Unemployed parents seeking work face a huge financial mess: they cannot declare their UI benefits as earned income to get the Earned Income Tax Credit!
Yes, they pay taxes on their benefits. Yes, jobless parents *still* have to pay the same (if not higher) childcare costs to go to interviews with potential employers. Yes, they are required to conduct a diligent search for work in order to keep their UI benefits.
The EITC is a critical financial cushion that has allowed parents to buy energy-efficient appliances, pay for emergency medical or dental care, start up small businesses, and pay for last-minute babysitters for job interviews.
The sad fact is that UI benefits are specifically exempt from qualifying incomes needed to get the EITC.
Please help me end that hardship today!