Please see our latest unemployment extension updates here:
What is an extension for unemployment benefits? How long does it last? How can you apply?
Traditional unemployment insurance lasts for 26 weeks. When there are high levels of unemployment in your state, it may be possible for you to receive an extension of benefits. A high level of unemployment is traditionally defined as an unemployment rate above 6%. Your state will notify you about applying for an unemployment extension when your traditional benefits are about to expire, and will be able to inform you as to the unemployment rate in your state.
As the name implies, an extension of benefits allows for a continuation of unemployment compensation payments above and beyond the initial 26 week period. There are two types of extensions of benefits: 1. Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and 2. Extended Benefits (EB).
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
- Under EUC, the number of additional weeks you can receive will depend on the unemployment level in your state.
- In states with unemployment rates above 6%, you will be eligible for an additional 33 weeks of unemployment benefits. If the unemployment rate in your state is below 6%, the extension of payments is 20 weeks.
- Emergency Unemployment Compensation is a result of legislation passed during 2008, and is set to expire at the end of 2009, unless Congress votes to extend it.
Extended Benefits (EB)
- Extended Benefits (EB) offer an additional extension of benefits once EUC has been exhausted. Again, the length of time you will receive additional benefits depends on the level of unemployment in your state.
- In states with unemployment rates above 6.5%, you will be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment compensation. And, if the unemployment rate in your state is above 8%, the extension of unemployment insurance is another 7 weeks (for a total of 20 weeks).
As mentioned, your state should notify you about applying for an unemployment extension when your traditional benefits are about to expire. To be safe, however, it is worth contacting your unemployment office to inquire about an extension a few weeks before your 26 week period of regular benefits is complete. In order to qualify for an extension, you will be asked to meet the same eligibility standards required for regular benefits.
In total, getting an extension for unemployment benefits makes it possible to receive up to 79 weeks of benefits (26 weeks of traditional benefits + 33 weeks of EUC + 20 weeks of EB) if you live in a state with a high rate of unemployment.
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Have been working part time and receiving unemp benefits which will zero out 2009 december…any news of extended benefits
Everyone needs to know that in the State of Texas when you go on EUC or EB your weekly benefit amount is reduce! i.e. if you were getting $384 a week it will be reduced to $307.20 (80%)while on EUC 50% on EB.
I have read on blogs this is not true. I called TWC and they explained it to me. So be aware its nice to still have some sort of income coming in.
any new update on the 4th tier extension of unemployment?looking for work every day nothing new is out their…
I am from New Jersey and have exhausted all my benefits and still am unable to find a job. I send out 20 resumes a week and sad to say get no calls back! I know there is a possible extended 13 more weeks does anyone know if it has been passed yet?
I live in Indiana and am currently receiving EUC Tier 2 benefits. The Benefit Year of my original regular UI claim will expire on 11/15/09. On that date, I will have nine weeks of EUC Tier 2 benefits still available.
Do I have to re-file a regular UI claim in order to receive the remainder of my Tier 2 benefits?
The state website seems to offer contradictory information on this and calling the UI office just gets a busy signal. Thanks for your assistance.
in addition to my last comment questions would I have to reapply if I am eligible?
I live in Ill. I received benefits from Jan 08 until sept 09 a total of 79 weeks with a stall period toward the end of 08. am I eligible for this new extension of 13 weeks plus 6 weeks that the senate has yet to pass and do you know if the benefits will be retroactive or reduced?
I live in Arkansas and have drawed my 26 weeks of UE had 13 weeks ext. and then another 13 weeks ext. on EUC2. I recieved my last check on Oct. 13th. My original claim ends 12/31/09 will I be able to get the additional extension for the 14 weeks? Our states UE rate is 7.1%. When I tried to ask my local unemployment office this question they told me that this extension vote does not exist and would not give me any information on this.
I am inquiring about the benefits extension. How how will it be before north carolina receive their extension benefits? My benefits have been exhausted since june of this year and i have been looking very hard to find a job, but no luck. Can someone help by giving me a time frame as to how long it will be before we recieve the extended benefits. Thank you
Hi. I have been unemployed in NJ since 12/08. I received my first NJ Unemployment check on 2/14/09. I have exhausted the claim. Then got an extension in 7/09. I have maybe one more check to claim and then I’m at a zero balance. Will I get another extension? Do i qualify for another extension? It is frustrating looking for a job, It’s a full time job looking for a full-time job. Please asnswer my questions, so I can be at ease.
Thank you in advance,
Ivan
Hi Ivan – In the state of New Jersey, you should automatically be notified by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development about your next extension. Once you exhaust your EUC benefits, you will be sent a letter regarding Extended Benefits (EB). Assuming you qualify, you will be eligible for another 20 weeks of benefits. You should not have to contact the Department, or reapply.
