By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
When the recession first hit back in 2008, the federal government passed a bill allowing for Emergency Unemployment Compensation.
That emergency compensation is basically an extension of unemployment benefits past the standard period, 26 weeks in Iowa.
Well, that extension is set to expire Monday night and it's actually completely separate from the fiscal cliff deadline.
Kerry Koonce with IA Workforce Development said, "Just because they come to an agreement on the fiscal cliff does not mean that it will extend unemployment. Now, they can. They could write that in there in a proposed piece.
When speaking about the fiscal cliff deadline President Obama said if there were to be a separate agreement, it would most likely extend those benefits.
Koonce said, "We're not going to know how all that falls down until we see the final agreement that they make."
Republicans were pushing for an age increase for Social Security recipients and an elimination of cost of living raises. Those plans have been put aside, which is promising news for folks like Paul Keleher who can use the extra $30 a month.
"Well, I live on that and my pension," said Keleher.
"I would say that there are a number of people here that absolutely depend on it and any significant change would be detrimental to their well-being," said Dan Hudek, a Social Security recipient.
The President announced Monday that Congress is close to a deal.
We'll bring you any updates as they become available.
