiting the states unemployment website.

And i'll have that link