Local man shares unemployment struggles

With the extra unemployment aid coming to an end, one man is sharing how he plans to move forward.

Ending anytime soon... yet the 600 dollar weekly boost to unemployment benefits -- expires tomorrow.

About 17 million americans are still out of work.

Those on unemployment insurance*wil* still be able to claim state benefits..

But it's a lot less help -- and right now, the country's unemployment rate is 11%.

Action news now reporter kristian lopez shows us just how much families depend on that extra 600 dollars per month.

William hedden/recieves unemployment: without the 600, i make a little over 350 a week on regular state, and thats not enough to cover the bills.

Like many others across the nation - william hedden lost his job because of the coronavirus.

He's been banking on that extra 600 dollars each month from the federal government.

William hedden: i knew on july 31 it was going to end, i figured if the pandemic was going to continue that the government would have something in place before it ended.

Theres a lot of people that are struggling more than i am that this is really going to hurt a lot worse, for me its going to hurt me, with just unemployment theres no way to pay my bills let alone the rest of living expenses.

Kristian: what are your plans moving forward?

What comes next for you.

William hedden: right now its just continue with doing what i am, and hoping something happens and my job becomes available, if it gets to the point where im going to lose everything, ill look for alternative employment, if its the difference between a lower job or losing my home, ill do it.

Hedden shared this message with those who are going through the same thing.

Understand that everything will pass, if you understand there is going to be an end to this struggle, then you have something to look forward to.

Kristian -- this must have been so emotional..

Does he say he's holding on to hope that things will get better?

Yes he's staying optimistic about the future and hopes