Answers About the New Unemployment Extension

There have been a number of questions regarding the new unemployment extension. The New York Times ran a recent story with some good Q&A regarding the recent legislation. Here are a few highlights:

Eligibility:  Anyone who has exhausted their unemployment benefits (including extensions) this year.  This applies across all 50 states.

Length of Extension:  14 weeks.  If the state you live in has an unemployment rate above 8.5%, there will be an additional 6 weeks of benefits.

Timing:  Similar to regular unemployment benefits, the extension payments are not retroactive.

Lost Job in 2009:  If you lost your job during 2009 and are currently receiving regular benefits, EUC, or EB, you will most likely not receive payments from the current extension.  With the current national unemployment above 10% however, Congress will likely pass a further extension in 2010, enabling those out of work in 2009 to continue receiving benefits.

To see the full article from the NY Times, click here.

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