Some 1.3 million Americans, including about 222,000 Californians, lost jobless benefits Saturday as the federal program to assist the long-term unemployed expired.

Who lost benefits?

Anyone who has been collecting unemployment for more than 26 weeks loses benefits, roughly 1.3 million people immediately. Several million more people are expected to hit the limit over the course of the next year; they would lose benefits at that point. The Obama administration estimates that by the end of 2014, 4.9 million people will have been affected.

Why the change?

In good times, the federal government and the states jointly provide up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, paid from employer payroll taxes, to people who lose their jobs.

The idea, which dates to the 1930s, is to help laid-off workers until they can find new jobs. Well over half of Americans either collect unemployment insurance during some part of their working lives or are married to someone who does.

During periods of high unemployment, the federal government has expanded the unemployment insurance program with money from the general fund.

In June 2008, when the recession was young and the unemployment rate was 5.6%, Congress approved a 13-week extension. As the recession deepened, Congress passed additional expansions. At its peak, the program offered up to 99 weeks of coverage. It's been scaled down gradually ever since.

Why hasn't Congress extended unemployment insurance again?

Democrats have pushed for another extension, but most Republicans have opposed the idea, resulting in a stalemate so far.

Courtesy of LA Times