The problem with Federal entitlement programs is they’re outdated.  SS benefits at age 65 were fine when life expectancy was 67.  Unemployment benefits were fine when job loss was frictional.

In today’s America retirees are living longer.  The unemployed are out of work for longer due to structural changes.  Social safety nets necessarily become a fiscal burden.

One proposed solution to the unemployment benefits problem is to alter the payments.  Instead of being paid not to work how about being paid to work?  Sound crazy?  This article describes how retraining keeps skills fresh and helps to combat wasteful transfer payments.