Misconceptions of COVID-19 unemployment benefits keeping workers out of the workforce, and how Family Promise can help families facing instability.


Video Above: Lindsay Moore, Nakieshia Hedrick, and Nic Hartmann from Family Promise discuss the realities many families face once the COVID-19 $300 unemployment benefit relief expires on June 12, 2021.


 

Shifting the Narrative on Increased COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

Who has received the COVID-19 unemployment $300/week bump?

Many people who have received the supplemental $300/week benefit during COVID-19 are individuals who are unemployed, or on partial or full-time furlough from their jobs. Unfortunately, some people have wrongly generalized these recipients of being lazy and refusing to look for work. Every family faces difference situations and needs.

Lindsay Moore from Family Promise Midwest

“I hope this conversation continues, others hear it, and can give voice to those truths and layers families and individuals face; and truly focus on keeping the dignity during a crisis.”

Lindsay Moore
Regional Director, Family Promise Midwest

 

How has the unemployment $300/week bump impacted families during the pandemic?

For many families, the supplemental income has allowed more stability during a time of crisis during the pandemic. The bump has allowed rent and mortgages to be paid, utilities to be kept on, and food to stay on the table. It has helped families of all backgrounds and identities.

Nakeshia Hedrick - FP Greater Lafayette

“Unemployment during the pandemic has disproportionately affected women and people of color even more. It adds to issues already there being compounded on […] and they are now being forced to typically be essential workers on the frontlines potentially exposed to COVID.” 

Nakeshia Hedrick
Executive Director, Family Promise of Greater Lafayette (Indiana)
 
The $300/week benefit has helped many individuals have stayed afloat, keeping their jobs and continuing to work while receiving some stability through the pandemic. Losing this benefit set to expire on June 12, 2021 can cause major setbacks for some families dependent on it during this time of need.

 

How has the unemployment benefit helped families with childcare?

COVID-19 created barriers for some families with childcare. In some locations, childcare can cost up to several hundred dollars per week. During the pandemic, many childcare centers also closed for a variety of reasons. This caused numerous parents to drop out of the workforce entirely, especially in fields offering little to no flexibility.
In fact, a family may not actually make enough money going back to work once the costs of childcare are factored. There are also families who have adult family members to care for. The $300/week COVID-19 supplemental benefit has helped many families like these during the pandemic.

How can Family Promise help families after the COVID-19 unemployment bump expires?

We are dedicated to helping families sustain more stability during this time of need. Contact Family Promise of Linn County if you know a family who is concerned about the $300/week supplemental income ending and struggling to make ends meet.

“There are many people who don’t have resources and are looking for places like Family Promise to help.”

Nic Hartmann
Development Director, Family Promise of Linn County (Iowa)