Right now, nine million Americans depend on unemployment insurance to get by, but the coming months may bring tougher times as these benefits run out. Up to 1.5 jobless people are about to reach the limit for unemployment insurance, putting their homes and ability to support their families at risk.

Manyare looking to Congress to pass an extension to coverage, adding another 13 weeks to unemployment insurance in states with the highest unemployment rates.

In June, the nation’s unemployment rate was 9.5%, at its worst in Michigan with 15.2% unemployment. The cost of extending benefits would be $40 billion to $70 billion. Those who argue against extending coverage point out the fact benefits have already been extended to 79 weeks, the longest period of coverage since unemployment insurance was created during the Great Depression.

What do you think? Should Congress extend benefits again? Or should we wait and see if the economy starts looking up first? Let us know, comment below!

If you want to tell Congress to extend unemployment benefits, write your representative a letter.

Then, bail yourself out! Brush up on your financial know-how.