South Carolina One of Two States Ending Federal Employment Benefits

South Carolina is one of two states that plans to cancel some of its federally-funded unemployment benefits.

South Carolina is one of two states that plans to cancel some of its federally-funded unemployment benefits. The move is a way to address the ongoing workforce shortages. Yesterday Governor McMaster said “this labor shortage is being created in large part by the supplemental unemployment payments that the federal government provides claimants on top of their state unemployment benefits.” He added that what was supposed to be short term financial assistance for vulnerable and displaced residents during the the pandemic has led to incentivizing and pay for workers to stay at home rather than encouraging them to return to the workplace. Starting on June 30th, South Carolinians will lose the extra 300 dollars they’re receiving in weekly unemployment benefits but they will maintain their regular benefits. Plus, those who have access to the pandemic unemployment assistance program will no longer receive those benefits either. Montana also plans to cancel those benefits and programs starting June 27th.