Jobless Aid Cliff Nears for Millions Without Sign of State Help

Millions of out-of-work Americans will see their unemployment benefits end or substantially decrease next week, and so far even the politically bluest U.S. states look content to let the enhanced aid expire.

The federal pandemic jobless aid that began last March expires Sept. 6, meaning states can’t pay the benefits for weeks beyond that date. Proponents of generous unemployment benefits call it a cliff that will push many into poverty, evictions, and food insecurity.

The expiration date arrives while a surge of Covid-19 cases caused by the delta variant throws a wrench into plans for widespread economic recovery and nationwide ...