Unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the unemployed have been extended again. How long will they last this time?
The 65% COBRA premium subsidy for those who have lost their jobs is extended through May 31. The last extension ran out at the end of March.
Unemployment benefits, which ran out April 5, will be extended until June 2.
Both extensions will be applied retroactively to the date the programs expired, so benefits will be restored to those who lost them.
Congressional Democrats wanted to extend the bill before Congress left March 26 for its annual two-week spring break, but Republicans delayed the legislation over concerns about how the benefits would be funded.
Upon returning from break, a majority of Republicans in the House and Senate voted against the extensions — saying they didn’t want them to worsen the federal budget deficit. However, nearly every Democratic lawmaker voted in favor of them — paving the way for President Obama’s signature late last week.
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