Unemployment benefits expire Nov. 30
Unemployment benefits extension is scheduled to end, effectively cutting off benefits for 83,000 Pennsylvanians in December.
Frank Wallace, who is unemployed, displays a sign Nov. 22 during a 'Vigil for the Unemployed' at the Arch Street Methodist Church in Philadelphia. Unemployment benefits are scheduled to expire Nov. 30.
Matt Rourke/AP
HARRISBURG, Pa.
Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians can expect to lose their weekly unemployment benefit more quickly once December begins.
That's because Congress hasn't voted to continue the 99 weeks of extended jobless benefits that expire Tuesday, and no vote is scheduled.
The state Department of Labor and Industry estimates that 83,000 Pennsylvanians will lose the average weekly benefit of about $310 in December.
The federally extended benefits means that many of the unemployed are eligible for up to 99 weeks of benefits.
But beginning Wednesday, people who apply for the first time can expect a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits, while many of those receiving them now will lose them before the 99 weeks are up.