I think this is a great benefit for those who lost their jobs due to Sandy...however, I have been unemployed before Sandy, exhausted my benefits, and now finding a job is harder then ever! Can I re-apply?

Suz & Christopher, I'm in the same boat. I believe the qualification for the DUA benefits should be extended to those of us (speaking for myself and others in my situation) who were unemployed when Sandy hit and lost their homes or suffered major losses. This has been an exhausting and catastrophic month, not to mention COSTLY! I have to sell my home "As Is," gutted, because I can't afford rebuilding costs, etc., on top of the usual monthly grind. I've spent the last month, like many, many others, living among friends and family, ripping my home apart, packing up whatever didn't get flooded, throwing out years of memories and valuables, every piece of furniture, every appliance, I am left with exterior walls and windows to sell -- dragging tons of debris out to the curb to be picked up because I can't afford to pay someone to come and pick it up -- (for the "Free" picking up of everything I am truly grateful), but why should we not be included in this DUA deal??????? Who's had time to find a job in the midst of picking up the threads left of our lives?????? We need to make our voices heard somehow . . . anybody with me?

Extensions,Extensions,Extensions, That's all I hear about these days. Would you people wake up and stop always looking for a handout. Although Sandy was tragic. It also put a lot of people to work. And I'm sorry but if you can't find work around here now you just don't want it.

Donald you are right. It seems people just don't know what hard work is anymore. Always looking for a way to beat the system. Now I understand if you were affected by sandy that another story. But to keep on asking for more extensions is just awful. And yes there are a lot of jobs due to the storm. But people rather file for extensions for money they haven't earned then find a job in which money can be earned.

I love how people think that they are entitled to unemployment. Lazy people make me want to vomit.

There is plenty of work. No one who wants to work should be without a job. Become part of the reconstruction effort. Stop asking for more handouts.

Implementation would be key. Who gets to decide what the baseline is for qualifying for this benefit? Like welfare, a fair amount of people actually need and deserve it. But because of the greedy few that take advantage of it, makes everyone else look like freeloaders taking handouts. Selectiveness should be improved, prerequisites should be tightened.

Suz..That's why America is in the crapper today..No one wants to go out and earn a living anymore they just want hand outs..And that guy in the White House is the one handing it out.Makes me sick to my stomach what this once proud nation has become

You can flag me or whatever you want. I'm just stating my opinion. That's what this fourm is for. I'm sorry if some people don't agree. But in this case seems that most do.

I think the only troll here is you Mattie..Every time I come on I see you.

The fact that people that lost there jobs because of sandy is horrible. And there unemployment should be extended. But my problem is with those not seeking work and just banking on extensions.

I'm going home after work, and writing my letter of resignation. I want to get UI/welfare/food stamps/Obama phone/FEMA/section 8 housing/ and whatever freebee I can find. I'm sick of working looking at my paycheck and seeing 2 days of my 5 age going to taxes to support the "less fortunates" I hate getting up at 5am, commuting, sitting at a desk when their are people looking for a handout funded by me the taxpayer.

No more extensions, get to work, there are jobs!!

The tax payer simply can not afford to keep paying and paying.

There is nothing glamerous about working, it is what it is, you get off you a--s and do it everyday!!

Stand on the side of the road with a sign as the contractors and homeowners drive by and tell them you are willing to work!! And I also know firsthand that alot of contractors, builders, plumbers, electricians also need non-trade people to answer phones, and take care of misc office duties, they are overwhelmed so give them a call and ask for a job. Do not look for any more of my tax money to live on!!

Suz is one of those people I guess I will be supporting for another 4years. It just makes my stomach turn.

Go get a job SUZ!!!!

Flag and ignore until the Patch does something about these losers (David, Donald, Phil and Billy) ..... More than likely 1-2 ppl using more than one name (sock puppets).

Actually the amount of money spent on people "milking the system" in relation to the amount of money being wasted and manipulated by greedy politicians and big businesses is a small amount of our taxes. Please keep in mind that minimum wage is lower than some unemployment benefits. And the current rate is way lower than the cost of living in the state of NJ. Also, keep in mind that many of the people working for contractors may be ilegal and therefore not paying any taxes. How many contractors are cutting corners by picking people up on the street therefore forgoing contributing to worker's comp and unemployment. When the jobs are over or these workers get hurt who do you think pays?? Not the contractor?? The tax payer. Taxes are necessary, government is necessary. People complain about the taxes they pay and the "lazy" people around them but I am sorry in my opinion the majority of the people around me are hardworking honest people. The majority of the people on unemployment are trying to get through a tough time and doing the best they can. The level of dedication, bravery and hard work displayed by first responders (many paid with your tax dollars) that was present during the hurricane was amazing. Many of the shelter volunteer's were manned by unemployed people and still are. It's the people who are struggling themselves who seem to give the most. For Phil if you feel this country is in the "Crapper" maybe you could try another country?

" Give me what I'm Entitled to". Wow.

Ya wow isn't the word for these people. I blame the government for brainwashing the American people into believing that they are entitled to such funds.

You can all tank your uncle Barry.

