Study: 68% of Laid-Off Workers Are Receiving More in Unemployment Benefits Than From Their Jobs

As federal lawmakers consider yet another coronavirus relief package, a study this week revealed the effect of the initial federal response. According to University of Chicago researchers, two-thirds (68%) of jobless workers will bring home more money from their state unemployment insurance — and $600 weekly supplement from the federal government — than they would on the job, MarketWatch reported.

One in every five eligible workers will receive benefits worth at least double their lost earnings, the study found, as the median earnings-replacement rate was 134% of lost wages. 5/27/2020