Job Loss, Family Living Standards, and the Adequacy of Weekly Unemployment Benefits

Abstract

This publication highlights some of the techniques for evaluating benefit adequacy with household data. Selection of the adequacy standard to be tested is, of course, a critical factor. A variety of standards should be developed and tested. Also, various means of evaluating the results of these tests require development. It should be clear, however, that household data can provide a valuable basis for assessing the adequacy of the weekly benefit amount and the relative effectiveness of alternative formulas in improving adequacy as seen in terms of standards reflecting the financial circumstances of beneficiary households.