Two Month Unemployment Benefits Extension; Unemployment Benefits Extended To February 2010
Congress passed a two-month unemployment extension bill for those who were facing the possibility of losing their unemployment insurance benefits. The unemployment benefits extension program is set to go into February 2010, but there has been a great deal of confusion as to what the unemployment extension means and who qualifies. Originally, a six-month extension was wanted, however, the bill passed a two-month extension, which does the following:
To begin, the extension will allow the continuation of Emergency Unemployment Continuation Program, which provides unemployment benefits in relation to a specific state’s unemployment rate. Secondly, the unemployment benefits extension continues the Extended Benefits Program, which added 13 to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits to unemployment benefits for certain states. Also, Federal Additional Compensation will continue and under this program unemployment benefits were increased by $25 per week.
These three areas of unemployment benefits are what will continue under the two-month unemployment extension by Congress. As far as who specifically qualifies for these extensions will be determined by what stage or tier of the unemployment benefits process you are in, and as per the many questions and comments on rwbpress.com concerning similar articles on unemployment, consulting your local unemployment agency the best way to know if you qualify.
Any additional sources or info can be posted in the comments section to help others with this complex unemployment benefits extension or if you need some reading material consult the links below from the House of Representatives and Senate. The first link regarding unemployment benefits extension is the source for the main body of this article the others are from the bills in the Senate and House.
House: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/dod_summary.pdf
House: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/hr3548.pdf
Senate: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/102809ui.pdf
Cherie,
The TARP money did not fund bonuses. Quite the contrary. It kept the major financial institutions from going belly-up and causing ‘financial armageddon’. Mind you the management in these financial institutions were forced to take that TARP money because they would be more apt to cut themselves huge final bonus checks and let the institutions crash and burn over night.
Okay, so when will I get my money? Just claimed New York state weekly benifits, my balance is zero. Says to continue claiming in the usual manner, great, BUT WHEN WILL I GET MY MONEY??????? If it is not this week I and many others will be in a lot of trouble, BIG TROUBLE.
Can anyone tell me when the new extension funds will be available for me to use?
What is going on? I have been unemployed for almost a year and I’m out of benefits. Why cant I get a second extention? I’ve heard of people getting benefits for over two years. This should apply to everyone not just some people. So if I don’t get an extension what are my options. WELFARE! Not what I want to do. Seem some people are getting benefits for too long and other dont get squat. Does anyone in our goverment care? They have jobs,food, and a roof over their head.
I have another thing I would like to get off my chest. I was laid off and replaced with a temporary worker. I think companys that do this should be fined. They dont want to pay for health insurance so its cheaper for them to hire a temp. If they were force to pay health insurance for temporary workers just like their full time employees we would be more on an even playing field.
Hi, I just went and viewed some of the older comments on here and I’m more confused than I was before. I see that some people have received benefits for over a year and a half or more. Why the difference? Not quite a year for me yet and no more money. My first extension ran out by Feb 20 so should’nt I be able to get another one started before Feb 28?
I just wish someone would tell me if I should start packing my belongings and move into a shelter? I ran out Feb 2, 2010 I have searched high and low for an answer will someone tell me whether our government actually give a dam. Our Congress is throwing money at the Military, If they start growing that money towards the tax paper the economy will inprove.
I am a laid off tool & die maker in the automotive industry. I have been laid off since 11/2008. It is truly bad out there anyone who can possibly come up with a solution to our economy please step forward. SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD Michigan
Anyone see the unemployment claims report this morning? Forecast was 461K and the report came in at 496K. Come on government, we need the extension. This is not a joke. The proof is there. People need help and today is the 25th. I just don’t understand why this process is moving so slow.
I have been unemployed since 4/08. I have applied as a dispatcher with several cities, two of which now have pulled these listings because they are gearing up to lay off up to 10 percent of their cities work forces. If I don’t get another extension I will wind up homeless!!! It seems all Obama is concerned with is this health care issue rather than getting americans back to work. I guess living in the most famous mansion on earth has caused him to lose site of what is really going on. He goes on TV and tells us that the economy is recovering yet more and more people are losing their jobs, their homes and their dignity. Shame on you, Mr. President!!!
I had been working for a company for 10 years and was laid off due to lack of work. My unemployment started 10/1/2009. It will end March, 2010. I WILL GET NO EXTENSIONS WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION. That’s only 6 months! I haven’t had job offers or interviews. I’m older and not in demand, and I’m single and need to support myself. IT IS NOT RIGHT THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD A EXTENSION WILL NOT GET ONE!!!!! I have paid taxes all my life. We need government help at home.
