As of Jan. 3, many seniors in Virginia who receive unemployment insurance will see significant cuts to their benefits. A provision in state law says that when the state's unemployment insurance trust fund balance dips too low, anyone receiving Social Security and unemployment insurance will have their unemployment check reduced by half the amount of his or her Social Security payment. That means a senior who receives $1,000 from Social Security and $1,000 per month in unemployment, for example, would get $500 less each month in unemployment benefits.

Are you affected, or do you know someone who is? Please contact Olga Pierce by e-mail (and let her know how she can reach you by phone). If you'd like, you can call Olga directly at (917) 512-0211.

This is part of our ongoing coverage of the perilous state of the U.S. unemployment insurance system.