As benefits expire, taxpayers still pay

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Lawmakers blocking efforts to extend unemployment benefits have said they're worried the extension isn't paid for, but the lapse of benefits is likely to spur additional federal and state spending on other assistance programs.

Tanada Garmon is likely to be one of those shifting from one government safety net to another. Laid off last August after four years as a grocery store cashier, she was at the Kent County Human Services Complex on Thursday looking for a job.

But she'll probably be back soon for another reason: to apply for government cash assistance. Garmon said her unemployment benefits are set to expire in about three weeks.

And unless Congress passes an extension -- or more job openings appear when the benefits run out -- she doesn't expect she'll have an income to support her family.

"Sometimes you do have to ask for help even though you may not want to," Garmon told 24 Hour News 8.

The Michigan Department of Human Services expects its already growing caseload to expand further, a spokeswoman said, but leaders are not sure how big the jump will be.

In May, the average unemployed person in Michigan received about $300 a week or $1,200 for the month, a Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency spokesman said. That money comes from state unemployment taxes and federal help.

According to Michigan DHS data analyzed by 24 Hour News 8, the average payments for each May cash assistance case totaled $401. That's state and federally funded, as well.

The average payment for each federally funded food assistance case in Michigan in May was $270.

And there's Michigan's state emergency relief, which includes help with energy bills. The payment total for an average case in May was $497.

Not all of the 61,000 people in West Michigan set to run out of unemployment this year will qualify for or need all the other help. And some people on unemployment already are getting food help. But the amount they get will automatically increase if they lose benefits and don't find a job.

Those who do find a part-time job can still get cash assistance, provided they have children. It's a step Garmon said she would reluctantly take.

"You have to kind of humble yourself and not be prideful," she said.