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99ers and No Tier 5 Unemployment Extension: Loss of Income, Friends and Self-Respect

After a long-running debate between Republicans and Democrats, the unemployment extension 2010 bill finally saw passage last week and is now being put to action across the nation. Still, there are many issues confronting the nation’s growing number of unemployed workers. With only one job available for every five workers and the economy treading an uneasy path towards recovery, the nation’s workforce is facing a bleak future.

A special faction of the unemployed – those who have been unemployed for a long period of time – face a darker outlook. The unemployment extension 2010 bill does not cover the 99ers, those who have already expended the full 99 weeks of emergency assistance from the federal government. The bill does not provide for a Tier 5 or additional weeks of unemployment benefits beyond the 99 weeks under Tier 4. Tier 4 would still be the maximum amount of a time a person could receive benefits for in states with high unemployment rates, and Tier 3 (86 weeks) would still be the max in states with low unemployment rates.

Unless a Tier 5 unemployment extension bill is enacted soon, the 99ers and those who have been out of work for more than six months face problems that are beyond financial in nature. Those who have been jobless for a long time are also vulnerable to losing their friends and, worst, losing their sense of self-respect.

A recent social and demographic trends report affirmed the stresses that 99ers are going through – prolonged periods of unemployment can not only put a strain on household finances, these can also test personal relations, force changes in career plans and, worst, erode one’s self-confidence.

The survey revealed that following findings on 99ers and those who have been without jobs for more than six months:

On household finances: Majority say their family income is in worst shape now than before the recession.

Impact on relationships: Nearly half say joblessness has strained family relations and 43 percent say they lost contact with close friends.

Loss of self-respect: Nearly 4 in 10 99ers and long-term unemployed report said they have lost sense of self-respect while out of work. They also say they sought professional help for depression or other emotional issues while out of work.

Impact on career goals: More than 40 percent believe the recession will have a “big impact” on their ability to achieve their long-term career goals and more than 70 percent of 99ers and long-term unemployed say they changed their careers or job fields or seriously thought about doing so.

Settling for less: About 30 percent of those who were able to find a job  say their new job is worse than the one they lost. These workers also said their new jobs paid less and had worse benefits than their old one.

Pessimism on the job hunt: Most 99ers are pessimistic about their chances of finding a job as good as the one they lost.

Almost 46 percent of the nation’s 14.6 million unemployed workers have been out of work for more than six months, and observers say the situation will not improve anytime soon.

This means a lot more people are going to be bumped beyond Tier 4, therefore, would be in need of Tier 5 benefits given the weak job market. Unless Congress acts immediately on a Tier 5 unemployment extension 2010 bill as Senator Charles Schumer indicated earlier , we will be seeing more and more Americans who have not only lost their income, but have also lost their friends and their sense of self-respect.

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27 comments to 99ers and No Tier 5 Unemployment Extension: Loss of Income, Friends and Self-Respect

  • 1
    Pat in NJ says:

    OK…Before I say anything write your comments to the TV show THE VIEW on this subject as the President will be a guest this Thursday!!!!!
    1st-forget the bull the government is feeding us about 5 to 1…it’s more like 300 to one!
    2nd-If you’re 55 or over forget about even getting a response! These companies want young entry level people that they don’t have to pay them for their experience.
    3rd-there are more like 6.5 million 99er’s not 4 million!
    4th-I can’t believe I just read an article that said we should cut back on things like cigarettes since I don’t smoke guess I give up food you moron!
    Hope the government has a lot of tents to spare as these types of cities will be springing up all over this country like they did during the Depression!!!

    • 1.1
      rich says:

      Pat, We can always go thru the smoking areas around buildings and eat cigarette butts? I don’t drink coffee so I already gave up my lattes.

      I swear,

      How do these morons stay employed?

      Jeezus H Kee-rist.

      I may go live in one of the Effed up countries we support with the BILLIONS we send them.

    • 1.2
      Kelly D says:

      BOMBARD the view with this question for obama….shouldnt he be taking care of this…i havent had income since june..no one seems to care…they all get vacations and food every night….ugh makes me so mad

    • 1.3
      Pat says:

      They all say “get a job”. Where? If you’re lucky enough to get an interview (I’ve had about 7 in almost 2 years) The first thing they ask is “what have you been doing all this time”. If you tell the truth “struggling to eat and keep a roof over my head selling everything and any way that you have to” then you’re too negative and the interview is over. That’s always the 1st question.

  • 2

    Is there anyone out where out that can tell me the truth, I was told on radio more than one time that we would get unemployment check,s retroactive but every one at the unemployment office don,t know what I,am talking about am I going crazy are is there more than me that,s heard that. Help in RALEIGH N.C.

    • 2.1
      Pat says:

      I was told it would be at least 2 more weeks before we could requalify to possibly get more checks. I’m right at 99 weeks so I don’t know how much more is left. We are definately the forgotten and discarded Americans. I’m so tired of the comments “just get a job” and “you’re lazy”. If they only knew the life we’ve had selling everything just to survive and hang on to a roof over our head.

