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Federal unemployment benefits end Monday

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For months, $300 a week in federal benefits made a difference for unemployed Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I went back on food stamps. That’s the only way I’m eating. Other than that, I make $700 to pay my bills.” 

But by the end of Labor Day weekend, a lifeline for an estimated 7 million people will no longer exist. 

All three benefits created under the Cares Act last year and extended by the American Rescue Plan this year expire on Monday.  

Here’s a quick rundown: 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program extends benefits to those previously considered ineligible for unemployment insurance like gig workers, the self-employed, and independent contractors.  

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation provides aid to people who exhausted their state benefits.  

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is a bonus on top of state benefits. It was an additional $600 per week and reduced to $300 per week earlier this year.

This story was originally published by Lauren Stephenson and Emily Grossberg at Newsy