Help Wanted: Stories of Unemployment

In an effort to show the true impact of joblessness, The Washington Post asked six unemployment-affected families (five unemployed people and one fiance of an unemployed man) to participate in a unique project.

The six contributors, a diverse pool from across the country and socioeconomic spectrum, are writing frequent entries about their experiences throughout the summer of 2011. Among the topics covered, the participants are writing about their struggles to pay the bills, preserve relationships and maintain hope for the future.

The “Help Wanted: Stories of Unemployment” project also features audio testimonials from other unemployed Americans and other features.

 

Also, you can find an expanded description of the Help Wanted project here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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New Bill Fights Unemployment Discrimination

New Bill Seeks To Prevent Discrimination Against Unemployed Americans

Earlier this month, Representatives Rosa DeLauro (Connecticut) and Henry Johnson, Jr. (Georgia) introduced the Fair Emplyoment Opportunity Act of 2011. The aim of this legislation is simple: To prevent employers from discriminating against unemployed Americans.

Unemployed Need Not Apply?

Companies looking to hire are increasingly including language in their “Help Wanted” postings that prevents applicants who are out of work from applying for a job opening. You may have encountered the following language:

    “Applicant must be currently employed.”

The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, also referred to as HR 2501, would prevent employers from such discrimination. The bill would also apply to employment agencies, who would not be allowed to ask about the current employment status of job applicants.

“In a tough job market, where workers are competing against tens and sometimes hundreds of others for every available job opening, it is unjust for employers to discriminate against those who are unemployed. We have seen ample evidence that unemployed individuals are increasingly falling prey to discriminatory practices reducing their opportunities to be considered for a job. The Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 would prohibit employers and employment agencies from discriminating against unemployed job-seekers, and ensure that all Americans have the same opportunities for employment.” — Representative Rosa DeLauro

What’s Next?

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on July 12th, and there are currently 30 co-sponsors of this new legislation.

We will keep you updated as progress is made on this bill, as well as Tier 5, and other unemployment-related items being discussed in Congress.

 

 

Your Experience?

Have you encountered discrimination as a result of being unemployed? Please feel free to share your experience below.

 

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New Help for Unemployed Homeowners

The Obama administration is working to help out-of-work homeowners stay in their homes. In addition to encouraging Americans keep their homes and manage their monthly bills, from house insurance to water and electricity, the government is attempting to help the housing market (and the economy), through this program, by preventing the price declines associated with foreclosures.

What Does The Program Do?

Beginning August 1st, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will be extending the time period that unemployed homeowners can skip mortgage payments before the foreclosure process begins. Right now, the grace period is only three months.

Starting August 1st, this will be extended to 12 months. This means that if you are currently out of work you will be able to go without making a mortgage payment for 12 months before your lender could begin the foreclosure process.

Who Is Eligible?

The one “catch” with this program is that is only applicable to homeowners whose loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Approximately 14% of all mortgages (and 25% of new mortgages) are backed by the FHA.

Homeowners who are participating in the Home Affordable Modification Program would also be eligible for this extended grace period.

What About Other Homeowners?

The Obama administration would like other mortgage lenders, specifically Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to participate in this new program. So far, however, they have decided not to join. Note: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back 90% of new mortgages in the United States.

Broader Changes to Mortgage Rules

In addition to the changes mentioned, additional housing rules will be taking place starting October 1st. These rules will be adopted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and therefore applicable to many more Americans. If any of the following conditions occur, you will be able to delay payment for up to one year:

  • If your home has been destroyed
  • If you or one of your dependents has a long-term illness or disability
  • If the borrower has passed away and the property is in probate

 

 

Other Recent Updates

Skills for America’s Future

How Many Weeks of Benefits?

The New Job Search

 

 

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Tags: , | Category: News, Unemployment
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