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.

Personal testimony

“Everyone gets a different story when they call,” said Jennings, who worked in the service department at Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn until August. “I can’t pay my rent. I have no food. I know this isn’t just me, it’s thousands of people. . . . I cried a lot yesterday.” - Boston Globe

How you can help:

These payments are often maligned as handouts, but they are not. Citizens paid for these benefits for decades, for this very purpose. Now, when the benefits are needed, the MA government isn’t holding up its end of the deal. 

Contact Governor Baker’s office and share on social media demanding they release the benefits. 

Learn More: 

• With rent due and unemployment claims unpaid, job seekers are on edge

• Historically, crises have lasted longest in Black communities. Bostonians worry that COVID-19 will be no different

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Best!

A Better Boston team

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