My daughter was recently unemployed for four months, and her husband’s monthly income was significantly reduced to he was very under-employed. Not only did UI help them avoid homelessness, but also county and state services, along with charities and what help we were able to give, helped them survive and feed their children, until my daughter finally found work. It was a nightmare for all of us until all the pieces fell into place…literally at the “eleventh hour.”

My husband has gone through 6 layoffs in our 40 years of marriage, and I have had my “fair share” as well.

So, I don’t see why anyone would judge another who receives public assistance, UI, charity, SS or any other form of help. NO ONE’S LIFE IS IMMUNE from unforeseen financial or any other types of disasters.

I’m just sorry you even have to explain yourself about this.

Best,

~Kathy

The one think that SS and UI have most in common is that they are definitely not a DOLE. They are the result of a situation for which we have insured ourselves. If you have a car accident, do you feel guilty for filing a claim with your auto insurance? If you have a fire in your home, do you feel it is an unwaranted gift to have it rebuilt with insurance claims? Probably not, because you paid for the insurance that is now assisting your situation.

We have all paid for the insurance that we call unemployment, through mandated employee benefits, and likewise, we have all paid for the retirement benefits of SS.

In reality, the limitations on both systems suggest that we will never fully reap what was sown.

… And yes, as you stated in your blog … I am glad it was there.

Tom