I can see alot people are truly mad. I have been out of work since 11/1/08. I look every day for work and call the same people asking for a contact over and over. I live in area where there is alot of wealth and still no calls. I just sold my house to survive. It was painful. My wife is streesed where she is on pills. Why does our government rush to help others in country abroad, when we are loosing are homes and living in poverty? When will the folks in DC get it? Maybe they should all get laid off, loos there home and feel the pain of america? Sort of like the new show on tv where the ceo goes to work as a common man at his own company?
Get ready to pay more unemployment as Delta is about to outsource the Finance Division jobs to India or some other country. They are in the interview stage now. Please…. can our country go down the tubes any faster???
What most of the commenters seem to be missing is that it IS NOT the President’s fault. It is that of your State Senator and the Members of the House. So get off your rumps and contact them in large numbers stressing the need for the unemployment extension. The bill must pass the House first, then the Senate, then it goes on to the President. Republican Senator Jim Bunning from Kentucky BLOCKED the lastest (Feb. 2010) extension because he claimed it would add to the budget deficit. Typical Republican. Go to his website and contact his offices and let him know how you feel and show your power by voting DEMOCRATIC. they are the ones trying to help the american public, not the republicans. It is a shame that so many of the working classes do not get this fundamental truth. Read What’s the Matter with Kansas?, a good book showing how lower income americans typical, because they are stupid, always vote AGAINST their own economic best interests. Same with Health Care. How so many stupid and ignorant people in this country do not realize how desparately they need the health coverage and yet they are allowing the Republicans to block the Public Healthcare Option. where does the insanity in this country end? READ, READ, READ, AND EDUCATE YOURSELVES. DO NOT JUST ACCEPT THE NONSENSE AND LIES THAT THE MAIN T.V. NETWORKS TELL YOU.
By the way, it is important to note that while Senator Bunning claims another unemployment extension will add to the budget deficit, it is the Republicans, of which he is one, who created the deficit in the first place.
I’m confused. Ny state here, benifits ran out last week, more benifits were put on my balance, about a months worth. What is this? Why only a month and why are others not getting the same thing? Why is there another #%*$ stalling this again? It’s become pretty obvious through all of this that money really is an illusion, a deceptive way of controlling the whole planet.
They are printing money out of thin air. It’s a joke, no one is paying for this, and if you believe otherwise I suggest you take a step back from the TV and start pulling info from all sources and figuring this out on your own and stop relying on government controlled media stations to do all of your thinking for you.
There is enough money and supressed technology for everyone on earth to live healthy, abundant, peaceful lives. Ask yourself why WE don’t run our planet that way.
After working for 8 years at a City job that had a so called “strong union”, I too was layed off as a NYS Peace Officer on September 8th of 2009. Ninety nine others where laid off from this city job as well.
I want everyone here to know that you are not alone and that I too, am afraid of what will happen to me and my family when my last check is administered on March 15th.
I have considered lowering my employment status and continously applied to lower paying jobs such as Hotels, State agency’s, Hospitals, DCAS Exams…..you name it. I even applied for a job at Starbucks as a Safety Manager and nothing is out there. Most of the employers I applied to are barely holdong on to there own employees due to the economy’s current status. The jobs that do have openings have sent e-mails to me stating that they are sorry but the possition was given to someone else.
I have 2 sons one of which does not live with me and I pay child support for. My rent is nearly $2,000 a month and I am barely holding on. If not for my wife who is still employed (thank the lord) and my unemployment checks, we would be out on the streets in a matter of 3 months.
Lord god almighty, please put some sence into the minds of our government leaders and extend benifits for those really in need of them.
I have been unemployed for over a year. After being very aggressive with FJS, I was able to discover the Workers Investment Act that is now sending me to school under the “displaced worker” title. I might suggest to everyone to investigate every avenue. I too was laid off from a government job; am 52 years old and also feel discrimination because of my age, but also because I am less qualified than the kids competing against me in an already empty market.
Good luck everyone….. seems we’re all in the same boat here.
Most of us have been unemployed since late 2008. What you fail to realize is that you get 6 months unemployment, then with the emergency extension the government gave us we got another 6 months. Most of us are losing our benefits after a year. The government knows this. That is why they are dragging their feet. The unemployment commissions have been reporting that less people are getting unemployment, the government thinks this is because the economy is getting better. It is because more and more people are no longer getting their benefits. The longer the politicians drag their feet on an extension the less of us will qualify to get it because our benefits have expired. The unemployment rate is still at 10%. If they dont pass an extension soon, Congress and the Senate better have their bags packed because they will be gone come election time.
