In the state of Nevada, as of May 2011, unemployment benefits initially last 26 weeks. After the 26-week period, benefits may be extended using a series of state and federal emergency unemployment programs. Extending your unemployment using these programs is a simple process that relies primarily on your continued eligibility to collect the benefits. As long as you remain eligible, the extensions jump from emergency fund to emergency fund, resulting in an ultimate unemployment eligibility period that can reach 73 weeks of coverage in total.

Collect your normal Nevada unemployment benefits for the full maximum 26-week period by filing your weekly claim online at the Nevada Employment Security Division’s website, or by calling the automated claim system.

Continue to file normally for your weekly benefit after the 26-week period ends. If you’re still eligible for unemployment the state will extend your account up to 13 more weeks or up to 50 percent of your maximum benefit amount based on the amount received under the base unemployment claims. This extension is provided under the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program with benefits of the same amount. Eligibility requirements include being available for work, having transportation and available child care. You must also be actively seeking employment during the claim week.

File for a weekly benefit after the 13-week extended period and if still eligible your account will extend into the State Extended Benefits program. The extended period is for an additional 13 weeks of benefits at the same level, with the same eligibility requirements.

Continue filing after the 13 week State Extended Benefits period to gain an additional automatic extension under the federal Emergency Unemployment Claim program. As with other extensions, the payment remains the same. The program provides up to 47 additional weeks or 184 percent of your original claim period. Eligibility requirements remain the same.