  • 3

    i just wish i could get a answer why ican not get social security benefits or why i can t get unemployment benefits thank you mike

  • 4
    TW says:

    I know, Pat, they think we are idiots. We don’t know how to cut back? I already cut back my home and many belongings to room with someone to save on rent, but now I cannot even pay my share of the rent and utilities and will be thrown out next month. I also gave up one meal a day and no longer eat lunch, and I have health problems. I am just trying to keep my car so I can drive to interviews. My problem now is when I get an interview, I want the job so much I scare them off. I cannot calm down because I know there’s NOTHING to keep me off the street next month. People have to rationalize that it’s our fault and that we have options so they don’t feel guilty. So they tell themselves lies. Sorry, but like it or not, many of you out there, like many members of Congress, are enjoying your lives while you make decisions to cut off food and shelter from the people who have been paying your salaries for over 30 years. Enjoy your dinner.

    • 4.1
      Pat says:

      Exactly and they’re whinning about us sponging off the taxpayers, they forget that for years we were taxpayers and will be again if we can find a job. Also, we’re votors, but honestly I don’t know who to vote for. The dems are getting us into debt we’ll never be able to pay and the reps would cut spending they say but would gladly see us starve to death. I don’t know why the unneccessary spending and politics can’t be stopped but keep the unemployed from losing all. Much spending should be stopped before concentrating on the unemployed but that’s all the reps seem to be able to stop or delay. They’re not passionate about anything except using the unemployed for politics and an example of people who just want to be on welfare. I’m not sure I’m even gonna vote. Don’t know if I’ll have gas to get there anyway.

  • 5
    Jim says:

    come to our blog the 99er’s are fighting back hard…it’s called..

    tier5tostayalive.blogspot.com

  • 6
    Dee says:

    I can’t believe that I just read an article that said the Republicans feel really good about passing the unemployment extension and are going to continue to give massive tax cuts to the wealthy. What world do they come from? Not mine. I’m a 99′r I’m struggling no I’m bleeding and these idiots are are rubbing dirt in my wounds and spitting in my face while I am being reduced to food stamps and misery daily. I can’t believe our country has come to this and that there is no end in sight. God Help Us!

  • 7
    michael says:

    are we wasting our time speaking our minds, or will our cry for help fall on death ears.i’m 52 years old in a union for 10+ years,and the union can’t send you out for work its so bad.companys don’t want to hire you because when the economy gets better,fear you might go looking for a job in contruction which is what my career is at this time.out of the 4 interviews i’ve had, i’m still waitiag for the 2nd one,that everyones promised.physically able to work,but can’t find it. why? well dude your 52 years to old.so you and your family can get by the best way you can.mabye this 345.00 dollars in food assistance will help.as far as paying your bills thats your problem,so don,t bother me,i’m busy living high on the hog. go sleep under a bridge or something you pest.well thank you congress for all your help.i’m a so called 99er. no i’m an american citizen, who has worked all of my adult life until the end of 2007,thanks to the big boys on the hill,and their greed.for the green paper some people have to work hard to earn to live.and this is the thanks i get.thank god for hope. love mr.michael.

    • 7.1
      angie felangie says:

      We put money into this system while you allocate monies to things most of us don’t agree with. You must help the millions out of work….where is our land/homesteads to create a place to live on? So much land is owned by the govt. give us something to live on then without taking down our tent cities if you don’t to tiers millions will be homeless that have kids… you can spend billions on one jet and send money to Casinos. I say all those in GOVT..HIGHER UPS PAY CUTS!

  • 8

    EVERYONE who see’s this, Do this NOW, go and SIGN PETITION!

  • 9
    Pat says:

    Mel in Raleigh, NC, here is the answer to your question. I hope this helps. Take care!

    NORTH CAROLINA (https://www.ncesc.com/)

    The Employment Security Commission of North Carolina informed claimants on July 22 “The ESC is working with the Department of Labor to implement this change (unemployment extension 2010) as quickly as possible.“

    The site also urged beneficiaris “If you are currently filing for benefits please continue to do so. If you are not currently filing for benefits our agency will notify you on how to reinstate your claim.”

  • 10
    Jim says:

    come visit our blog…we will not give up the fight…

    Although they will not allow me to provide a link it’s called….

    tier5tostayalive.blogspot.com

  • 11
    Alf says:

    Here I am 41 years old. I have been working all my adult life. My career is in two fold 1) Teaching music and 2) working in the music field. I am a composer, ethnomusicologist and educator. I worked hard and worked my way up to a PhD and two years ago I lost my job at an orchestra I was the librarian. It was a pretty good job doing what I was trained to do in my education. I now have a PhD I have a CV with all my accomplishments and publications. Where am I? I have been unemployed for almost 2 years. I am about to go into my 4th extension. I have been putting in resumes everyday. At least 3-5 per day. Jobs that are way below my qualifications, jobs that are at my qualification, jobs that are I don’t know what, but they are jobs. No response, No interview. I am close to being homeless.
    Was this my fault? Was it my fault that the economy sucks? was it my fault I lost my job? Answer NO..
    I lost everything. I am losing friends left and right. My family has about had it enough with my woes. Does anyone care? You know it just seems this way to me. I worked hard my entire life to end up with no self respect. I can’t compose nor do music because I spend all my time looking for work. I can’t go out with friends because they don’t want to see me (of course I can’t afford to go out) and what friends I do have left are paying for my movie ticket or buying me food. My retired parents give me money to get a hair cut or to pay this bill or that. They give me groceries. My sister almost had enough of me.
    It sure seems that death is better than what I am going through. I did everything that a person is suppose to do. I got an education. I focused on a career. I did what I loved. I did the American Dream, but did it occur. No. I am now a walking dead person who just wakes up looks at job sites, sends out resumes and of course has to change it to fit the job. Just to be ignored.