Hi all,
I just applied for a temp job as a census taker. I am passing along the information in case anyone can benefit. The job pays $15.75/hour. You have to take a 30 minute test. There is a practice test available on the census web site listed below. One caution–be careful of how this will impact your unemployment claim, meaning how much you can earn per week without having your weekly benefit check reduced and how it extends your claim.
Census Takers Needed:
2010 is a United States Census year. The results of the census help determine how federal funds are spent in your community on things such as roads, parks and other public services, as well as the number of representatives we have in government. Recruiting to fill various temporary positions has begun. Working for the Census Bureau is an opportunity to earn some extra money ($15.75/hour) and at the same time help your community. Applicants must be 18 years of age. A 2010 Census job offers good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and a chance to work independently in your own community. More information, including a practice test is available at: http://www.2010censusjobs.gov or by calling 1-866-861-2010 for information or to schedule a test.
Mr. President, forget Healthcare right now focus on jobs for people who want to work then you go back to your healthcare bill! I did not ask to be unemployed after working for 28 years for a company but here I am and my first extention is about to expire, now what? This is first for me like I said I have worked all my life since I was 15 years old I have contributed to society and now I am looking for help but no you would rather bail out companies who lining their pockets with big fat bonus how about you throw one this way to myself and others who could use it to feed our families, pay our homes, clothing and utilities we would never think of going on vacations to resorts we would take care of our business by puting money back into the economy.
I feel sorry for the people of Haiti and all other countries suffering but take a look around the good old USA there are plenty of suffering here too! This is a disgrace, hard working Americas are getting the short end of the stick. America needs to stop running to the aide of every country no is helping us the buck needs to stop here!
Senators and Congressmen you need to step up to the plate or they too will be voted out come next election time. What is the problem, is it because some fat cat lobbyist isn’t lining your pockets so who cares if the people who trusted and voted for you if they go hungry, homeless and jobless as long as you have what you need. Stop agruing Dems and Reps stand together for the good of the people and do the right thing provide the help needed to those who need it………..AMERICANS.
Elle,
I agree. Seems like the USA is running to the aid of all the other countries and not looking to see what is going on here with Americans and their unemployment troubles. Seems like politics is costing us dearly and this is what everyone get’s for voting for people they would hope help their fellow country men out.
Well looks like the Deomocrats are pushing for the latest unemployment extension in which they are looking to see if the benefits can run through the rest of this year to Dec 31, 2010. You can read about it at:
http://washingtonindependent.com/77965/dems-latest-unemployment-extension-unveiled
how can one senator screw up so many… unbelievable
Look people – times are tough. There are alot of jobs out there but low paying. It may be the time to downsize and take what you can get just to survive. I have been unemployed since 2008 and even moved from one state to anouther trying to find work. The economy has hit all of America and I have been working at several sort term low paying jobs to feed my family. It’s not the President or Congress that put us here – it’s people making the high dollars getting greedy, and even the unemployed drawing unemployment checks and making money working on the side. Most of you could have had a lower paying job if you would take it but you want to sit on your @##%@ and draw your unemployment and cheat the government. Shame on all of you!!!!!!
I do agree that with the poverty in America, that our money should be spent here, not be given out to other countries. We should not be bailing out large companys that are in trouble, after all if it had been run correctly they would not have a problem – here we go again it’s those making the decisions and collecting the big dollars that screw the rest of us.
I see a couple making $3840 a month. On unemployment. They get food stamps. They get WIC. They get free medical for their children. Hopefully they won’t get sick but if they do the hospital still has to treat them even if they have no insurance. So they actually do have free medical. Neither person is looking very hard for work. Why? They make enough money to pay the rent. Drive a car or two. They don’t have to get up in the morning and go to work like the other 90% of Americans. The only job they can find will pay less than they can get on unemployment. I realize there are lots of companies that have laid off lots of people. But everywhere I look people are working. No matter how little the job pays there is someone doing it because they need the money. If they were getting unemploment benefits they’d be home sitting in front of the tv drinking a beer.
rc,
While SOME people MAY be able to take the lower paying jobs that are available, MANY of us simply can not.
While I have read and sympathize with your own situation (and trust me, I would be willing to relocate to another state IF I found a job there that seemed steady and worth the move).
In my situation, having been unemployed since May 1st of 2009, I am only on my 1st extension. I have been forced to sell some of my possessions, but that’s been it.
Hardly cheating the Goverment.
We may have a house, but we bought a small enough, affordable enough home (that needs some work) that when I was employed, it wasn’t any problem.
In fact, my mortgage payments are comparable to what a medium-sized APARTMENT would go for (a little over $1,000).