Following EB, there may be additional extensions for unemployment insurance available, if Congress reaches an agreement on a new bill.
I wish you the best in your job search.
Hi Ricky – If you have not found a job when your initial 26 weeks expire, you should be eligible to receive two extensions in Tennessee. The first would be Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), which would apply for 33 weeks.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development should notify you of your eligibility, but I would recommended that you check with them just to be sure.
Also, you will need to demonstrate eligibility on an ongoing basis (just as is required with initial benefits) to continue receiving benefits.
I just received my last check on the initial 26 weeks of unemployment in Tennessee. Are there extended benefits for me, and if so, will they transition me directly into extended benefits or do I need to re-apply? Would I just keep certifying weekly for extended benefits?
Thank you for the quick response!
@Patty – Extended Benefits in Texas are currently 13 weeks. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) should contact you via mail if you are eligible.
@Berry – If you have moved to another state, your unemployment claim will be considered an “interstate claim”. EUC and EB are treated differently.
For Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), your eligibility will be based on the state where you worked (i.e. where you originally filed a claim). In other words, if you were receiving EUC in your old state, you will continue to receive EUC in your new state. The old state will be paying.
For Extended Benefits (EB), if your both your old state and new state have “triggered” EB, you will potentially be able to receive the additional 13 (or 20) weeks of benefits. If your old state has triggered EB, but your new state has not, you will receive two weeks of benefits. If your new state later triggers EB, you will then be eligible for the additional benefits.
@Dana – The latest on the bill is that Senate Republicans are also in favor of the unemployment extension, but there is disagreement how to fund this extension. Democrats want to raise the money through a tax on businesses, while Republicans are looking to use money from the Stimulus program.
@Robin – It sounds like you have received Regular Benefits + EUC, and are currently receiving Extended Benefits. If the current proposed legislation for an additional unemployment extension passes both the House and the Senate, you would most likely be eligible for additional benefits.
The bill from the House of Representatives would provide an extension to people who live in states where the unemployment rate is above 8.5% (North Carolina would qualify).
@Puja – The CA Employment Development Department (EDD) does indicate that the cut off for the second extension is December 27, 2009. While it’s not certain, there is a very good possibility that with a 12.2% unemployment rate, California will extend these dates such that people in your situation will still be eligible for the second extension.
As a reminder, please visit the Career Resources page to find a number of helpful tools for the job hunt.
I live in California. My First Extension for Unemployment expires on Jan 10, 2010. However, the last date the second extension can begin is Dec 27, 2009. So if my first extension expires and I do not have a job, what kind of extension would I get? Also, my claim expires on Feb 3, 2010. Will they extend the claim date?
I am getting sleepless night worrying about unemployment benefits and finding a job. I have looked at a lot of websites, including the official unemployment website, but have no insight for issue like mine. I am sure there are many that would be in a situation like me and having same kind of question/concern. Please help.
I have been unemployed since june 08. Recieved 1st unemployment check aug 9th 2008, have recieved benifits until july 2009, refiled and am currently recieving 13 additional weeks (3 left) at a reduced amount. My question is at the end of my current 13 weeks i will have recieved 65 wks all together. Unemployment in NC is 9.5 or more will i get another 13 weeks and if the government passes this new bill will I recieve an additional 13 more weeks? Everything I have read says that you can get up to 79 weeks plus if this other passes another 13 weeks but the unemployment people say that i only have 3 weeks left. Please someone help me understand. Was employed for 31yrs 3mths 21days for the same company. Worked everyday and all overtime I could get.
any new details on the passing of the tier 4 unemployment bill..have heard it passed early this week but cant find any info…..thanks…will it be for all states…i live in tennessee but filed out of texas..tennessee has a high unemployment rate…had a job when i moved here but was layed off after 6 months..my age is no help in finding a job..
My unemployment is out of MN where the rate is 8.0 but I live in MO where the unemployment rate is 9.5. Will I get an extension and for how many weeks?
iLIVE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS I HAVE ALREADY EXHAUSTED MY 59 WEEKS IS THERE ANOTHER EXTENSION?
I was just notified that i have exhausted my unemployment benefits. I filed in South Carolina, but have since moved to Tennessee and am currently filing under the interstate claims process. When I go for an extention will I file with Tennessee or need to contact South Carolina. Thanks
Hi Tom – For EUC, you will file for an extension in South Carolina (i.e. the state where you worked and filed your initial claim).
any update on the extended benefits that is in the Senate…whats happening with it….
