Depression-era employment program fails to reach many jobless

WASHINGTON -- As many as 4 million people could receive extended unemployment benefits under the economic recovery package signed into law by President Bush. But Anthony Walker, who was laid off in January, will not be one of them.\nWalker is among the 43 percent of unemployed workers ineligible for even regular benefits because of what some experts say is a Depression-era system that fails to meet the needs of today's work force.\nToday's work force has more part-time workers, temporary workers, contingent workers, contract workers and seasonal workers than ever before, yet the unemployment insurance system has not changed.\nIt was created in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act to help unemployed workers and to stabilize the economy by giving them money to buy food, clothing and other essentials.\nWalker mistakenly thought he would get financial help when he was let go.\nNationally, the program replaces about 47 percent of a worker's lost wages. The average weekly benefit is $237.78. In most states, the maximum time a worker can receive benefits is 26 weeks.\nThe economic recovery package signed by Bush provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment assistance.\nUnder the current system, a welfare recipient who joined the work force in June and was laid off this month would qualify for benefits in only 12 states.