NPR

Millions Of Gig Workers Depend On New Unemployment Program, But Fear It'll End Soon

Gig workers are now relying on a safety net program that didn't even exist six months ago. It provides unemployment benefits to the growing number who don't have a traditional payroll job.
Millions of gig workers have come to depend on a government lifeline that's set to expire at the end of the year. Above, a man wearing a face mask walks past a sign saying "now hiring" on May 14 in Arlington, Va.

Updated at 8:35 a.m. ET

Kris Snyder didn't set out to be a professional musician. She began her working life as a corporate trainer for a big retail company. But after churning through seven managers in five years, she got fed up. She gave up a regular paycheck and corporate benefits and started looking for music gigs.

"Weddings, funerals, parties —

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