How Do I File for Emergency Unemployment Benefits?
For workers who are nearing the end of their regular unemployment insurance benefits, the frustration of looking for work can be compounded by the prospect of losing unemployment benefits as well. However, during periods of nationwide high unemployment, there may be relief in sight. Workers should check into the possibility of filing for additional benefits under the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.
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Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation
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The most recent version of the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program was created in June 2008. It was originally scheduled to expire in August 2009, but it has since been extended to December 2009. The program provides up to 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to workers who have exhausted all their regular unemployment compensation benefits. (The original limit of 13 weeks was extended to 20 weeks in November 2008.) Additionally, workers in states with especially high unemployment rates are potentially eligible for 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation.
Qualifying for Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation
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Workers in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico who are presently eligible for unemployment compensation are potentially eligible for emergency unemployment benefits. The final determination is made by the individual state based on its own guidelines. Unemployed workers should check with their individual state employment offices to determine if their particular state also qualifies for supplemental emergency unemployment benefits (see Resources).
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Filing for Benefits
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A worker who is nearing the end of her regular unemployment should check with her state employment office to determine how to file a claim for emergency unemployment benefits. In some states, the claim will be filed automatically, while in other states the worker must file an actual claim. The worker must meet the same criteria as for a regular unemployment claim, including an adequate level of earnings during the base period for which claims are calculated. Once the claim has been approved, a worker must continue to seek work and file a weekly claim with the state unemployment office. Emergency unemployment funds will usually be dispensed in the same manner as regular unemployment benefits.
State Supplemental Benefits
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Several states also qualify for supplemental unemployment benefits issued in a second tier of benefits based on state unemployment levels. Unemployment levels for states are compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and when states reach a specified level of unemployment (which varies depending on circumstances), workers in that state become eligible for the second tier of emergency unemployment benefits. These benefits are available for up to 13 weeks in most cases, with benefits available for up to 20 weeks in states with extremely high unemployment.
Considerations
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Unemployment benefits are based on the state where a worker earned wages, which means that even if the worker moves from one sate to another, his benefits will be based on the unemployment program of his former residence. Unemployment benefits are taxable, including emergency unemployment benefits. However, the stimulus package passed in 2009 suspends taxes on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits collected during 2009.
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