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Bill H3548 – 13 Weeks Unemployment Benefit Extension For High Unemployment States

The past year has been a bad one for the American worker.  Because of the 2008 financial crisis and ensuing recession – millions of Americans have lost their jobs.  The current national unemployment rate is 9.7% as of Sept 4.  While many workers will find new jobs within the time period of existing employment benefits – many more will run out of benefits before finding a new job.

On September 22, the House passed legislation called Bill H3548 which will allow any states with a total unemployment rate (TUR) of 8.5% or higher to be eligible for federal funding which will allow 13 more weeks of extended unemployment benefits for those people who have exhausted all the current benefits.

This move was made as part of the ongoing 2009 stimulus package which is designed to help the economy recover as quickly as possible and for long term unemployed people to be able to keep paying the bills while they look for work.

Which states are eligible for these benefits?

The eligible states are:

ALABAMA, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MISSISSIPPI, MISSOURI, NEVADA, NEW JERSEY, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW YORK, OHIO, OREGON, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, WASHINGTON, AND WEST VIRGINIA. PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND PUERTO RICO.

When can I get these extra benefits?

At the moment this bill has not become law (as of Sept 24).  The senate still has to approve the bill and it is unclear how long it will take.  It is anticipated that the bill will pass Senate but it might take a while.

Keep in mind that the previous extension (Extended Benefits) required state law changes since EB is a joint federal and state program. EB required a change in federal law and then required state laws to be amended.  The legislation that recently passed the House (H3548) is an extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). This does not require state law changes so it won’t require the state legislature to change state law.  This means that it should take less time to get this extension than the previous one.

How much unemployment benefits are available now?

Most states have a basic amount of 26 weeks (6 months) of employment benefits plus any extra weeks available because of various unemployment rate triggers.  These are funded by the states and/or the federal government.

271 replies on “Bill H3548 – 13 Weeks Unemployment Benefit Extension For High Unemployment States”

Please, answer if anyone knows. I wil exhaust my EB benefits on November 7. The reason why I did not exhaust them earlier is because I was on disability due to pregnancy and birth of my child for 10 weeks after I started collecting EB. Am I qualified for this extension that will be voted for on Tuesday. The date of my claim is 01/28/07

Yes, Anna!

You will be included. Just check http://www.unemployedworkers.org NELP addresses concerns of the unemployed, specifically, this question. They also include updates regularly on progress and provide links to support it. YOU ARE INCLUDED…God bless you and your family!

I collect my unemployment in NH, but I live in ME. I worked at an automotive company in NH for 20 yrs. I got layed off and worked in ME for two yrs. Then got hired back to automotive company for 2 yrs until it was sold out to mexico. in June 2007. Went back to school and have been looking for work since . Can I collect in ME (8.5) ? I cant believe that the goverment can give our jobs away and then throw us in the streets. God HELP US ALL!

All states below 8.5, get 14 weeks. States at 8.5 or above will get the 14 plus an additional 6 weeks. This is for all who have run out of benefits or are about to run out. Hang in there! Tuesday at midnight is the latest as long as they vote on the cloture on Monday as scheduled. There are currently only two amendments attached and these amendments have been discussed (Reid and the House) it will pass as is. The president spoke publicly (officially) in support of this bill and will sign by end of the week and then up to states. Generally, it takes each state about a week or so to send out the notification letter and also give a call in date to claim in a separate document usually following the notification by a day or so. Give or take depending if it is around the weekend. No need to file new claim, that will only delay matters. Filing a new claim is when you have new info. If everything is still the same and you have not landed any type of work, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED. HANG IN THERE, WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!!

Per National Employment Article on Unemployed Workers

Clarifying Eligibility for the New Extension (October 29, 2009)
Friends-We understand that many of you may be under the impression that once the
unemployment extension bill is passed, it won?t apply to anyone who has already
run out of benefits. Let us assure you that is NOT correct. If you have
exhausted your full range of federally funded benefits before the passage of
this bill, you WILL be eligible for these additional weeks. In that sense, the
bill is retroactive in its reach. However, in another important aspect, the bill
is NOT retroactive. You will not receive a lump sum payment dating back to the
time when you exhausted benefits. The benefits will only be paid going forward.
We know this creates a huge hardship for many of you who exhausted benefits
weeks or months ago, and it is one of the things we have been speaking about
most strongly as this bill has been delayed time and time again. We know you are
falling deeper into debt with each passing week, and we are sorry to say that
there is just no possible way that these benefits
could have ever been designed to be paid retroactively. However, once the bill
is passed, you will know that you will have an additional 14 or 20 weeks to
depend on going forward, and we hope that provides you with some measure of
reassurance.

We will continue to post daily updates on the progress of this Bill in Congress,
http://www.unemployedworkers.org

NELP – National Employment Law Project

Just when we think we have it bad, many others have it worse. Now, if this does not wake up the Senators about this so called “recession” and lack of jobs, nothing will.

