Unemployment Insurance — Ask an Expert
We’re pleased to welcome George Wentworth of the National Employment Law Project to answer reader questions about unemployment insurance. We’ll do our best to get answers to any questions posted as comments. If you post a question, please be sure to mention what state you’re in, since different states do things differently.
The questions below relate to specific aspects of the federal unemployment insurance extensions currently in place. Before answering these specific questions, let me provide some general background and an update on current efforts in Congress to reauthorize these programs.
All workers get regular state unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. (Note: In states paying less than 26 weeks of UI benefits, unemployed workers get a proportionately smaller share of benefits under federal extension programs.) Generally, workers then draw Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) followed by Extended Benefits (EB), where available. There are up to four “tiers” of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) extensions available depending upon state unemployment levels. Extended Benefits are not available in all states.
EUC Tiers I and II
Unemployed workers in all states qualify for benefits under EUC Tier I and Tier II. Tier I provides 20 weeks of benefits and Tier II provides 14 weeks for a total of 34 weeks. For 3 states with (3‐month average) unemployment rates under 6.0 percent (NE, ND, and SD), this 34 weeks represents the total available extension weeks.
EUC Tier III
In states with high unemployment (defined as 6.0 percent average 3‐month total unemployment or higher), unemployed workers can become eligible for an additional 13 weeks of benefits known as EUC Tier III. Currently, there are 47 states (all except NE, ND, and SD), as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, in which unemployed workers can qualify for EUC Tier III.
EUC Tier IV
In states with 3‐month average total unemployment rates at or above 8.5 percent, unemployed workers can qualify for 6 additional weeks of extension benefits under EUC Tier IV. The 28 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, currently paying Tier IV benefits are AL,AK, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, WA, and WV.
Extended Benefits (EB)
Finally, a separate program, called the Extended Benefits (EB) program is currently triggered on in 39 states. There are either 13 or 20 additional weeks of benefits, under the EB program depending upon which EB triggers are part of each state’s UI law and each state’s unemployment level. As of January 31, 2010, 28 states and the District of Columbia are paying 20 weeks of EB (AL,AK AZ,CA,CT, DE, GA, ID,IL,IN,KY,ME,MA, MI,NV,NJ,NY,NC,OH,OR,PA,RI,SC,TN,TX, WA, WV, and WI). Seven states and Puerto Rico are providing 13 weeks of EB (CO, KS, MN, NH, NM, VT, and VA).
Current Legislative Efforts to Reauthorize UI Extensions
Current federal extensions (including both the Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits programs), the additional $25 per week in each benefits check (known as Federal Additional Compensation (FAC)), and 65% COBRA subsidies for jobless workers are set to expire at the end of February 2010. The House has passed an extension of these provisions until June of this year in its Jobs Bill – and now the Senate needs to act.
We at the National Employment Law Project (NELP) are urging Congress to extend the EUC program, full federal funding of Extended Benefits, the $25 per week in Federal Additional Compensation, and the 65% 15-month COBRA subsidy through the end of 2010. Economists agree that unemployment will remain at extremely high levels through the end of this calendar year; therefore it is important to extend this program through 2010. While there appears to be majority support for reauthorization, there are also strong indications that Congress will likely extend these programs for a number of months, not for the rest of the year..
These benefits are set to expire on February 28, 2010, but in fact, if Congress does not extend these important benefits before Friday, February 19, 2010, states will have to start sending out notices to claimants that their benefits are expiring, and they will have to start reprogramming their computer systems to shut down with EUC, EB and FAC benefits. Were Congress to act after the 19th of February, there would be substantial delays in getting state programs back up and running and the disruption of benefits would be devastating to families and communities.
Questions
(1) eieio writes:
Out of work since Dec 2007 and about to come to the end of the line. Moved from CA to TN to have a better chance at a job with no such luck.
If no Tier 5, no house or food. Will have to file bankruptcy. Had to give up COBRA due to out of state move and couldn’t afford conversion policy. NOW WHAT?
(2) Dcarter08 writes:
I am 52 and have been unemployed since 11-07. I am down to my last unemployment check if a tier 5 is not put in place asap. I will be homeless by months end with no where to go and no way of paying my bills, what should I expect?
