How are coping without an extension of your unemployment benefits?

I dare say that most of us are panicking. My internet service is paid for through the 26th of this month -- I know, it's a bit of a luxury, but it's how I've been tracking down job openings and submitting applications. I'm one of those people who will never get another full-time position as I was 64 when laid-off (my company was bought out and the older, well-paid employees were dumped almost immediately). I keep searching, but don't even get interviews. I can't work fast-food or retail jobs as I can't stand for more than an hour at a time (not a problem at my prior desk job and one of the many joys of aging) but I keep trying for even temp positions. And, although temp agencies are usually one of the first employers to recover and start hiring, most of their jobs are for temp to perm positions and I'm not considered eligible for perm at my age. I've sold everything I can do without, have no cable, have lifeline utilities and really nothing more to cut out except my internet. That goes at the end of this month.

Because I don't have children, I'm ineligible for most welfare benefits and while I'm eligible for Medicare, who can afford it at over $100 a month of premiums? So after 40 years of employment, I'll probably end up homeless. And yes, I had savings, but what little was left after helping to pay for expenses of both my parents who died within the last 5 years, and supplementing my UI benefits which only covered 32% of my prior wages, I'm close to zero in my checking account.

Yes, I'm one of those people who is "milking the system," sitting on my lazy butt because it's easier collecting government money and living the high life at the expense of hard-working American taxpayers. Like I have a choice! ! ! And if I end up coping without a UI extension by sitting on a street corner with a can, asking for spare change, please drop in a quarter. It my be you at my corner next month.

I know a lot of people with kids here up north are going to the church for food but might lose there housing if they do not find a job soon. The church can only help so much. I think kids will really be hurt hard by the cut in benefits - it is really hard to go to school when you are homeless.