Oxford Economics estimates that roughly 279,000 people in 11 states will lose the $300-a-week stipend, while an additional 609,000 will lose all benefits. Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama are among the states that offer the lowest maximum benefit to qualified individuals — $275 or less each week. Nationwide, the average weekly benefit without federal supplements is $387, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. Economists are skeptical that supplemental jobless benefits are playing anything more than a bit part in the pace of the job market’s recovery. “There are still major supply constraints and unemployment benefits are not the most important one.

Source: New York Times May 13, 2021 10:40 UTC