The millions 'hanging by a thread' as coronavirus aid expires

[Nevilledog]

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53534435

When Brandon Humberston's weekly unemployment benefits finally kicked in after months of waiting, the $750 (£586) cheque was a "godsend".

Suddenly the 19-year-old, who worked as a cook at Mexican restaurant chain Chipotle until the pandemic cost him his job, could pay rent and buy groceries - even save a little.

Now much of that income is set to disappear.

The $600 a week additional payment that the US approved to top up unemployment benefits during the pandemic will expire on 31 July. In many states, recipients have already received their last cheque.

"It's pretty dire," says Mr Humberston, whose benefits will be cut to $150. "My generation is hanging on by a thread".

*snip*