    • 11.1
      Pat says:

      You’re right about the friends, mine are no where to be seen. GONE. My republican friends are upset because I don’t want to vote for republicans or anyone else because of all the politics.They now see me as a freeloader because I’ve drawn unemployment so long (now a 99r). My own church who give lots of food to a food bank in another country, can’t even help me because I don’t live in the right county. Now that I don’t have gas to go there every week, I’m no longer a regular member so that’s a strike against me also. Forget that I attended regular for 12 years. I now live in the garage so the family that moved in the house to save it could have better living area. I don’t even have water in my living area now. I wonder how many politicians if they have to use the bathroom at night have to cross the yard in the dark, snow and whatever. And my kids who are living in the house, tell me every chance they get how lazy and worthless I am, they don’t see the times that I’ve had numerous yard sales, gone to flea markets etc to sell everything I own. They don’t want me eating they’re food. (And I’m not lazy) But I am depressed I’m realizing. I have a good job prospect, I think, but most of the time when I go for an interview and they see that I’m 56 and overweight, the interviews are pretty short. Your prayers are appreciated that I will get a job soon.

  • 12
    Pat says:

    Also Mel, it was stated in the jobs bill that it’s retroactive as of June 5 for everyone who qualified for the extension.

  • 13
    Insider says:

    There are thousands of high tech jobs in US that are not available to US citizens. Big companies are allowed by our government to bring foreign technical people to the USA from overseas, pay them less and eliminate jobs for American.. This is possible via the h1b1 visa program. These foreigners come over on this work visa and replace an American worker. After they are here they bring in their friends and family and get them hired where they are working.
    Ask you Congressman to explain why this exists.
    That’s not counting all of the other foreigners from far away lands that come to this country that the government subsidizes and every thing is free and every body can see it, all bet some of you Out there … can tell some real story’s. The government also subsidizes and will pay one half of wages to some corporations as kick backs for foreigners to take Americans jobs, kick in the face. Not to count all the jobs outsourced over seas that we can see, we all no that but what are we to-do.

    “WE THE PEOPLE”

  • 14
    Insider says:

    Government: media censorship.

    Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
    George Washington

    History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.
    Thomas Jefferson

    I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.
    Thomas Jefferson

    Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.
    Thomas Jefferson

    If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?
    Thomas Jefferson

    All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.
    Benjamin Franklin

    A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.
    Benjamin Franklin

    There is no kind of dishonesty into which otherwise good people more easily and frequently fall than that of defrauding the government.
    Benjamin Franklin

    The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.
    Woodrow Wilson

    Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.
    Theodore Roosevelt

    In our personal ambitions we are individualists. But in our seeking for economic and political progress as a nation, we all go up or else all go down as one people.
    Franklin D. Roosevelt

    In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
    Dwight D. Eisenhower

    There are a number of things wrong with Washington. One of them is that everyone is too far from home.
    Dwight D. Eisenhower

    The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them.
    Karl Marx

    WHERE DID THE MONEY GO

    Billions to the banks and they were ok ask ONE BIG Question follow the trail with the blood hounds but they did cross the waters pick up the tail there’re big bank wire transfers but backed not by real gold… black gold…

  • 15
    DAVE says:

    what we need now is someone like president theadore roseavelt ,pres oboma is trying but he needs to realize you cant play politics as usual in a depression and were in one he needs to take charge like roseavelt did in the 1930′s to 1945 and just do what needs to be done and not worry about getting along with the republicans or votes, he can sign a bill tommorow giving millions a tier 5 but he has not yet .if you help the people the people will elect you, roseavelt served for 14 yrs if he didnt die in office he would have surved longer why because he put the people first not politics

  • 16
    T says:

    And, he is not going to! This man is scared of doing his job! Scarebama needs to go! I can’t take no more of his ass or these weak Democrats! And, I damn sure can’t take anymore of these Republicans! All of them need to go!

    • 16.1
      Brian says:

      Maybe they will understand when people start robbing and taking shit for there families. Because if it’s going to be a dog eat dog world them mother fuckers are going to get there shit regardless of what the law or are fucked up government say or do.

  • 17
    Anthony says:

    Teddy Roosevelt died in 1919. Maybe you mean FRANKLIN Roosevelt?

  • 18
    Anna says:

    What about the children??????????????/
    Come this school year think how they must feel when they have no supplies, clothes, and food.