Hi there!
What’s Happening?:
Many unemployed workers across the state of Massachusetts haven’t received unemployment benefits since the beginning of December. Two months later, they’re now facing overdue bills and rent payments they can’t afford.
Why Does It Matter?
These unemployment benefits keep individuals and families above water. Without them, they’re at risk for bankruptcy and homelessness.
With COVID caused unemployment disproportionately harming communities of color, the lack of unemployment payments exacerbates existing inequities.
What is the State doing?
The MA government hasn’t provided any details into why the unemployment benefits have stopped. The state’s Department of Unemployment Assistance has routinely reassured citizens that the benefits are coming, but it’s been over two months since the last payment.