Hi Dana – Here’s the latest (as of October 12th):
The House has passed a bill that would extend benefits by 13 weeks in states with high rates of unemployment.
Senate Democrats have passed a bill that would extend unemployment benefits by 14 weeks across all states. Under this plan, there would be an additional six weeks (on top of the 14) in states where the unemployment rate is above 8.5%.
Senate Republicans have blocked this plan.
Once both parties in the Senate come to an agreement on a plan, this plan will then need to be reconciled with the plan passed by the House.
my euc and eb ran out 2 weeks ago the last eb was state funded by chrisp the governor will this new extension be for everone in all states like a goverment thing
(( i have been out of work since march 2008 , i live in florida and have exhausted all my euc and eb extension as of sept 25 2009 last check is there a another extension out there.)) October 2 Update: Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Finance Committee, introduced legislation – the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009 – that provides additional weeks of federal unemployments benefits to workers in all states. Baucus and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid propose four extra weeks of extended unemployment benefits for all states, plus 13 additional weeks for the 27 hardest-hit states. HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO FLA ITS UNEMPLOYMENT IS OVER 10 PERCENT
Hi Clayton – There is currently legislation in Congress that would further extend unemployment benefits (beyond EUC and EB). This bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, but is awaiting approval in the Senate. All indications point to a passage of this bill, which would add an additional 13 weeks of benefits.
Stay tuned – this is an issue I am following closely, and will post about on the blog.
i live in tennessee for the past year and a half..when i first started drawing unemployment it was for texas cause that was were i had 4 quarters in.i have exhausted all benefits total.since texas will not receive the new emergency benefits could i transfer to tennessee where the unemployment rate is well above the 8.5%.
Hi Dana – The state where you worked (Texas) will be the state on which your benefits are based. You should be able to receive EUC, if you haven’t already. Unfortunately, you will be unable to transfer your EB claim to Tennessee.
I live in California and my benefits are going to run out at the end of December which means I won’t be able to file my first extension by the deadline of December 10, 2009. Does this mean I will not be eligible for an extension?
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Kate – Given that the unemployment rate is still high throughout the country, it is very likely that Congress will vote to extend EUC. In the case where Congress does not extend EUC, it is still possible that you will be able to receive EB, assuming that the unemployment rate in California continues to stay above 6.5%.
I currently reside in CA. I have exhausted my regular benefits and I’ve just started my first extended benefits. I am planning to move to CO soon. Does it affect my benefits I am receiving from CA? As the unemployment rate is very high in CA the insurance benefits have also been extended substantially. Now you can get a total of 79 weeks I think if you are in CA. Do I receive the same benefits if I move to CO? I do not want to move and find out that I have to abide by the unemployment guidelines for CO instead of CA and have them cut off my benefits. Please advise.
If you have moved to another state, your unemployment claim will be considered an “interstate claim”. EUC and EB are treated differently.
For Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), your eligibility will be based on the state where you worked (i.e. where you originally filed a claim). In other words, if you were receiving EUC in your old state, you will continue to receive EUC in your new state. The old state will be paying.
For Extended Benefits (EB), if your both your old state and new state have “triggered” EB, you will potentially be able to receive the additional 13 (or 20) weeks of benefits. If your old state has triggered EB, but your new state has not, you will receive two weeks of benefits. If your new state later triggers EB, you will then be eligible for the additional benefits.
In either case, be sure to notify the unemployment office of your move.
My husband and I are moving from CA to CO and he is on his first extension will he still be able to get his benefits when we move?
I was employed in Ohio, and currently reside in CA. I have 8 weeks left of the tier 2 benefits from the federal extension. The state of OH is offering an additional 20 week of state extended benefits. Will I be eligible for the state extension since I no longer reside in OH?
I am on unemployment in TN. Our unemployment rate is almost 10%! I used up my regular 26 weeks of normal benefits and currently have 3 checks left of 13 weeks of EUC, am I gonna be able to receive anymore EUC and possibly EB?? My job search has been very bleak!
Hi KK – You should be able to receive 20 weeks of Extended Benefits in Tennessee.
I have been laid off in July, and my NJ unemployment benefits run out at end of December 09; does that mean I will not receive unemployment extension?
I am very frustrated and frightend, as my job search is not going well and there is a real posiblity that I will remain unemployed after December.
Hi Avis – You are very likely to receive Emergency Unemployment Compensation in New Jersey. For more details on NJ’s program, take a look at this webpage: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/aftrfile/exbenefits.html
Hang in there with the job search. Check out our Career Resources page for a list of tools that might be helpful.
