It's one of the scariest things for job seekers: Unemployment benefits come to a screeching halt as soon as you get a new job. But what if that new gig doesn't work out?
Much of the time, workers are covered by their new company. But there's always that sneaking concern that by taking the leap, you're cutting off the assistance that kept you afloat when you didn't have a job.
Obama's proposed "Bridge to Work" program addresses this concern — sort of. Based on a Republican-supported program in Georgia, the initiative offers workers the opportunity to train for jobs while still receiving unemployment benefits.
The AP reports that the program has had "mixed results" on a state level, but that supporters of the program are hoping federal support will solve some of the problems.
So no, the new plan won't necessarily help you if you're contemplating starting a new job next week. But it could change the structure of unemployment in the future, and it will allow some lucky job seekers to get much needed on-the-job training while retaining their aid.
Participants in similar initiatives go on to full-time jobs about a third of the time. Nothing to sneeze at in an economy that's still facing 8 percent unemployment. The U.S. Labor Department will test the program with 10 demonstration projects, starting on Monday.
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