Tennessee to refuse $300 federal unemployment bump - but what about folks who really do need it?

Tennessee Governor Lee took the dramatic step earlier this week of refusing the $300 per week federal unemployment supplement. Although the federal program will continue elsewhere through September, Tennessee will put on the brakes July 3rd (story). 

Tennessee is also ending participation in federal programs that have allowed the self-employed to qualify...AND the initiative that extended payments after regular benefits expired.

The bottom line: after July 3rd, it's back to a maximum of $275 per week for the unemployed who qualify, no unemployment for self-employed, and no extension of regular benefits. 

For those who have been taking advantage of the system, the supposition is they'll likely be able to find a job, since there are approximately 250,000 jobs available...but what about those who are truly struggling and are truly unemployed? Many who legitimately can't go back to work yet. Can you imagine getting by on $275 a week? Especially now as inflation is pushing the price of necessities higher every week?

Not to mention, not everyone has been able to get their unemployment checks. Thousands of Tennessee residents, although they qualified, haven't received any money in weeks or months. There is a Facebook group page titled 'Unofficial Unemployment Tennessee Information and Help' (link here ), and a quick visit will give you some insight into those who are struggling:

One post said, "Been waiting for months and still ain’t got nothing."
Another, "I'm pregnant and not getting paid anything from my job on my leave...people never know what people are going through." and another, "People have been waiting 6 months for a payment. I spent probably 20 hours on the phone with Unemployment trying to get my claim fixed. It’s still not fixed."

​Most every family is literally just one 'life event' away from being in a financial mess - an unexpected medical emergency involving your parent, spouse, or child...business reorganizations, layoffs or closings...a wage earner suddenly required to be home for family reasons...a divorce...any number of life changing events. 

If you've found yourself in one of these situations, and the upcoming date of July 3rd will put you even further behind, call our office today.

We have helped thousands of Tennessee families struggling with financial problems and we offer a free consultation to determine how we can help you.  Call the law office of T. Verner Smith at (731) 423-1888.