IF it was JUST me, I’d try to sell (good luck with that in this market) or even simply walk away from the house and rent a small apartment.
However, I am married and have dependents (our “kids”) who rely on us and the modest space this small house provides.
If I were to take the low paying jobs, I would soon miss the mortgage payments, miss other bills, go bankrupt (which may happen anyway – but the low paying job would ensure it happening faster) and then be homeless.
I moved FROM Long Island, New York to PA to buy this affordable home while I was still working in LI,NY, because at the time of the housing bubble, we couldn’t afford to even LOOK at homes there.
So, I made the sacrifice to move to a less expensive area and put in the extra time commuting (which, thru my own hard work, I was able, in time, to transform into a full-time TELECOMMUTE).
My wife was told that there were many businesses that would be opening in our area (Poconos) since she has many years of Office, and Administrative experience.
Well, those jobs never seem to have manifested, and she has been working in retail for near minimum wage for several years.
Simply put, the meager amount that I receive from unemployment
is the difference between surviving and not.
I AM looking for work.
I send out resumes and samples and make calls.
She is also looking for an upgrade.
But the interviews are few and far between – with only the low paying jobs being the ones who call.
An extension would allow for more time for any kind of possible economic turnaround so that maybe, MAYBE, a slightly higher paying position might arise.
In the meanwhile, We are trying to assess the variables, and IF I can find a way to take a lower paying job, I would be HAPPY to do so.
PTOR
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/01/jobless.benefits.bill/index.html?hpt=T2
After reading this I am wondering when this will be pushed again? I read somewhere today but can’t back my statement up anywhere now. TIA
I have 3 weeks left so I am after the 2/28 deadline and sweating it out.
Thank you, Bellydancer for you post opf on 02/28/2010 at 9:14 pm. After reading it today (10:15 a.m. 3/1/10), I called the U.S. Census Bureau and was able to get tested at 1:00 p.m. today. Thank goodness I got in before the cut off. The last day you can test is March 5th.
The test was not very hard. It was all multiple choice questions and to pass you only need to get 10 out of 28 questions right.
In addition to passing the 30 minute test, you must pass a background check. Also, I was told that not every qualified applicant will be hired. Selections are made based on several requirement: test score, language skills, application background check, work availability and veteran’s preference.
The pay ranges from $15 to $18.50.
Thanks, again for the lead. Hopefully it pays off.
Rcreative1,
Hope you get hired. Good luck and God Bless.
Check this out folks:
WASHINGTON – The Senate on Tuesday passed a $10 billion measure to maintain unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless and provide stopgap funding for highway programs after a holdout Republican dropped stalling tactics that had generated a Washington firestorm.
Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning had been holding up action for days but conceded after pressure intensified with Monday’s cutoff of road funding and extended unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the jobless.
Bunning wanted to force Democrats to find ways to finance the bill so that it wouldn’t add to the deficit, but his move sparked a political tempest that subjected Republicans to withering media coverage and cost the party politically. Bunning’s support among Republicans was dwindling, while Democrats used to being on the defensive over health care and the deficit seemed to relish a battle that could reinforce their argument that Republicans are bent on obstruction of President Barack Obama’s agenda at any cost.
The bill passed by a 78-19 vote. It passed the House last week and Obama is likely sign the bill into law quickly so that 2,000 furloughed Transportation Department workers can go back to work on Wednesday.
Read the rest here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100303/ap_on_bi_ge/us_budget_impasse
To Merri Schulen. First of all I am unemployed and have looked everywhere for a job. I don’t sit around on my butt drinking beer and watching TV as your stupid comment implied. As for your fairy tale about the neighbors living the high life on unemployment I don’t believe a word of that either. Being unemployed is depressing and scary. It is difficult to get up each morning thinking that you are no longer needed or wanted. I would love to have a job,any job just so I could feel needed again. But, I cannot live on minimum wage but if I were offered a minimum wage job I would take it. I’m not asking for a 6 figure salary. Just a salary that I can actually pay my bills with and continue to feed and clothe my family. I do not get food stamps or any other type of welfare. My unemployment has run out. I don’t have insurance because I cannot afford it and I do not qualify for medicaid because I do not have a minor child living in the home with me. That is a requirement for medicaid at least in North Carolina. I am going to assume you are a troll in that no human being could make statements like yours and be serious. If you are being serious I can only hope that someday you are given the opportunity to see what it’s like from this side of the table. It can happen to you. By saying that people can go to ER’s and get health care that they may need without insurance are you implying that this is wrong and instead they should just die because they don’t have insurance? You sound like a very evil, self centered person and I pray I never have the displeasure of meeting you or anyone else like you. Your ‘comment’ has upset me more than anything else I have read. I find it hard to believe there are people like you in the world.
can somebody please help me. i have been drawing since november of 08, i just exhausted my tier 4 beniefits. will i recive any more unemployment. i live in tennessee.
