Fresno and Tulare counties saw a slight increase. Both have a rate of just over 18½%. Merced County also saw an increase at 20.1%. While Mariposa County saw a slight drop in claims, with a rate now at 14.5%.
These benefits are only designed to be temporary and cover basic needs. However, some of the unemployed may have found a way to make it profitable.
David call is an out of work I.T. project manager looking for a full time job in Fresno. His resume is always close by. While call is actively searching for a new career he must rely on unemployment benefits from the state to feed and clothe his family.
Call said, "I'd like to get out from unemployment as soon as I can and find a job that meets my needs."
According to the Employment Development Department, the number of people filing for unemployment in California has increased 80% this February over last due to the recession.
One Valley temp agency said it has witnessed a disturbing trend.
"A lot of people turning down jobs because they're on unemployment," said Kathy Bray, president of Denham Resources.
Bray said several clients have rejected jobs with benefits because they are collecting close to the same amount in unemployment. "It's the danger of these kinds of programs is you get just enough to keep you alive and I think it makes you complacent and you become satisfied with less," he said.
Right now the federal government is working to extend compensation for job seekers in excess of $9-Billion.
Steven Gutierez with the Employment Development Department in Fresno said extensions are granted if specific criteria is met.
Gutierez said, "So first of all they have to have a zero balance in regards to their unemployment ensurance claim and if they meet the qualifications then they can receive an extension."
The E.D.D. said some people fear dropping unemployment for a lower paying job only to lose that one and collect even less.
One state official added there is no way to track who is turning down jobs when they are offered.