Please everyone take a moment to watch this short video. People have lost everything and are still looking for work. They are even much worse off than we are…although we may be on the way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVwG01-bogE

Unbelievable!!!!!

RESPONSE FROM MY SENATOR:

Dear Ms. Carney:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for an extension of federal unemployment benefits. Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this critical issue.

Unemployment benefits are a fundamental tool to assist American families through their most difficult times. Providing temporary assistance to families struggling through difficult times is not only socially responsible, it is an economic necessity, as every dollar paid in benefits generates $1.64 in immediate economic activity. I was happy to have voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which provided up to 79 weeks of unemployment benefits through 2009, increased these benefits by $25 per week, and provided a 65 percent COBRA subsidy. Despite these aggressive actions, over half a million unemployed workers have already exhausted their benefits, and another 1.5 million are expected to do the same by the end of the year, unless additional action is taken.

This urgency is why I support a number of bills that extend unemployment benefits. For example, I am a cosponsor of a measure by Senator Baucus which would provide an additional 14 weeks of unemployment to all states. This bill would provide another additional six weeks to high unemployment states, including New Jersey, totaling 20 weeks of extended benefits for New Jerseyans. I am also an original cosponsor of S. 1647, the Assistance for Unemployed Workers Extension Act, which would extend a number of unemployment provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. You may also be happy to know that I signed a letter to the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders urging them to take up this bill as quickly as possible so that we may avoid any more lapses in this important coverage.

Since the beginnings of our recent economic downturn, we have seen record numbers of Americans losing jobs and remaining unemployed for longer periods of time. Unemployment rates soar at 9.7 percent and rising, and long-term unemployment is at record levels. While our government has taken swift action to stabilize Wall Street, I have long advocated for similarly swift action to help Main Street. While I am pleased that previous recovery efforts have staved off greater financial disaster, there still remain significant steps to provide Americans the assistance they need to meet their fundamental obligations, such as paying their mortgage, feeding their families, or filling the gas tank to carry out their job search. Please rest assured that I will continue to proactively fight to offer Americans the help they need during these difficult times.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. This issue is very important to me, and I appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of more assistance. You may also visit my website (http://menendez.senate.gov) to learn of other important issues to New Jersey.

If someone can answer this i will really appropriate it. I have exhausted my claim which was the EB benefits on 10/27/2009 I want to know am I eligible for the new extension my claim date began 04/13/2008 at this point im at a lost this is a very difficult time not only for me but many other PEOPLE thats in the same situation as me that really need the extension to basically eat and to keep power on in the home that we are in the verge of losing im praying for myself and other that are in the same situation im in and hope that the senate take all of our life in consideration and grant us a additional extension IM PRAYING FOR US…

bre
as i have just exhausted my extenstion on oct 24th i have found out that as soon as h 3548 passes we will be able to get 14 to 20
more weeks. iam with everyone else hope it passes soon. so all
we can dois wait.

It looks like they are finally going to take action. Great!

Question: My benefit year ends Nov. 28, 2009. Will I qualify for the new federal extension being discussed? I have applied for so many jobs (including contractual work) with no results that I just don’t know what to do.

Thanks and God bless.

Yes this extension will cover you/everyone, that was one of the reasons it was changed. It will cover every state, if you state is above 8.5 then you get 6 more weeks, totaling 20wks for some.
Here is a link from last week to see how it starts of on Mon.

http://senatus.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/unemployment-extension-set-for-passage-next-week/

As it is right now before this bill is signed, the 20 weeks that was previously added would stop. The last extension had an expiration date of Dec 31, 2009.
This extension also extends that expiration date until Dec 2010.
If you Google HR3548 you can read it to see.

I am trying to figure out if I am in this extenion cause I exhausted my benefits in Feb 09, and my orginal claim started in Dec 07-Aug 08, then I got the 2nd tier from Nov08-Feb09. And then all of mine was out and I am still unable to find a job. So if this is for everyone I could really use it. I hope I am included or is this for the ones who are on it now and about to run out.Could someone let me know how this is going. Thanks

EVERYONE IS INCLUDED
Its an EMERGENCY EXTENSION

EVERYONE, EVERYONE

EVERYBODY, is Included

EVERYONE, EVERYONE

EVERYBODY, is Included

EVERYONE, EVERYONE

EVERYBODY, is Included

Just remember to call email fax your local Senators office continuasly, everyday until this is sitting in front of the President himself.

They are having the closure vote at 11:30 am today . And as soon as they do i am sure someone will post the outcome . If not I will be back to post it .

November 2 Update The Senate voted 85-2 Monday to limit debate and move ahead with a vote to approve unemployment extension legislation. A final vote is expected later this week.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3548/show
this is a great tracking site for the bill it will even tell you when the Pres. signs the bill . Cross your fingers it could be by the end of the week .

I just hope I get some I have been out of unemployment since Feb 09 and I am a single mom of three girls. Its very hard any little bit will help me and my kids.