First I am extremely sorry to those who lost everything due to Sandy. However the "I want what is entitled to me!" phrase is not going to help you. I know UPS is hiring for helpers. Hotels are ALWAYS looking for full time staff, same with restaurants. I also know department stores need people as well. I understand it is not nearly the same amount you can make at your old job, but it's SOMETHING. Isn't that better than NOTHING??? I work full time and had no issue getting a part time job. My dad who is in his 60s works 2 jobs to make ends meet (one being working overnight commuting to Philly, then working his business during the day). I'm not trying to be rude, but time to resort to plans B, C, D..etc if your unemployment is running out.

phil ashio judging by the sizo of your stomach in that photo my guess is it would take a lot of big macs to sicken it. as for the rest of the bottom feeders here like donny hinman. suz what those like david sexton and i have spoken as well as many others who have little education things like social security and unemployment are insurance programs that you and your employer pay into. listen the mannequin you guys picked in the election lost. get over it. all these problems of course started in 2009 the 700,000 jobs a month being lost under bush of course had nothing to do with it. chumps like jack daniels here will never understand that.

Frank must be sitting in his couch eating Doritos collecting unemployment that he is entitled to. What a bunch of lazy people live in this country.

I don't think its as much being lazy rather than just being comfortable. If unemployment runs out and you no longer have free money coming in then your comfort level drops therefore making you put more effort in finding a job. Bums it what these people are becoming.

sorry donny i,m retired but judging by your post at 2 19 in the afternoon you must be in between episodes of oprah while you wait for the mailman to deliver your gubmint check. then after you take it to the check cashing place you can spend the rest of the day on the patch complaining about people getting gubmint checks.

billy jones sitting at home at 2 57 in the afternoon complaining about people being lazy all day on the patch really makes a convincing argument.

Yah I guess your right. When the unemployment runs out these leaches will just turn to welfare. And me and all the rest of the hard working Americans will just pay there way. It's so sad.

Stop the madness. Damn this welfare country and state to hell.

Frank rizzo and Suz would for sure fail those tests

My God people, everyone is money hungry. Sorry about the unemployment. Go join the military and go to Afghanistan and leave your family to support them. There is a Family right now burying thier son tomorrow. Show some respect.

RIP
Marine Cpl. Christopher M. Monahan

Thank you for your service

Drug testing is a great idea. It would save a lot of my hard earned money.

Im sure most of the people on unemployment are some kind of substance abusers. It only makes sense.

This has nothing with the military at all. Prayers go out to all the fallen familys from all wars. But that doesn't change the bottom feeders that use the system that the woking force of this once great country relys on.

There are help wanted signs up all over ocean and monmouth county. Not only construction. For some reason today they caught my attention, while i was on my way to my second job. Retail,food service, pep boys, supermarkets, wawa,fast food, and all department stores are at least looking for seasonal help along with lowes and home depot and the list goes on. I met two men from illinois who left there families home who came here for work. Right now this area has the highest demand for workers probably in the country. Even though the work might dry up when the recovery is completed there will be jobs here for a while and they are here now.So ther is no reason to be without a job in this area right now. get off your lazy duffs and go get one of these jobs.Work ,work, work. So to those of you who have your hands out try using them to be productive and self sufficient. Grab a hammer, a shovel a pen , punch a cash register sell christmas trees ........ Do something to provide for yourself and your families. i know 5 people that worked at Klees bar and grill in seaside and were told they wont be back to work until maybe next summer. and guess what they all found jobs doing something.

Fed up your 100% correct. I have a great job, work hard at it and worked harder to get it. These people who stand waiting for a handout are just down right scum.

someone very dear to me went to work and the company's door was bolted shut. No Job, lost health benefits, then diagnosed with cancer, had surgery, owned a home with a mortgage, paid for health benefits out of pocket.Was not entitled NJ family care or any other assistance, this person collected unemployment for a short time while hustling to find work, to this day working 3 part time jobs for less than what was earned at the job that was terminated 2 yrs ago. That is how you do it! work is out there and yes it may take alot of foot work but it can be accomplished. So put your hands to the plow and don't give up!

sounds like fed up is taking a hard look at the unemployment scene from a bar stool . how else would one know the work scene for bar workers? yeah david sexton i,m 68 yrs old and of course i must be having coke and heroin fueled parties every weekend. doesnt everyone my age? sexton not only are you as dumb as a box of rocks but you sound more unhinged than a screen door after hurricane sandy.

donald hinman the only guy i ever heard of who works so hard and yet manages to kvetch on the patch all day long . i bet your boss wishes you would at least kiss him. after all youre f####g him all day long.

Newsflash people. America needs home health aids. Problem is we've become a nation of spoiled brats who refuse to do "that kind of work". Think things are bad now? Wait til we go off the cliff. Remember the gas lines a few weeks ago? Next time around, it's going to be food lines. Stock up on canned goods and ammo.

Frank for you information I am on a paid vacation. In which I am very much am enjoying. Because I worked for it. So rizzo please do us all a favor and lay back down on your park bench. The working force of America will take care of you. And after you pick up your welfare check be sure to stop at the liquor store. Pick out whatever you want. It's on me and the rest of the woking class. Your welcome.... MERRY CHRISTMAS

hinman as usual youre as sharp as a cue ball.

donny hinman thats some paid vacation. you,ve been on the patch night and day for months. as for me i as well as my employer paid into my social security pension for many decades. you can get back to your dr phil episode now.

Frank your funny. You make me laugh. Thank you

The government should bring back the "CC's", Conservation Corps, not more unemployment benefits!!! Plenty of work for everyone who wants to work, and if they don't want to work give them NOTHING. If they can't physically work have them man the call centers, if they are mentally unable to work at all, put them in organized qroup homes located at the abandonned military bases and care for them properly but, not with family that uses them as meal tickets and reasons not to work. You all want SOCIALISM, well welcome to it!