Workers who lose their job can file for unemployment benefits to receive some financial assistance from the government while searching for a new job. The length of time a person can receive unemployment benefits is limited. In the United States, the assistance can last up to six months; however, in other countries such as France it can last up to two years. Some economists believe that when benefits last for a longer period of time, unemployment can stay than it otherwise would as workers take their time finding a new job. This could be considered a form of .