Andy | Saving to Invest

Any Further Federal Unemployment Benefits in 2024? News and Updates

With the expiry of federal enhanced unemployment benefit programs like PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC in all states, there has been considerable chatter around what happens next and if missing or back payments are still being made. While the pandemic unemployment stimulus programs are unlikely to be resurrected…

A Second 2020 Stimulus Check Supported by Trump and Democrats (HEROES act)

House democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have passed (208 to 199 on May 15) another stimulus bill in Congress, called the HEROES act, which includes a new round of stimulus check (economic impact) payments of $1,200 per individual and $2,400 for couples. This is the same as the current…

Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits in 2026 — Up to $694/Week

Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation (UC) program pays a maximum of $694 per week — or up to $802 per week if you have dependents. Benefits run for up to 26 weeks, and Pennsylvania's system is more generous than many people realize, especially with the dependency allowance factored in. The program is…

The End of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Future Extensions, Retroactive and Claim Back Payment Issues

Note: The PUA program ended on September 6, 2021. While retroactive payments were made (see sections below) for several months following this date, no new or further pandemic related benefits were paid. Currently, only traditional state unemployment benefits are available to unemployed claimants. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program overview The…

Illinois Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $859/Week, Tax Rules, and What Else You Can Claim

If you've lost your job or had your hours cut in Illinois, the state's unemployment insurance system offers some of the stronger benefits in the Midwest. The maximum weekly benefit runs to $628 for individual claimants — and jumps to $859 per week if you have dependent children. Here's what…

Preparing For Layoffs: Steps to Take Ahead of Time And What To Do First

With a slowing economy, government and private sector reductions in force, and likely recession around the corner you may get into work one of these days and hear that your employer needs to cut costs and your position has been made redundant. Are you prepared for this scenario and its…

Can I get Unemployment if I Have COVID (Omicron or Delta) and Cannot Work? Pre and Post Pandemic Unemployment Rules

With the expiry of pandemic unemployment programs (PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC) and resurgence of COVID-Omicron cases, many workers are asking if they would qualify for unemployment if they are unable to work and/or face a full or partial loss of income. Under the Pandemic programs, the answer was YES…

Protecting your Job in Turbulent Times

With a general slowing of the economy it is at times like this we need to most careful of protecting our financial livelihood, which for most people is derived from their jobs. Positions that seemed safe just a few months ago are at risk due to company collapses and corporate…

Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $1,033/Week for 30 Weeks — Full Guide

Massachusetts’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) — is one of the most generous in the country. The $1,033 maximum weekly benefit and 30-week duration are both above national norms, and the dependents allowance adds meaningful income for families. Massachusetts also has universal health…

Life Insurance: Why It’s Important and How to Choose the Right Policy

Few people enjoy the idea of discussing how much life insurance they need and what the ideal policy is for them. However, the truth is that having a good life insurance policy in place is very important. In fact, it can make the difference between your loved ones being able…

Can My Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Dependent Stimulus Payment Get Intercepted and Offset For Child Support Arrears Despite Filing an Injured Spouse Claim (Form 8379)

I seem to be getting a lot of comments and questions related to child support arrears and offsets around the advance/expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) and stimulus payments (recovery rebate credit) for adults and their child dependents. The IRS has confirmed that the stimulus check (economic impact) payments will NOT be offset or…

Retroactive Unemployment Benefits Back or Missing Payments for Expired $300 Weekly FPUC, PUA and PEUC Programs – Claim Weeks Covered

With the expiry of federal enhanced unemployment benefit programs like PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC after September 6th 2021 in all states, there have been a lot of questions around what happens with ongoing, new and past payments. You can see the following sections where I discuss these…

Received My First $300 FPUC Extra Unemployment Stimulus Boost Payment But No Second Payment – Why Did it Stop and When Will I Get Back Payments?

While most states have now updated their unemployment filing systems to accept new claims or reactivate existing PUA and PEUC claims to support the pandemic unemployment assistance programs rolled out under the CARES act and extended in 2021 under the CAA COVID Relief Bill, there are still many, many issues…

Georgia Unemployment Insurance (GDOL) Benefits in 2026 — $365/Week, Up to 14 Weeks

Georgia's maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit is $365, and the state provides up to 14 weeks of regular benefits — one of the shorter durations among larger states. It's not the most generous program in the country, but it's also one of the faster and more straightforward systems once you…