How to Get an Extension on Unemployment

One unemployment insurance requirement is for individuals to make a minimum number of job contacts per week.

Unemployment insurance is funded at both a state and federal level, with all 50 states offering some form of unemployment, which typically last between 6 to 12 weeks. Emergency unemployment compensation is a federally funded program that provides benefits to people who have exhausted regular state benefits. This emergency program extends to January 3, 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have exhausted your benefits, you may be able to get an extension on unemployment if meet the eligibility criteria.

Instructions

1. Review federal unemployment benefits with the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as with your state's Department of Labor, to see if you qualify. Before an individual can receive an extension on unemployment benefits at a state level, most states require recipients to exhaust both state and federal unemployment options.

2. Meet the requirements for unemployment. If your employment or income status has changed since you initially applied, you will need to notify the agent handling your unemployment claim before you can request an extension.

3. Obtain an application for an extension of unemployment benefits. You can request one through your state's Department of Labor, or download the application online through your state website.

4. Complete the application and return it to your state's Department of Labor as soon as possible to ensure little or no interruption occurs in your current unemployment benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Extended unemployment benefits can cover several additional weeks or months of compensation. However, each state has a maximum coverage time frame. For instance, in Wisconsin, the maximum number of weeks for unemployment benefits is 86. The federal maximum coverage period as of September 2011 is 99 weeks.

References

• U.S. Dept. of Labor: Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Extended to January 3, 2012
• U.S. Dept. of Labor: Unemployment Insurance Extended Benefits
• California Employment Development Dept.; New Developments on Federal Unemployment Extensions; September 2011
• State of Wisconsin DWD: Unemployment Insurance