NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Virginians will lose a portion of their unemployment benefits this weekend ahead of statewide hiring event

Posted at 10:07 PM, Jul 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-24 23:41:52-04

NORFOLK, Va. - The $600 Virginians on unemployment are receiving ends this weekend.

"It did come every week,” said Virginia Beach mother Emily Heise.

She has four children in her home. News 3 asked the mother how far $600 lasts in her household.

"$600 is half of my grocery budget for the month,” Heise said.

She lost her job as a retail manager when the pandemic hit.

"In my profession, unfortunately many companies are not hiring right now,” she adds.

Heise has been on unemployment since April.

"That's one of the things right now that I am personally struggling with, is making sure that I find something that I can still maintain the lifestyle that we've had so long,” she adds.

To make matters worse, her job search is now limited since her children will be learning from home this fall.

"I'm going to have to find something that suits my needs, being able to be my kids' teacher at home and provide for them as well."

The Virginia Employment Commission has a way to help people like Heise who are looking for work. All you need is a tablet, phone or your laptop to sign up for statewide virtual hiring event. There will be more than 150 employers with positions that need to be filled immediately.

Job seekers like Heise say, "I will absolutely take part in that virtual event to get my name out there so employers know I am actively searching for employment at this time."

A time where she says every dollar makes a difference.

As of Friday morning, the White House doesn’t have a plan to extend the benefits.

State leaders say the unemployment trust fund is also dwindling and is expected be empty in two months.

"I would like to see those benefits continue so that while we are looking... let me tell you, we are looking!"

To register for the hiring event, click here.

Click here for full coronavirus coverage.