Unemployment runs out for millions after Federal Unemployment Benefits expire

As another COVID-19 relief bill hangs in the balance, unemployment benefits for as many as 12 million Americans expired Saturday night, the day after Christmas.

In Washington state, nearly 100,000 unemployed workers could lose their federal unemployment benefits known as PUA or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Bryan Fiehler is a classical singer and a conductor. He does a lot of work with local community and church choirs. When the pandemic hit in March, Fiehler said he lost 75 percent of his income.

Like many other gig workers, contractors, or self-employed individuals, he counts on PUA.

It has been a lifeline and helped pay for half of his rent in Seattle, according to Fiehler.

“Every little bit helps,” said Fiehler.

Without it, he’s not sure what’s going to happen.

“Things are much worse than they were in April. Yes, vaccine is promising, but is going to be months until restaurant workers, performing artists, others industry wide that rely on customers being face to face present, that’s not coming back,” said Fiehler.

Right now, most PUA recipients get $300 a week, about $1,200 a month.

“The fact that this is expiring, is just unacceptable,” said Professor Thomas Gilbert is with the Foster School of Business.

“There’s a broad range of reasons why many different businesses had to lay off the workers. Workers are counting on these benefits,” said Gilbert. “All these CARES Act support and benefits were critical in getting people through this period.”

He went on to say, “We need to take over those businesses fixed costs and that includes payroll. And whether that’s payroll help through the companies or through unemployment benefits.”

Nichole Halliwell, who lives in Roy, works at trade shows. She is three kids as says after the taxes are taken out, she and her family have to live off of a little less than $200 a week.

"$600, $2000, honestly it's not even so much the stimulus I’m really in need of as much as that extra little bit of unemployment," Halliwell said.

“I’m outraged,” said State Senator Karen Keiser chairs the committee that oversees the state unemployment system.

“It’s ridiculous to put people through this kind of anxiety. It’s mean. It’s cruel to do this to people,” said Keiser. They’re worried about just keeping a roof over their heads and taking care of their kids. To do this on top of that, it’s just mean.”

Under the new COVID-19 stimulus package that Congress passed Monday, many people getting PUA would continue to get emergency federal benefits until March 14.

But again, Americans are still waiting for word from the President.

Governor Jay Inslee says if Congress and the President do not act, he’s going to offer a $54 million temporary relief package so people don’t fall off that cliff.

“What the governor is doing is the $50 million--it’s good. It's the right thing to do, but more is needed,” said Gilbert.

Payments would be handled by Employment Security Department and last about a month.