Answer: Unfortunately, it does not appear that there is any likelihood that the legislation pending in Congress will create a new Tier V of the EUC program. Although the number of workers who are categorized as long-term unemployed (out of work more than 6 months) has grown to over 40% of all unemployed, both the House and Senate are focusing on reauthorization of the EUC program as it currently exists.
While there is currently no legislative proposal for a Tier V of EUC, this is an idea that will become more compelling when Congress begins to hear stories of workers exhausting the last of their benefits. That is why it is important to tell your senator or representative your story now. NELP will continue to advocate for benefits and programs that will provide assistance to those workers whose benefits expire in the months ahead.
(3) Nydarling writes:
I also think they need to address workers laid off at the end of August 2009. In New York, if you were laid off after August 24, 2009 you get 26 weeks unemployment, that’s all ! I believe this inequity needs to be addressed, we are in need too, having been laid off in some of the highest time of unemployment. Extensions only being given to those out the longest are not fair……my bills will not go away when my unemployment ends in March !!!! Give me the same year and half that others have had!
(4) wrtrgal5 writes:
I agree with nydarling. Those of us who were laid off at the end of August 2009 get 26
weeks unemployment, which ends this month. What about us???
Answer: Both of you point out one of the greatest inequities that would result if Congress did not act to reauthorize the EUC program past February 28th. As workers who would exhaust their basic 26 weeks of state UI benefits after February 28th, you would not be able to access any tier of EUC unless Congress reauthorizes the program and sets a later expiration date. Depending on what state you are filing in, you might have entitlement to Extended Benefits (EB) – see above for listing of EB states. Finally, it is worth noting that claimants who start a tier of EUC before February 28th can collect the balance of their entitlements under that tier under phase-out provisions of the law.
(5) Cd53218 writes:
I am at the end of Tier 3 and was told by the unemployment office here in Wisconsin we are NO longer eligible to receive any more benefits past this.. OK I’m a little freaked out, confused as to what I’m suppose to do next… I’ve written to Washington, called my Senator and Governor…what more can we do?
Answer: Because the 3-month average unemployment rate in Wisconsin just fell below 8.5%, Wisconsin has triggered off Tier IV of the EUC program. However, Wisconsin is still triggered on to the Extended Benefits (EB) program and there are 20 weeks of EB payable to claimants exhausting EUC benefits. You should contact the Wisconsin UI agency about possible entitlement to EB.
No legal advice is being given and no attorney-client relationship is created by the use of this information. An attorney should be consulted for more detailed information in individual cases. The National Employment Law Project (NELP) and Working America (WA) shall not be liable for the information provided herein, or for the results obtained from the use of such information.
Tags: unemployment, unemployment extension
George -
Thank you so much for taking time to answer reader questions and providing such clarity to what can be a confusing mass of information on unemployment insurance.
It has been reported that the Senate may take up a bill including a likely 3-month UI/COBRA extension late this week or next. If they do, and it passes, the House would still need to act on it or go to a conference with the Senate on the two bills — a time-consuming process with time running out.
Wouldn’t the House need to act to pass an extension again, then, by Feb 19 — and wouldn’t that require them to stay in session for at least part of next week despite the Presidents Day Recess? With millions of unemployed workers and their families facing the end of their benefits, shouldn’t Congress stay in session until they get a UI/COBRA extension done?
Thanks for taking the time, and for your expertise as well.
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I also want to give a heart-felt THANK YOU to George for providing good information for so many! You are making a difference!
I would like to know if you know anything about Missouri, and whether the State has recently
taken the necessary action to now qualify for Federal Dollars to pay for State Extended Benefits. It was in the news a couple weeks ago, that politicians had realized they made a mistake by not accepting an earlier opportunity (last yr) by the Fed Gov. to accept money for Mo Extended Benefits. Now they are realizing it was a BIG mistake. There was alot of noise about it recently, and some Mo Gov politicians were actually trying to “fix” the mess, legally.
I have scoured the internet….and cannot find out if any action has been taken.
And thank you once again, information is power. I have contacted my Senators 3 times–both by phone and email. I also contacted the white house about getting the extension on Fed Extended Benefits b/f Feb 19th.
Lori
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We often hear from members who are unemployed, but even the memberes who still have jobs are afraid of losing them. What effect, if any, does extending unemployment benefits have on members who still have jobs, and the economy overall?
