Definition:
Extended unemployment benefits are additional weeks of unemployment compensation available to workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits during times of high unemployment.
How do extended unemployment benefits work?
Extended benefits are additional weeks of unemployment compensation available to eligible workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits during periods of high unemployment. The Extended Benefits (EB) program provides up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation when a state is experiencing high unemployment rates.
In some states, there may be an additional seven weeks (a maximum of 20 weeks) of extended benefits during periods of extremely high unemployment.
The federal government may also provide additional benefits for individuals who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. There are additional weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits in states with high unemployment rates.
Eligible workers may receive up to 13 or 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits, depending on state laws and unemployment rates.
These benefits are paid through the state unemployment agencies, and eligibility begins once all other benefits have been exhausted. Your state’s unemployment office should notify you if you are eligible for the benefits.
Note: Check with your state’s unemployment office for information about eligibility requirements and the availability of extended benefits in your area. You can find a directory of the offices on the CareerOneStop unemployment website provided by the Department of Labor.
How to obtain extended unemployment benefits?
The process of collecting extended benefits will vary by state. In some states, you may not need to do anything. You will automatically receive payment for the additional weeks. You may need to apply in other states.
If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits: Benefits are provided through state unemployment offices, and information about eligibility will be posted online. You will be informed on how to obtain the benefits at the end of your regular unemployment period if you are eligible.
If you have exhausted unemployment benefits: Long-term unemployed workers who have already exhausted their state unemployment benefits may also be eligible for additional weeks of benefits. Check your state’s unemployment website for eligibility criteria in your area.
How much extended benefits will you receive?
You will receive the same amount you received as regular unemployment compensation if you are eligible for extended unemployment benefits. The number of weeks you will receive depends on the unemployment rate in your state and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I qualify for unemployment extension?
You will not qualify for an extension until your regular benefits have ended, but your state unemployment office should advise you on what to do to apply as that deadline approaches. You can also check your state’s website to find out its qualifying rules.
How long can you collect unemployment?
Workers in most states are entitled to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits, although nine states provide less than 26 weeks and two states provide more, as of August 2022. Florida and North Carolina only provide 12 weeks. Extended benefits of seven to 20 additional weeks can begin once those time frames have ended.
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Sources:
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and maintain accuracy, reliability, and quality in our content.
U.S. Department of Labor. “Extended Unemployment Insurance Benefits.”
U.S. Department of Labor. “How do I apply for unemployment insurance?”
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Policy Principles: How Many Weeks of Unemployment Compensation are Available?”
Source:
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/unemployment-insurance-extended-benefit-programs-4802217
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