Jobless benefits could be cut off at the end of December

That's if they can't resolve Washington's budget stalemate. See, about 400,000 Californians (2.1 million nationwide) receive federally funded extensions once state benefits run out after six months. But without a debt deal, that federal money is shut off after Dec. 29, including for those whose claims have not actually expired. The state Employment Development Department has been sending notices to recipients, warning them of the shutoff. From the SF Chronicle:

Congress has renewed extended benefits 10 times since the current round started in June 2008. At its peak, the program provided up to 73 weeks of benefits (99 weeks if you include state benefits), but now it provides only 14 to 47 weeks, depending on the state's unemployment rate. In California, the maximum is 47 (73 including state benefits). The maximum benefit has come down because it shrinks automatically when a state's unemployment rate falls, but also because Congress trimmed it the last time it renewed the program, in February.