Unemployed in Sussex County urging N.J. congressmen to approve emergency benefits

I lost my job at the end of June, 2013 when my company closed and my unemployment benefits ended at the end of December 2013 when emergency unemployment insurance for those who have been jobless for longer than 26 weeks expired

I would have rather been working than collecting unemployment benefits.

I co-own my house with my girlfriend of over 10 years.  I didn’t want to be on unemployment but it helped me survive by contributing to my household in order to assist in paying my share of the mortgage, health insurance, utility bills, until I found employment. 

I look for work.  I have had phone interviews.  I have had in-person interviews, sometimes being called back 2x, but in the end I would receive a phone call or email stating that I wasn’t qualified, I don’t have the degree or certifications required, we gave the job to someone else. 

I’m a computer technician; I’m a hard worker; I have an excellent resume; I’m a highly-qualified professional; and now I have zero income and it's frightening. It's very frightening. 

My girlfriend doesn’t earn enough money to cover both her share and my share of our household expenses.  I find myself now in a position where I can’t make my mortgage payment.  I never expected to be where I am at in life at the age of 47 years old.

This is a real issue and should have been decided before Congress left for recess.

I, along with many, need the extended benefits.  We need the benefits to help pay our mortgage/rent, food, health insurance, transportation, utility bills and the list goes on.

It will assist me in looking for employment and keep my households afloat, until I am employed and able to give back into the economy.

 I am trying to remain hopeful but the financial pressures are very overwhelming.

Extending unemployment insurance isn’t an act of charity, but a matter of necessity.

Even a three-month extension of extended benefits would help.  But having nothing hurts. 

The sooner Congress acts, the better off we all will be.  Congress needs to act NOW!

From someone with an opinion.  I hope that it will be heard.