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I have a letter written by a member on Monday who is facing foreclosure because they and their family members have suffered job loss. Some people find it difficult to apply for and receive benefits in a timely way, especially when they are facing a family crisis as a result of job loss. What advice do you have for families who are facing foreclosure as a result of job loss?
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Is there the possibility of Congress adding more weeks to the existing EUC program tiers, instead of adding a Tier V?
There are so many people who have nothing coming in, especially older individuals who find themselves not as marketable as younger individuals. They are suffering the most, IMHO.
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My benifits run out march 10, 2010, can i get the eb benifits im in NY, or do I have to wait for congress to pass an extention
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I am also coming to the end of my tier 3 next week. Luckily I will be moving on to tier 4 for up to 6 more weeks. I have read a lot about the senate and congress not passing a 5th tier. I know am wondering why should I put all my effort into signing more petitions and calling senators and congress if there will not be another tier to benefit myself and others in the same boat as me. I wish and hope for others that this bill would pass for the others that it would benefit, but myself and millions others it will do no good. I have given up hope for a tier 5 and think it is best to put all my effort into looking even more for some miracle job to hire me. Although 2 years of putting in 3-10 resumes a week hasn’t done me any good, I can only pray that someone will call me back in this desperate time. I wish everyone the best at fighting for this bill to pass, but in reality, it is not going to help myself and others exhausting their tier 4 benefits and it seems like no one cares about us anymore.
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You do not have Florida listed for the EB Extended Benefits but I do believe it is in the program.
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sent off last UB claim form for week ending 2/7/2010 it was for 1 week and is part of the latest extention HR3548 signed on 11/6/2009 Q: It looks like CA. will move into the teir IV extention 6 weeks based on the Unemployment % over the last 3 months can someboel meif should get some notice of my possible eligibility of some kind notice? wil it be oattached to my last UB check like in the past? Will Edd automatcally file for me “rollover” the 6 more weeks like they have on past extentions? Will there be a lapse in receiving UB check if I am eligable? I clearly have used all of my EU befe 2/28/2010 sunset deadline so if anybody has the facts to my questions please let myself and other So Cal unemployed know Thank you
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George~ called unemployment this morning we were already triggered in the 3rd Tier and no MORE benefits are available to us unless CONGRESS ACTS SOON. I don’t see it happening any time soon, with the storm in Washington. So I believe we are all screwed.. They can push the Jobs bill but I feel it’s a done deal as far as US getting any benefits, I don’t believe we’re going to get it. So Kick us all to the curb and leave us all homeless and in poverty. I’ve gotton so discouraged with looking for a job at 54, depression has gotton the best of me for I will loose my home and everything I have worked so hard for, sold my wedding rings, to pay taxes. These people in Washington don’t care about us out here, they would rather have us fall off the extended benefits to make there numbers look good.
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This is a great forum with the most helpful info.
Here’s my question – I am in CA.
I received my last check for the first round (26 weeks) of benefits for the week ending 2/26/10. Thankfully I THINK this means that I will qualify for Tier 1.
1. What is the difference between the Tiers (1-4) & Extended Benefits. In my case I THINK I am qualify for Tier I (20 weeks). How do EB’s factor into that?
2. As I understand it EDD is supposed to contact us to let us know if we qualify for the next Tier. When are they supposed to do this? I am very nervous about depending on them to notify me. How much lag time is there between the last check I received this week (2/6) & the first check of Tier 1?
3. How does the fact that the Senate is not in session due to the snow affect their ability to meet the deadline of 2/19/10?
I truly think we need to have benefits through the end of the year.
I wish everyone good luck.
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Another question: if they DO pass the bill to go past Feb 2010 does that mean that those of us who are about to go into Tier I will automatically qualify to go into Tier 2, etc when the time comes?
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I think I can answer this one. Assuming that Congress does pass the bill to go past Feb 2010, it will only extend the expiration date by another three months (end of May). So, assuming that you’re about to go into Tier I (like right now), Tier I (20 weeks) will take you into July of this year. Now assuming that that Congress doesn’t pass the bill beyond Feb 2010, you will be allowed to complete Tier I but not go on to Tier II. Assuming that the bill does extend the expiration date until the end of May, sometime before the end of May comes around, Congress will need to pass another bill to extend the expiration date beyond May. If, at that time, they decide to extend it to the end of July (for example), then yes, you will be able to go on to Tier II. Hope this helps.
