Pushing Back on Unemployment Benefit Cuts

Illinois is one of two states that have laws penalizing older workers in company layoffs by reducing unemployment benefits for those who have Social Security income.

Twelve years ago, 21 states plus the District of Columbia had such “offset” laws on the books, but most states have repealed them. AARP is pushing to repeal the Illinois law, which affects more than 17,000 workers. The law reduces unemployment benefits by 50 cents for every dollar of Social Security income workers receive.

“Many people stay in the workforce after starting to collect Social Security because their benefits aren’t enough to live on,” said Heather Heppner, spokeswoman for AARP Illinois.

To urge Gov. Pat Quinn (D) to support repealing the law, call 888-616-3322 toll-free.