More than two dozen states have ended or plan to end the extra $300 in federal unemployment assistance that many out-of-work Americans received to help them weather the the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed in March, renewed the federal boost to jobless benefits, giving recipients the extra aid on top of the assistance received from the state.
But 26 states have decided to stop the federal benefit before the official cut-off date of Sept. 6. With some business owners complaining that they're struggling to fill jobs, some Republican lawmakers say the extra assistance is discouraging people from looking for work and slowing down the rebound of the broader economy.
Some economists argue the federal benefit remains an economic lifeline, that many jobless Americans want to return to work but aren't able to because they can't access child care or remain fearful of contracting COVID-19.
Other unemployed workers are being more selective, some economists and advocates say, seeking jobs that offer better pay and benefits instead of positions that fall short of their needs.
Federal unemployment benefit ending dates by state
Here are the states ending the $300 federal unemployment benefit early:
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Alaska June 12
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Missouri June 12
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Mississippi June 12
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Iowa June 12
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Alabama June 19
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Idaho June 19
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*Indiana June 19
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Nebraska June 19
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New Hampshire June 19
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North Dakota June 19
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West Virginia June 19
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Wyoming June 19
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Arkansas June 26
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Florida June 26
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Georgia June 26
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Montana June 26
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Ohio June 26
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Oklahoma June 26
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South Carolina June 26
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South Dakota June 26
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Texas June 26
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Utah June 26
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Maryland July 3
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Tennessee July 3
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Arizona July 10
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Louisiana August 3
Source: The Century Foundation
*On June 25th, a judge ordered Indiana officials to continue federal pandemic assistance pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the governor’s decision to end it in June. The state is appealing the judge’s ruling.
Follow Charisse Jones on Twitter @charissejones
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Unemployment benefits ending: 26 states cutting $300 federal aid early