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You couldn’t of answered LuLu’s question any better than you did. You were right ON!.. As far as the Bill being passed by the 19th. I don’t believe there going to be able to, They have NO clue what there doing any more except arguing over this bill. Some say yes, most say No.. If not there’s going to be a real big problem, no money coming in-NO spending back into the economy-No house payments(More forclosures). Utility’s will be turned off. And more people on the streets where MAYHAM will erupt. There more worried about the deficit at this point, and spendig on things that can be solved down the road. Wisconsin doesn’t need a airrail tram. I’m not real hopeful at this point it’s cutting real close to home and I may loose mine~if this bill isn’t passed. I’m 54-who at this point in my life is going to hire me. I lost my job along with 700 others, with NO call back. Good luck everybody-
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Thanks Humdinger.
I just saw this story on Huff Post. It’s NOT good news:
“The Senate’s bipartisan jobs package, which had robust support from the White House and the GOP, but was packed with corporate giveaways, lasted less than a day.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) emerged from a Democratic Caucus meeting Thursday afternoon to announce that he had decided to scrap it, in exchange for a much-simplified package. The decision left aides to members of both parties scratching their heads, but there may be a smart political rationale behind it.
The new bill drops disaster assistance and extensions of unemployment insurance and COBRA helath-insurance subsidies, all Democratic priorities which will need to be addressed before they expire within the next few weeks.”
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Got this from The Hill (thehill.com):
“Reid’s bill also does not extend unemployment and COBRA benefits that many in both parties want; an aide to the majority leader said those extensions would be handled in a separate bill.”
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This is REALLY gonna mess things up. Just the logistics of it will be a mess. Good grief.
More from HuffPost:
“So, even though it’s entirely likely that Congress will pass an extension before Feb. 28 — barring another major blizzard — some people will nevertheless receive letters telling them they’re not eligible for the next “tier” of benefits.
Last year’s stimulus bill provided up to 53 additional weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits (broken into several tiers) and a 65 percent subsidy of COBRA health insurance. When those provisions expired at the end of December, Congress scrambled to extend them another three months. If they’re allowed to expire at the end of the month, 1.2 million people will exhaust their unemployment benefits in March.
“I think it’s disturbing because there are four tiers of emergency unemployment compensation benefits, and if you’re on a given tier, you only have a few weeks if the program isn’t extended… Individuals could look at running out of benefits in a week or several weeks,” said Rich Hobbie, director of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.
Aside from the anxiety the situation creates for the unemployed, Hobbie said it’s a huge administrative burden for state agencies. Norm Isotalo, spokesman for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, said Congress’s dithering does indeed make work for his office.
“February 28 is rapidly approaching and we still don’t have any certainty if the ending date is going to be extended, so the agency is preparing to wind down the payments of extended federally-funded unemployment benefits,” Isolato told HuffPost. “But on the other hand, we have to be ready to pull the plug on these wind-down efforts if Congress acts. It could be a lot of wind-down work that all may go for naught if Congress extends the deadline date for these programs. And of course we hope that they do.”
Story continues below
Isotalo said that even if Congress interrupts his agency’s wind-down work at the last second, unemployed Michiganders would not see an interruption of their unemployment checks.
NELP is frustrated that Congress insists on taking a piecemeal approach to extending the benefits (the extensions do not allow people to stay on unemployment insurance for longer than already provided by the stimulus bill — they allow people who’ve been laid off more recently access to the same additional tiers of financial support given to people laid off last year). The piecemeal approach guarantees that every extension will happen at the last second.
“It will always be held victim to a blizzard, to partisan politics, a flood in the spring, elections in the fall,” said Judy Conti of NELP, which would rather Congress extend benefits for a full year. “What’s going on in Congress is an ever-changing game. The American people and communities surviving on these unemployment benefits can’t be held victim to this process.”
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20 million plus illegas WORKING in this country and benefits of all sorts.
All the unemployed are the legals citizens of this country, this is just what the federal government has been trying to do to us.
Time to go find that $5 an hour under the table job, like most illegas have.
Just remember they are here to do the jobs WE wont.
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That has nothing to do with anything we are talking about on this site.
