As unemployment benefits expire, many people are aksing about a “Tier 5″ extension.
Background
If implemented, a Tier 5 would add additional weeks of unemployment benefits. To date, the previous extensions passed by Congress this year have only extended eligibility for existing tiers, enabling you to receive up to a maximum of 99 weeks in most states. The 2010 extensions have not added any additional weeks to the total available.
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Many people have already exhausted their 99 weeks (or their state maximium), but are in need of further assistance.
Tier 5 Extension – New Proposal Introduced
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow introduced new legislation during the first week of August that formally brings the Tier 5 discussion in front of Congress. Here are the highlights of the propsal:
- The bill would add an additional 20 weeks of benefits for people who have had their benefits expire.
- The proposal would require that the unemployment rate in your state must at least 7.5% in order to qualify.
- Also included in the proposal are tax breaks for business owners who hire
- The new legislation has not yet been voted upon.
What’s Next?
- Members of Congress are on recess through September 12th.
- The Senate will next address the proposal upon their return in September.