Here's a novel idea . . . . which might be more valuable to people underwater than the Unemployment Compensation they might (or might not) receive:

Mortgage help for the Jobless

I wonder if any other states, or Commonwealths, have a plan like Pennsylvanis's under wraps, or that they're keeping secret for fear of draining their Treasuries dry(er).

I know some Real Estate Agents who are not eligible to receive UC, and who are in arrears and could benefit from a program like this.

$60,000 can go a long way with people who have only moderately sized mortgages (that might be much more than the sum of their Unemployment Compensation eligibility); and 36 months seems like a reasonable window of opportunity to get back on your feet in that same geographic area . . . . if that area is ever going to come back. If not, then it just fends off the inevitable for a couple more years.

I suppose it's just another form of Loan Mod; but with the Funds still comng from the same place (Taxpayers), but taking another route . . . . and probably just as unlikely to solve someone's problems for the long haul. Still, some days I feel like an optimist when I wake up . . . . and then I get over it.