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Need answeres teir III. I sent in claim form for 1 week check remaining on teir III for week ending 2/7/10. Waiting for last UB check now and Question is based on CA. Unemployment average being over 8.5% over the last 3 months should those who face this situation be given notice as to the possible eligibility for the additional 6 weeks Tier Iv having exhausted All EUB before the Feb.28th deadline?
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So confused about my UI Benefits after 52 weeks, if any.
Apparently my UI claim officially ended on 2/06/2010. I officially lost my job on 2/12/2009. I’ve collected so far 52 weeks and have had no luck finding any work. On Friday (2/12/2010) I received an Additional Instructions letter from EDD (state of California). In this letter it states that my UI benefits cannot be paid on a new claim unless I worked as an employee between 02/08/09 and 2/06/2010 and conditions (a) or (b) below are met:
a) You earned at least $1300 as an employee in one quarter between the dates listed above.
b) You earned at least $900 as an employee in your highest quarter of earnings between the dates listed above, and your total earnings during that same time period were at least 1.25 times that highest quarter amount.
I’m so confused. I have 2 pay stubs with a check date of 2/11/2010 that have a pay period of 01/28/2009 to 2/10/2009. The first check is the bi-weekly salary payment of $1,608.00 (net) and the second check is for my severance $1642.10 (net). Technically, according to my pay-stubs, I’ve worked 2 days between 02/08/09 and 02/06/2010. Would this qualify me for another UI extension? Or…am I out of UI benefits for good?
FYI: What’s really weird is that on my last UI check payment (arrived 2/11/2010), the continued UI claim top stub message (that shows UI claim balance) had a balance of $4,050. On Saturday (2/13/2010) I received another claim form that had a top stub message of only “Claim Expired 02/05/2011” and the 2nd week ‘s Yes or No question fill-out portion all “XXXXXXX”-ed out.
What can or should I now? Don’t the UI extensions that congress passed, apply to me? I need to respond to this EDD Additional Instructions letter in less than 10 days. I would normally call EDD, but no one is answering that phone. Please help me as soon as possible with any advice. Much appreciated.
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Mr. Reid is putting us all in the streets and below poverty level. I’m 54 been looking for a job for 18 months, hundreds of Resumes and just a few interviews. I am going to loose EVERYTHING I’ve worked for all these yrs. NO Mr. Reid-We are NOT lazy people that want to stay home and collect a paycheck-we are UNABLE to find work. Do these people in Congress not get it that there are millions of people that will suffer and then YOUR economy suffers because we won’t be able to pay for a damn thing. They have been jerking the American people around way to long and NEED to help us all! This isn’t funny- I’ve been worried sick how am I suppose to support a family on NOTHING. Keep my home put food on the table, pay utilities and etc. I know I don’t stand alone and you people in Washington don’t care. I’m angry, depressed and don’t know what I’m going to do.
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Your anger is misdirected. Reid IS trying to help. Bunning is the one you should be mad at & all the Repubs for that matter.
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Question:
We all feel a relief about the month long extension that passed last night. Now they are working on the real deal that extends benefits through the end of the year. I think that that larger package includes “Extended Benefits (EB).” I think those come after Teir IV. Is that right? If so, will EB be available to Floridians?
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I am confused. I am in CA. I started Tier 1 of benefits this month (Feb 2010). Does this now mean that if need be I will be able to go into Tier 2 after 20 weeks?
Thanks & good luck to all.
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Lulu,
It was only a 30 day extension that they passed last night. So I don’t think so. They are working on one that will extend through the end of the year. When that passes you will be able to get Tier 2. You have lots of time – so hang in there. : )
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Thanks JP.
I got differing feedback from Mitchell on the same question on another thread. I think your comment is correct though.
We really do need to get them to do it for a year. I’ve actually been out of work for 10 months. I got a severance for the first few months which was good.
Hanging in as best I can; thanks for the kind words.
Cheers.
