If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits and are interested to learn how to file for Unemployment Extended Benefits, this page will outline the steps needed to determine whether or not you qualify for this program.

You may qualify for extended unemployment insurance if your regular unemployment benefits are about to run out and you are still seeking new employment. The government realizes that the United States is in a period of economic decline and that it may take longer than usual to find a job.

In November 2008, unemployment benefits were extended in the USA from 26 weeks to 56 weeks to help deal with current economic struggles. The House of Representatives have extended unemployment benefits multiple times since the initial benefits package was approved. In the states that are worst hit, up to 99 weeks of unemployment benefits may be available. This page will show you How to File for Unemployment Extended Benefits.

• On July 21, 2010, the United States Senate voted to extend EUC benefits through November 30, 2010. The extension provided funding for EUC to continue but did not add any additional tiers. Claimants who have already received the maximum EUC compensation will not qualify for additional benefits under this extension.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-Jobless_23bus.ART.State.Edition1.4d5c267.html
• EUC benefits received a short term extension in April 2010 which pushed the filing deadline back to June 2. This extension provided those collecting benefits a longer period of time to file and would also provide retroactive pay if benefits were interrupted due to the legislation.http://thebreakroom.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978271985&grpId=3659174697241980
• The Worker Assistance Act of 2009 provided an extension of unemployment benefits to those who exhausted their benefit limit and were still unable to find gainful employment. President Obama signed the law on November 6, 2009. Also included with this legislation are provisions for those states where the unemployment rate is greater than 8.5 percenthttp://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-worker-homeownership-and-business-assistance-act-2009

The government has chosen to make applying for extended unemployment benefits a separate process from the initial unemployment application. If you do not apply for extended unemployment benefits, your financial aid will run out after 26 weeks. However, as long as you are already receiving standard unemployment benfits and are receiving payments, you should qualify for an extension closer to the time your benefits are due to run out.

At least 10 days before your regular unemployment benefits expire, you should receive a letter telling you how to apply for first tier extended unemployment benefits. If you do not receive it seven days before your benefits are due to expire, it's important that you contact your local unemployment office right away. Each state may have different allowances for the tiers of benefits. These are determined based upon the current unemployment rate for the state. http://www.ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/euc_trigger/2010/euc_030710.html

If you still have not found work and your First Tier Extended Unemployment benefits are drawing to a close, you may receive a second letter inviting you to apply for Second Tier Extended Unemployment. However, note that only states with unemployment levels above 8.5% currently offer Second Tier benefits (which are the additional 13 weeks referenced above). If you are not located in one of those states, you will not receive the second letter. If you are, but the letter has still not arrived seven days before your benefits expire, make sure to contact your local unemployment office immediately.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Please contact a law professional before using the information presented here.