11 million Americans are at risk of losing their benefits, because of a little-known unemployment rule. What does everyone think about this?

I found this article and thought it would be a good topic for discussion! I've never heard of this, but supposedly it's an old rule.<br><br>Rule: People who (by law) can't go to the office to work, are not entitled to benefits.<br><br>- A record 11 million workers, including parents -- especially fathers -- with children under age 14, may lose their unemployment benefits if their state decides to use a little-known loophole in the nation's unemployment system, according to a new analysis from Rutgers University and the National Employment Law Project. The loophole, which has been on the books since 1935, denies unemployment benefits to workers who are "unable to work" or "unavailable for work." The reason is irrelevant. It could be because you're quarantined, or because you have to stay home with your kids because your office is closed and the summer camps are canceled.<br><br>- This is a state-by-state decision, so people could be treated differently, depending on where they live.<br><br>- The only exception to this rule is if the reason you can't work is related to your last job (for example, you worked in a hospital and were quarantined, or you worked in a meat factory and were exposed).<br><br>- This could effect workers' ability to collect benefits under the CARES Act as well. This act extends benefits to workers who otherwise wouldn't be eligible, like freelancers and the self-employed.<br><br>- Also, if people are unable to work due to COVID-19, that could increase the federal budget deficit, and the costs of the CARES Act which is already over a $2 trillion.<br><br>- The unemployment system was established in 1935, but was built on the assumption that men were the breadwinners and women stayed home with the kids. Even though times have changed, the law hasn't.