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I have a question about my Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation. I used all of my Tier III and started EB before the Tier IV was signed in December of 2009. I am due to complete my HUP EB in 2 weeks and before the end of March 2010. Since I did not start the Tier IV and have not collected on it will I be eligible to receive Tier IV when my HUP EB ends in 2 weeks? Thanks
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Yah! It looks like the extension (through the end of the year) just now passed in the Senate less than an hour ago!
http://senatus.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/senate-passes-the-american-workers-state-and-business-relief-act/
and
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-jobless-aid-taxes,0,7921118.story
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Yesterday afternoon the Senete passed the unemployment benefits extension through the end of 2010. Here is a link:
http://senatus.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/senate-passes-the-american-workers-state-and-business-relief-act/
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I believe H.R. 4707 is the bill sitting in ways & means that is intendd to extend benefits (Tier V) to the end of the year.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-4707
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I recommend the Unemployed-Friends forum, too.
http://unemployed-friends.forumotion.com/index.htm
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Dear forum members,
Diane from PBS would like to know if anyone would be interested in doing an interview for the upcoming project she has. A post from our forum is included below, please reach out to her if you are interested, thanks!!
UIO
http://unemployed-florida.topdiscussion.com/off-topic-discussions-f3/pbs-looking-for-people-to-profile-t178.htm
Hi,
I am a producer for the PBS NewsHour (formerly The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer), the nightly news program on public broadcasting. We’re coming to Florida to do a series of stories later this month. One story we are planning is on unemployment. I’m looking for people to profile for the story. We’d like to interview people about your experience being unemployed and about problems or issues you have encountered getting unemployment benefits. We are planning to do this in or near Orlando,Tampa, Cape Coral or Fort Myers. If you are interested in being interviewed on camera for the story, please let me know. You can reach me by email at dlincoln@newshour.org or by phone at (703) 998-2184 or I’m happy to contact you at your convenience if you give me the best way to reach you.
Thank you!
Diane
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Join the Union of Unemployed!!!
http://www.unionofunemployed.com/
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“Summary of the Continuing Extension Act of 2010
I. Extension of Unemployment Insurance Programs – Extends Federal Unemployment Programs, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, through May 05, 2010….
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=11069
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I am a NC unemployment recipient. I exhausted tier 3, tier 2, and EB (which I exhausted prior to recieving tier 3 and the one additional week of tier 2). These benefits were exhausted the first week of February. My state keeps saying that they are not paying tier 4 benefits because they are waiting for implentation guidelines. What I want to know is this: Hasn’t there been enough time since the addition of tier 4 benefits for the NCESC to have recieved tier 4 benefits and what are the advantages to the State for not paying tier 4 to anybody at this time–I mean did congress mean for there to be a 5 week break between tier 3 and 4 when they created it?
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Please go to this site and sign the petition for a tier V! http://www.change.org/actions/view/unemployment_we_need_a_tier_5_now
This letter is automatically sent to the Senate, Congress, your state Governor and the President.
Let know everyone ypu know. This is important, the more people are sending these emails the more chances we have to be heard!
Unemployment: Add Tier V, we need help!!
Greetings,
Mr. President, Senators and Representatives:
Please stop ignoring the American people who are reduced to poverty. We did not create this depression. We need help. NOW. People who were fully employed, paying taxes, and raising families are now paying the ultimate price. You are deliberately failing us by ignoring our most basics needs. As of today, there is no plans to add additional unemployment tiers to keep us from becoming increasingly destitute. Thousands of people will begin to lose all financial support on March 15, like myself. My last benefit check is for $102. How long will my daughters and myself will survive with this amount?
These benefits simply mean money to keep food on our tables and a roof over our heads. .. How long will we survive before we become part of the sad statistics?
Don’t end benefits until there are jobs for us. As of now, there is only 1 job for every 6 unemployed workers.
ADD A TIER 5. NOW.
WE ARE BEGGING YOU!
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Oh great! A possible 30-day and longer extension wa blocked hours ago by Sen. Tom Coburn
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/3/25/850934/-Sen.-Tom-Coburn-(Dr.-No)-Blocks-Jobless-Aid-Extension
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H.R. 4851 is in being looked at again, as Congress is back in session this morning, 4/12
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I am currently on Tier II. I have read numerous times that Tier II is supposed to be 14 weeks; however, I was given only 13 weeks of Tier II. I called my State unemployment office and was told that Tier II is only 13 weeks and that the additional week is a voluntary (state by state) addition. Is this true? I am still unable to find anything that indicates that this is true.
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Oh well, it turns out H.R. 4851 DIDN’T extend benefits beyond 99 weeks; just an extension of tiime to file for lower Tiers.
We need a Tier V!
Maybe H.R. 4707 will be resurrected…
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Dear George,
Why has NELP not done more for the 99ers the long term unemployed now over 1 million and counting who are suffering through this economic depression and need a TIER V extension?
