If you’ve exhausted your unemployment benefits or you’re worried about your benefits running out, there may be extended benefits funded by the federal government that will provide unemployment compensation beyond the maximum number of weeks provided by your state.
How Extended Unemployment Benefits Work
Extended benefits are additional weeks of unemployment compensation that are available to eligible workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits during periods of high unemployment. The basic Extended Benefits (EB) program provides up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation when a state is experiencing high unemployment. In some states, there may be an additional seven additional weeks (20 weeks maximum) of extended benefits during periods of extremely high unemployment. The federal government may provide additional benefits to people who have exhausted their unemployment benefits. There are additional weeks of federally funded Extended Benefits (EB) in states with high unemployment rates. Unemployed workers are eligible for up to 13 or 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits, depending on state laws, and the unemployment rate. These benefits are paid through the state unemployment departments, and eligibility would start when all other benefits are exhausted. Your state unemployment office should notify you if you’re eligible.
How To Get Extended Unemployment Benefits
How you’ll collect extended benefits will vary based on your state. In some states, you won’t need to do anything. You’ll automatically be paid for the additional weeks. You may have to apply in other states.
If you’re currently collecting unemployment benefits: Benefits are provided through the state unemployment offices, and information on eligibility will be posted online. You’ll be advised on how to collect when your regular unemployment benefits end if you’re eligible. If you’ve exhausted unemployment benefits: Long-term unemployed workers who have already exhausted state unemployment benefits may also be eligible for additional weeks of benefits. Check with your state unemployment website for eligibility criteria in your location.
How Much Extended Benefits You’ll Receive
You’ll receive the same amount that you received for regular unemployment compensation if you’re eligible for extended unemployment benefits. The number of weeks you’ll receive depends on your state unemployment rate and it may vary.
