mark watton, laid off from his job as a security guard a year and a half ago, will get his last check next month. >> as it's getting closer and closer, the anxiety does start building up, and you think, you know, where is my next meal going to come from fr? where is my rent going to come from next month. >> reporter: sybil esparza lost her clerical job in december 2010 and has been grateful the federal benefits lasted this lock. >> had it not been for those extensions i don't know where i would be at this point. i would be probably be on the streets. >> reporter: at an employment center they continue the job search they have been on for almost 18 months. >> definitely stressful. you know, you can't sleep at night sometimes, just ever wondering am i ever going to get something? >> reporter: it's a common story these says says maurice emsellem of the national law prohibit. >> right now, about 30% of all unemployed workers are unemployed for a year or longer. that's not their fault. that's because we have such limited job creation. we have unprecedented comp tigs for jobs. >> reporter: e