What is an unemployment benefit?

Unemployment benefit:

A government welfare program where employable people, who are currently unemployed under no fault of their own, receive a stipend while they search for a new job. To receive these benefits they must register as being unemployed and need to prove that they are currently seeking work. While the benefits sum is small, it allows the unemployed to continue to pay for necessary items while searching for a new job. Also known as unemployment insurance or unemployment compensation depending on jurisdiction.

Why it is Important

On December 28, 2013, the nation's long-term unemployed were cut off from federal unemployment benefits. This end of benefits impacted nearly 1.3 million who rely on these unemployment checks to live "comfortably" and purchase necessities. These benefits were halted after Congress passed a budget that did not renew unemployment checks for Americans that have been out of work for more than six months. Earlier this week, Congress had a trial vote and voted in favor to continue the discussion about extending unemployment benefits for three months. There will be another vote soon where Congress will decide on whether to extend the benefits. In the mean time, the verdict is still out on the final fate of the program.