Is NELP in bed with WASHINGTON? We need NELP to FOCUS on TIER V yesterday Get with it man!!!!
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I’m waiting on an answer from the Senate about which bill includes Tier V.
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Hello, I have a question. I was given layoff from my former employer and applied for unemployment compensation which began on 1/17/2010. while looking into my payments it states that my available credits were 7150.00 for my regular unemployment claim and that my current balance is 1100.00. I called the unemployment office to check n see if after my regular unemployment benefits are exhausted if i will be eligible to begin with tiers 1-4 while being unemployed. I was told that I do not qualify for these. I have worked for over 10 straight years without receiving any unemployment benefits and now that I need the assistance, am I only eligible as they say for 6 months only??? Can someone answer my question??? Are tiers 1-4 really being eliminated from Florida???
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I represent a Seattle Bankruptcy Attorney Firm and let me tell you, your anger should be directed towards lending institutions who misused bail out fund for the purpose of increasing their bottomline, and kicking homeowners while they were down. We are unemployed because our standard of living is higher then what we can afford.
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Here is a real interesting story for everyone. How about someone like me who was self employed but then lost their business. Do you realize that I am not eligible for any employment benefits? The govt extends benefits to those that have already gotten them for years and now they offer another hand out to them yet there people like me who never got anything. One thing I resorted to was offering Cheap Car Insurance quotes to help people save money. At least I can earn a referral fee from the insurance companies. Please help if you can.
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Will my senator or congressman ever get back to me. I wrote him like a month ago. Guess that don’t work if anyone was wondering.
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Credit Impact of Short Sale
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Give me a dollar and I’ll insure that you breath one more time. Ok, now give me a dollar for everytime you breath and I’ll pay you something when you die.Arizona Bankruptcy Court
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I read in N.J.a spouse can claim their husband/wife as a dependent & receive and extra 7% of the weekly unemployment benefit rate. IF the claimed spouse is unemployed.
Can the spouse be claimed, if not working, but receiving S.S.D.I. (disabled)? Also, the N.J. unemployment site says proof of dependency is required. What proof could someone provide showing someone is not working (what would they require)? Thank you.
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Why were we led on that there would be Tier V legislation in the H.R.4853 Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 bill?
Unhappy Holidays for a lot of people unless Congress rewrites this bill to include a Tier V extension of unemployment benefits.
The cost of not having it is more than the cost of funding it.
Instead of Tiers for >99 we might get 99 tears!
Do your part, it’s not too late!
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I am also waiting for any response of my congressman – but nothing happened yet
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update: just got my reply ! katzbaum guenstig
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kratzbaum guenstig
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I have a question, I live in Californa and I was in my last fed extenstion and still have a balance of at least $5K, I got called in for a temp job to last for 3 months, I only stayed for 1 month and took another better offer with another temp job with my last employer for 16 years until Dec.24 of this year, will I be still be eligible to get my balance forward if I re open my claim on Dec. 24? It’s not like a quit on my 1st temp job, I just had a better offer with another temp job to temp with my last employer. Will EDD deny my eligibility for this reason? Please advise asap. Thanks.
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Can someone explain something to me? My unemployment started around the first of the new year, 2011. Apparently, I get 60 weeks total, but really only 53. I’m at the end of my 1st extension now, which means I’ve collected 26 and now 13 weeks. A couple of questions. First off, I should be now collecting 20 weeks and not 13 since the 3 month NY unemployment average is officially 8%. Do they automatically raise it or…? I’ve seen no mention of it on their site. Next, do they automatically put me into the next, and last tier? I still have yet to find and job and it’s driving me insane. My resume is incredible and between my accomplishments, state licenses, language ability and other stuff, I’m shocked that I can’t even get a reply!!!! I’ve moved down south since starting UI (which they know about) and it’s even worse here so I’m thinking of going back to NY for a while. Anyway, my questions are two fold:
*Do I get the additional 7 weeks since the 3 month average is now 8% again?
*Do I have to do anything or do they automatically extend my next tier? The first time they extended it, it stated “no need to reapply, if you’re eligible for an extension, we will automatically extend your benefits.” This time I do not see that.
Thanks to anyone who can help me out with any answer. Again, it seems I get 60 weeks total based on the ‘benefit’s calculator.’
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