The way it looks and sounds from the other side of four pillars here.
It might end up going through a cloture vote and 30hr debate or the bill and each of the 2 amendments. Thats why the report say end of the week.

to get more of this information quicker as it happens their is more of us under Unemployment benefits extended in 2009 stimulus package. @ the top of the page under, More unemployment information

FINALLY !!!! Passed the Senate Today Nov.4th . Now it should move quickly through the House .

Yes, it’s wonderful news! However, we do not need to fall back now. Our march should be for job creation. This extension is a true blessing, but it will not last long and we will be in the same boat in a few months. We must share ideas with Congress about job creation….we need jobs now!! Good luck to all and have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gob bless our children they have had to endure these terribly hard times…let’s do our best not to let this happen again!!!

I just wanted to know if anyone knows for sure when we will start receving these benefits. I have heard that it wont be until mid Dec, I hope that it will be sonner than that.

My tier 2 extension is about to expire and I would like to know if i qualify for the other 20 weeks extension EB???

Everyone is included ! The first payable week on this new extension is November 14th . And Will be paid as early as the first week in December . I know this is unfortunate for those of us that have completely ran out of benefits . I know we could all use the money asap but it seems that they have found a way to keep us waiting just a little bit longer . But it is a blessing to know that we are all getting another 14 weeks and some another 6 weeks on top of that . So hang in there just a little longer and we will see the money soon .

My eb runs out sat. Does anyone know how the process works? Do we need to make another claim? Where it is extended we shouldnt have to but my unemployment office isnt the best, they are really mean:( but what r u going to do. Any info would be great. Thank you.

As soon as the President signs this tomorrow (TODAY) call your local office, (at least this MONDAY) each state is different so no-one on the W.W.W. knows how long each state may take.
Just call your office, to see what you need to do, so many people with different situations can cause you to mess up and or slow down your claim.
Some people who say you wont get it is because THEY probably wont get it do to filing under a whole new claim due to a job they had since then.
They post news about not qualifying to upset YOU.
Everyone who has exhausted and near too, but hasn’t worked since, will qualify on this.
Please just call for yourself and find out YOUR information.
If by chance they tell you how long your states system will be up and running and with a possible call date start times for this, please share that information on here with us.

P.S. to post above…….

This will become weeks payable as soon as it becomes law after Presidents signature ……… SOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The payable weeks should have to START as of this SUNDAY 8th.

Not included though if there has to be a waiting week.
That’s why I’m calling myself shortly after signature and then again Monday when it should start going into the states system. Have to double check that waiting week, ( but in my opinion) the Repubs in Senate did that for us already.

From what I remember reading before, the week (after the signature) of the 8th through 14th is for our state systems to get up and running, that is to be our waiting week. (Im shaking my head as I look at my calender) and then count off two weeks before call in day and yes, we are looking at Dec 3rd or 4th before money.
But Im just lost looking at the calender and read what NELP posted.

no it is not retroactive. when the bill goes into force. you will have
a waiting period. that will make your first check around the first
week in dec. and yes everyone is covered for 14 to 20 weeks.

Ralph – and others,

STOP providing sweeping generalalizations about when payments will be made – you are obviously in a State that still pays “CHECK”s. New York State, as of Today at 2 pm Friday, still has not even said ton the
DoL web site hat the Bill was passed by Congress – and signed by Obama – Today. There are MANY people around te US looking at your comments – STOP telling them when you do not know.
Max

I was on a EUC08 extension and my benefit year ran out on July 25, 2009. I started a new claim and was receiving about $200 per month less than my original claim, and for 13 weeks. I exhausted that last week, and could not file today. I was told I would get my 8 weeks left from my previous EUC08 extension, but that did not happen. Does anyone know if I am entitled to the last 8 weeks from my original claim and now that my new year claim ran out am I entitled to the new 20 week extension?? I live in NC. THANKS!

TO: Mike Martin
Did you work since your last claim because that would be the only reason to file a new claim . Everyone is included on the new extension and depending on what your state qualifies for it is either 13 weeks or 20 weeks . But yes you will get it . It sounds like the first qualifying weeks is week ending November 15th 2009 . And payments will start being issued the first week of December . I hope this helped you .

I can’t believe this is taking so long…i work my ass off in school and a disabled vet..but 300 a month basically covers nessecitys..wen back at my old block I see dealers making mad loot probaby..mr.president u want me to say F*** and start slangin..cus this waitin game is affecting my life…which I basically hav none..cant a 22 yr old go out…damm if only I lived in the hamptons

ive not got any infromation from my employment office yet live in il ran out in sept 09 im getting worried said they send me a letter nothing yet

Peter,

You had better call unemployment. Everyone gets it. I live in NH. We had to make out a new App. at the unemployment office. Blue form. You want to make the time line so call them and ask what you need to do. YOU DO GET IT, try http://www.unemployed workers. org good luck

I received notice that I must apply by November 19th, 2009 for Georgia.
They say it is only for 6 weeks.
Hopefully I will receive this extension sooner then later.

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