I am on unemployment in TN. Our unemployment rate is almost 10%! I used up my regular 26 weeks of normal benefits and currently have 3 checks left of 13 weeks of EUC, am I gonna be able to receive anymore EUC and possibly EB?? My job search has been very bleak!
Hi Jess Sue – Tennessee has an Extended Benefits program that adds up to 20 weeks of additional benefits for people who exhausted their emergency unemployment compensation benefits after 2/28/09. To file for Extended Benefits in Tennessee, check please go to the State of Tennessee Extended Benefits website: https://tnpaws.tnui.net/eb/
I live in South Carolina. I was told by my local office that I was not eligible. I later called the Columbia office and they told me that I had to have worked for 4 weeks during the first year in order to receive the extended benefits. I am confused, I can’t find a job and therefore can’t work; but had to work in order to receive the additional benefits.
Currently I have a claim with the state of TX, however I have recently moved to CO where it appears that the maximum benefit payout is higher than in TX. What steps should I take to transfer my claim from TX to CO? Is this a wise decision?
Hi JB – You will receive benefits from the state where you were employed. If you were working in TX, and filed a claim for regular benefits there, TX will be the state from which you will receive payments.
Hi Naomi – President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers is working on another federally funded extension of unemployment benefits.
For South Carolina specifics related to your personal situation, call UI Technical Services at (803) 737-3071.
I was unemployed in GA at one place for 4 years. I was on unemployment for 5 months. Then got a job in NC but lost my job 6 months later. I am currently on unemployment from NC , but moved back to GA. My unemployment from NC runs out at the end of the month, but because of the federal stimulus I MAY be eligible for the extension as both states are above 6% unemployment. My question is would it be possible to transfer my claim in NC to GA as I have contributed to that particular system longer?
Hi George – As you qualified for regular benefits in NC, this where you will receive your extension. It most instances, the eligibility requirements of time worked and money earned that apply to regular benefits are the same as those that you will use to qualify for the extension. So if you qualified for regular benefits and received then in NC, this is the state that will issue the extension.
To confirm, you can contact the GA Department of Labor: http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_ext_benefits_programs_available.htm
i filed in Texas because i worked in many different states (including Texas) as an out of town contractor for the Federal Govt. i figured Texas had a higher payout. But i live in FL. which state will be used to justify my EB? the unemployment rate in my city is 15%!!! There are no jobs, every other house is empty due to the mortgage meltdown. which state will be used to justify my EB? Does it make a difference?
Hi Ladysawfan – In general, if you received your regular benefits in Texas, you will be applying for EUC and EB in Texas. You will need to exhaust your 20 weeks of EUC benefits before beginning to receive EB.
As a former employee of the Federal government, the state law that will determine your unemployment benefits will be based on the state where your last official duty station was located.
As a side note, for anyone interested in Federal jobs, check out http://www.usajobs.gov/. As of this post, they have over 34,000 jobs available.
I live in South Carolina. I have been unemployed since October 2007 and unable to find work. I have been told that I have all exhausted my benefits but cannot get an answer as to how many weeks have been approved for SC? Can you help? Thanks.
I’ve exhausted my EUC benefits.
I’m considering moving to CO where EB benefits are available as I am still not able to find work in TX. Maybe CO will have work for me.
Will I be able to receive EB benefits in CO or will I still have to file with TX? I have been unemployed since 2007.
Thank you.
Hi Jackie – Extended Benefits were recently approved in Texas. Even if you move to another state, you will be required to file for these benefits in the state in which you were formerly employed. Here is a link to the Texas Workforce Commission with more information regarding extended benefits:
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/eb_responsibilities.pdf
Best of luck in your job search.
I live in Texas and we finally triggered the 6% extension for 13-weeks. Am I reading correctly that we will receive additional benefits under the EB program should the unemployment stay above 6.5% and/or reach 8% in Texas?
In Texas, you will be available for the EUC, but EB has yet to be decided upon. While EUC is a federal program, EB is still decided upon by the individual states. If you are receiving EUC those benefits may expire with the state not having yet approved EB. If the state later decides to approve EB, there is still a chance that you can receive EB at that point.
The Unemployment rate in the State of South Dakota, where I live is 4.8%. Does this mean I do not qualify for EB (Extended Benefits)? I have exhausted my EUC, but still have not found a Media position in the small market I live in.
Correct. Because the unemployment rate in South Dakota is currently below the threshold level, Extended Benefits will not kick in. If, however, the rate of unemployment in the state increases in the future, and you are still eligible for benefits, you should be able to receive Extended Benefits. The South Dakota Department of Labor will have some information about rates on their website: http://dol.sd.gov/unemploymentrate.aspx
Best of luck.