I ran the numbers. If I’m getting $410 in Unemployment Benefits, before withholdings, and then we add in the $600 weekly boost from the CARES Act, I’m getting $1010 a week for four months? Of course, that’s assuming I meet the requirements to receive that extra money — and the Department of Labor has some pretty simple requirements for it that I seem to meet.
Before I got laid off, I was working $18/hr, earning about $700 a week before taxes and withholdings ($550 after). So the government is practically giving me a temporary raise. And this doesn’t even count the $1200 stimulus check, either.
I am equal parts uncomfortable and okay with this.
Picture of the Queen in the parking lot for your time.