Unemployed in New York City

There is no doubt that unemployment is a chronic epidemic all over the United States. How it can affect certain groups is an entirely different story. New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live. The cost of living in New York City is considerably higher than almost any other city in the US. Shouldn't that mean more money in unemployment to offset New York City's cost of living? Every state has dealt with their unemployment benefits differently. According to the article entitled "For New York's Newly Jobless, $430 Doesn't go far", by Patrick McGeehan of the New York Times; New York has the nation's lowest unemployment weekly benefit out of the other states.

With New York's cost of living being so high, one would think that the rate of unemployment benefit should be higher. The average cost of rental studio apartment in New York City is nearly $2,000 a month. This does not include having to pay for health insurance premiums, or utilities and other necessities to live in the city. Another huge cost that is overlooked is the cost of taking Public Transportation. The article started by saying, "Lose your job in Boston, Pittsburgh, Seattle or Trenton and you could collect $544 or more per week in unemployment benefits. But get laid off in New York City, as almost 200,000 workers have in the past year, and the most you can collect is $430 a week." It is shocking to learn that New York has not raised its unemployment benefit allowance in the past ten years. Recently due to the economic stimulus package, New York was able to release $25 in addition to the benefit. However the total comes out to $430. This makes it extremely difficult to survive in New York City on unemployment alone. It has become apparent that apartment rental costs are rising as well as the costs of the Metrocard. These costs are unique to New York City and are making it more difficult to survive here.

Another point made in the article, is how challenging it can be to maintain a family off unemployment benefits. It points out that Massachusetts raised its benefit based on inflation to $650 a week. It is still challenging but compared to New York's benefit, it looks like a lot more help. New York does not adjust its benefit on inflation or family size.

The problem lies with the lawmakers of New York State. They have not come to an agreement yet on increasing benefits or even creating jobs for New York City's citizens. It is very interesting to learn that one of the world's most expensive cities gives its citizens the lowest unemployment benefit in all of the United States.