Navigate your Way Through Job Loss

Over the next three months, two million people will lose their unemployment benefits in the U.S. of which 83,000 of will be from Pennsylvania. People in immediate danger of losing their benefits are the long term unemployed, those who have claimed unemployment benefits up to 99 weeks.

Workers 55 and over have been especially hard hit in the economic downturn. Older workers not only are enduring record-high levels of unemployment, but also stay jobless longer than others.

According to a recent AARP Public Policy Institute Report, The average duration of unemployment for those aged 55 and older in September was 42 weeks. As of September, more than half (54 percent) of these jobseekers had been out of work for 27 or more weeks.

Under normal economic conditions Pennsylvania allowed for 26 weeks of unemployment compensation averaging about $310 a week. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry estimates there are four to five job seekers for every available job. Experts say the expiring benefits will impact the entire economy because for every dollar the unemployed receive in compensation, they tend to spend $2.

Before benefits were set to expire on Nov. 30, AARP urged Congress to extend unemployment insurance for millions of Americans who collect benefits. Unemployment insurance has played a critical role in keeping older workers from falling further and further behind in this difficult economic recovery.

During these tough economic times AARP is committed to helping 50+ workers compete in the current job market.

Better your odds of getting hired and having the career you’ve always wanted by following these helpful tips:

• Kick-Start Your Job Hunt: Proven ways to give yourself an edge over competitors in the job market.
  
• 2010 Webinars for Job Seekers: Archived webinars designed for practical tools and resources tailored to the needs of 50+ workers.