Question - on an NPR news report today the news reader stated

[rurallib]

"4.6 million unemployed CHOSE to continue receiving unemployment insurance."
My knowledge of UI is very limited. I know that you must sign up for it and I do know that you can receive UI only for a limited period. But I guess I thought that that period would continue unimpeded until interrupted by work. Why else would someone suspend UI?
Also made me wonder if there were a lifetime limit for receiving UI just as there is a lifetime benefits amount on health insurance? For example 18 months per incidence, 36 months total lifetime?

[Captain Hilts]

1. I've never been eligible. So, no 'choice'. nt

[Idealism]

2. It runs out after a time

The government recently extended the period of time, so I guess technically you could say those on it chose to stay on it for as long as the government allowed them when they lengthened the time allowed.

[rurallib]

4. Is there a lifetime maximum?

If a person's time runs out during a period of unemployment, is there a waiting period before they can apply again?

[Idealism]

5. No, it used to be a few months

I think Congress extended it another quarter or so, but it definitely runs out after a time. You can't apply again once you are off of it unless you lose another job.

[rurallib]

6. the word "CHOSE" really caught me offguard.

[Idealism]

7. I believe because Congress approved extending benefits

That people had to somehow agree to it in the form of choosing. Could be wrong though

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. I took it to mean that it was the number of people who re-upped

after a month or whenever you have to re-up for the next installment. The number of people doing this would be an indication of how hard it is to get a new job.