How to Get an Unemployment Benefits Extension

When you file for unemployment, the weekly benefit amount and the duration of your benefits are determined by the length of time you worked during the previous 18 months and how much you earned during that period. During times of high unemployment (as we are in now), the federal government allows for a 13 week unemployment benefits extension, even if your maximum benefit amount has run out. Currently, states are permitted to extend unemployment benefits by an additional 7 weeks so the extension is for 20 weeks. In some states with especially high levels of unemployment, there is an additional 13 week extension, adding up to 33 weeks total. These extensions are in addition to the 26 week state maximum, and may apply to old claims filed as far back as 2006.

Instructions

1. If you are currently unemployed and opened an unemployment claim between 2006-2008, check with the federal unemployment insurance office to see if you qualify for extended unemployment benefits. If you are currently receiving benefits, check to see when your current claim will end. You cannot apply for extended benefits until you have collected all the benefits on your current claim.

2. Go to the federal unemployment insurance office website to see if any recent legislation affects the extended unemployment benefits plan. See the Resources section below for a link to their website. From there follow the link to your state's website, where you will find the specific details of how to get an unemployment benefits extension in your state. This is a federal program that is administered by the states. Eligibility is determined by federal guidelines, but the application is through the state office.

3. Determine your eligibility based on your work history during the eligibility period, or ask the state agency to do it for you. Eligibility for an unemployment benefits extension may be calculated differently than eligibility for regular state benefits. It is possible that you may not be eligible or may only be eligible for a reduced amount even if you were eligible for the state maximum. This is because the eligibility periods are calculated differently, and eligibility requirements for an unemployment benefits extention are more stringent. Generally to be eligible for the unemployment benefits extension (a federal program), you must have worked full time for at least 20 weeks during the eligibility period for your initial claim. The eligibility period is usually a 12 month period that begins 15-17 months before the date you file your claim.

4. Most states will send notices to eligible individuals, but if you have already collected all the benefits on your claim, it is not necessary to wait for a notice from the state. You can apply for an unemployment benefits extension immediately, usually online. Your state website will have details on how to apply, but it is often the same procedure as a regular state application.

5. To take advantage of the current unemployment benefits extensions, claims must be filed by March 2009. If unemployment levels remain high, it is likely that the extensions will be renewed by the Obama administration.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states have retraining programs for people in the hardest hit industries such as housing construction and mortgage banking. Check your state website for details.

Resources

• Federal Unemployment Insurance Office
• State Unemployment Office (state workforce agency) Locator
• How to Get Unemployment Benefits