How to File a Delaware Unemployment Extension

Extended unemployment benefits are available to residents of Delaware through two separate federal programs created to assist many unemployed workers between 2008 and 2012. As of September, 2011, Delaware’s unemployment rate was 7.9 percent. While this rate is lower than rates in some states, it is high enough to warrant additional unemployment benefits for Delaware residents.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is a temporary federal program to help unemployed people who have exhausted their unemployment benefits in their individual states. The program was implemented in 2008 and was extended in February, 2009. In November, 2009, the program was expanded to include four tiers that offer different benefits depending on the unemployment rate in each state. As a result of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, the EUC program was extended to January 3, 2012.

Tier One allows up to 20 additional weeks of benefits. Tier Two adds up to 14 more weeks of benefits. Tier Three provides up to 13 weeks of benefits for people living in states where the unemployment rate is 4 percent or higher. Tier Four adds another six weeks of benefits for people living in states with an unemployment rate of at least 6 percent.

As of this writing, Delaware residents are eligible for Tier Four benefits through the EUC program.

Federal-State Extended Duration

Commonly referred to as Extended Benefits, this program is available for people who have already depleted their regular unemployment benefits, as well as their EUC08 benefits. This program is funded by both state and federal funds. The Delaware Department of Labor notes that, “If you qualify for the EB unemployment extension you will receive additional benefits equal to 20 weeks or 80 percent of the maximum benefit amount on the original unemployment claim, whichever amount is less.”

Before Regular Benefits Expire

As the deadline for your regular deadlines to expire approaches, call your unemployment counselor regarding eligibility for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. During the time that you collect regular unemployment benefits, it is important to keep close track of your records in case there is a discrepancy.

Application for Unemployment Extension

You do not have to file an unemployment extension in Delaware. The Delaware Department of Labor states that, “you don’t have to apply for an unemployment extension because the system automatically applies for you if you are eligible.”

References

• Unemployment Handbook: Delaware Unemployment Rate
• U.S. Department of Labor: Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC) Program
• Federal Register: Announcement Regarding Delaware Triggering “on” Tier Four of Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08)
• Unemployment Handbook: Delaware Unemployment Extension