When it comes to unemployment benefits, there is little time to waste. More than 11 million Americans are set to start seeing their pandemic unemployment benefits lapse this weekend. The bill passed by the Senate last weekend would continue the existing $300 weekly federal boost and two key pandemic unemployment programs through September 6. Some jobless Oregonians, for instance, had no disruption in payments after the prior relief bill, but others had to wait until mid-February for their benefits to restart. Lower-income enrollees could have their premiums eliminated completely for the same period, and those collecting unemployment benefits could sign up for coverage with no premiums in 2021.

Source: The Nation March 10, 2021 12:13 UTC