We Want to Know About Unemployment
June 23rd, 2009
Between April and May, the city’s unemployment rate jumped from 8 to 9 percent, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning.
That amounts to more than 361,000 people within the five boroughs who are collecting unemployment insurance from the state — at a maximum of $430 a week per individual. In a city where the least expensive one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan goes for approximately $1,611, those unemployment checks may barely cover your rent.
We want to know how you do it. In our first partnership with Huffington Post New York, which launched yesterday, we are kicking off a citizen journalism project that will take an in-depth look at unemployment in New York City and state.
If you rely on unemployment insurance or have contemplated heading to the unemployment office, we want to hear from you. How are you stretching $430 or less across a week? What sacrifices are you making? What help have you received in searching for a new job? Send your responses to eyesonunemployment@gmail.com.
Gotham Gazette will be using your stories for our investigation into the state’s unemployment benefits.
By Courtney Gross on June 23, 2009, 10:30 amIn category: Albany, Economy, Gotham City, Housing, Public Finance, Social Services, nextNY | 1 Comment »


June 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
You might even consider casting a wider net. Some people are not getting unemployement insurance at all. People tell me the biggest issue is the lack of health insurance among people without work. Even though the stimulus package reduced COBRA benefit cost, few can afford the payments. UIB recipients seem also pressed for rent. I’m told that, as a group they’re reluctant to apply for food stamps or use pantries.