Being out of work is a sad thing in our great America, but it’s true that there are many many people out there that do just what Merri said. They are LAZY,CHEATING people that get off living like a king on Government funds. They have no intention on doing any kind of work as long as the can get it for free. It’s a shame that there are people like that in our country. As for those of you that are actually looking for work I commend you for trying. There are people that need help and I don’t deny that unemployment insurance is needed by them. Again, it all reverts back to those people that are so greedy that they take down big companys and there employees with them. Also think of this, these are the same people with very large familes-so they can collect on the kids. These LAZY, CHEATING and LARGE FAMILY MAKING FAMILIES should be put on a boat and sent to a diserted island.
Above is a respond to Cindy K.
I HIGHLY recommend getting in the WIA Program if you qualify. I am older (53) and was laid off Dec ‘08. After 6 months of being completely ignored by employers, I decided, screw it, I’m going back to school. The WIA and students loans are making that possible. I’m hoping against hope that it is the fact that I don’t have a degree (even though I have 25 years experience) that is holding me back and not my age. I know that age discrimination is illegal, but I also know employers are doing it. My benefits were going to run out in May this year. but I’m hoping that the extension will keep me going until I graduate in may 2011. I have a mortgage, and I bought a house that I could afford when I was working. But I’m alone. No two income household here. No help from anyone. If my government cannot help me, after working my entire life since I was 16 and paying taxes that entire time, then I am truly lost.
It seems to me that the government only helps those who do not need it. Not us. Not the people (us) who made their (government) lives so easy. I hope they all burn in Hell. Better yet, let’s fire them all and take their benefits away from them and see how THEY like it. No retirement. No insurance. No unemployment. Make them live like we do. Don’t you know they would HATE that.
My husband and I are both unemployed. We live in California where the cost of living is very high and jobs are next none. Time is ticking away on the unemployment checks and we are getting nervous. We own a home and would hate to lose it after working so hard to get it. We are like all of you, trying to find work that compensates us enough to keep the roof over our head and be able to buy food. It’s just so sad. Staying home with no money to go anywhere is like being in jail! I’m praying for a miracle and I’ll certainly pray for everyone here. Keep the faith, expect the sun to shine again and don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. God Bless.
Is there going to be a teir V unemployment? I have been collecting unemployment for 14 months and I have not been able to find a job. After going to many many job fairs with 6 to 8 thousand people all applying for the some 30 jobs avaliable and at least 3 online applications a day, I’m worried that when my unemployment is finished my family will be homeless. I understand that if a person is laid off due to outsource of their job to another country the president will give 4 years unemployment as long as the person is going to school. I think it’s a great plan. My job wasn’t outsourced to another country but either way I’m just as unemployed as the person who will have the relief of knowing they will have 4 years to concentrate on a different career or improve on their existing one. Basically where does that leave me? I stress and worry everyday about how I will keep a roof over my familes head. When the teirs get close to running out it is always a very
stressful time. I would be glad to pay back all my unemployment if I knew that I didn’t have to stress about it running out or knew I could go back to school for 4 years to better my employment chances. I think it’s great that laid off people due to outsourced jobs will not have to worry for 4 years that they will be homeless, and they can go to school to better themselves. What about us? The non outsourced laid off people? We all need some better stability or maybe a 10% of salary repayment to unemployment once we get a stable job. I would be happy to repay my country and state for assisting me and my family during this stressful time.
Thank You,
Steve Langston
The One And Only LSTAVE
I need to vent….just got done applying for a position online. What stupid web site applications some of these companies have. Makes me want to judge how stupid the company is by how stupid their application process is. This particular one kept asking me to “validate” my information. I looked 10 times and there was no button on the site with the word “validate.” So, I clicked on a button that said “save” and apparently that was it. Half the time I am not even certain that the application I slave over makes it all the way through the stupid process. All this trouble and I know that, at least according to today’s paper, there are 6 qualified candidates for every job. Ugh…so frustrating. By the way, people who say that we aren’t trying to find work are just plain cruel. I spend an average of 3-4 hours per day looking at job boards, applying for jobs, calling people in my network, going to networking meetings, arranging meetings with people willing to give me an informational interview…what more can I do?
I am with you, Bellydancer.
What’s worse than online applications is people saying to get out and stop looking online, BUT I have gone to job fairs, suit on and resumes in hand, only to be handed a business card with the company’s website and told to “go online and apply.” It’s unbelievable.