Federal EUC Extension 2013
Congress voted to extend the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through 2013 on tuesday (1-1-2013). This means, unemployed workers who are currently collecting federal jobless benefits can continue to receive unemployment compensation. Unemployed workers who run out of state benefits during 2013 are now eligible for benefit extensions.
With the extension of EUC, more than 2 million Americans have been saved from hitting poverty.
EUC is a 100% federally funded program that provides extension of unemployment benefits to individuals who have exhausted regular state benefits. The EUC program was created in the year 2008 to combat high unemployment rates and has been amended several times.
Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 which includes the extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program and temporary extension of Extended Benefit Provisions. The President is expected to sign the bill into law as soon as today, January 3, 2013.
The legislation has not changed the number of weeks of benefits available under the EUC program, but has allowed the program to continue the same as before.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the two federal unemployment programs, (EUC and State Extended Benefits (SEB)) could have costed about $30 billion for a year long extension. The extension in EUC benefits is said to create 300,000 jobs and boost economic growth by 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013.
If you are currently receiving EUC benefits, please continue claiming benefits weekly to ensure timely payment.
Note:
Eligibility for EUC benefits depends on the date of your claim, your state and the state unemployment rate.
Keep checking state websites for updates on benefit extension and further instructions.
I’m a unemployed worker over 50 and have used all my state(Michigan) and EUC beneifits as of 2-1-2013. How do I file for a extension or new claim? Are there benefits available? Please contact me with information. Thanks so very much for your help.
Sincerely,
Perry Cartwright
231-392-4059
Hi Perry,
I apologize for the delay. I am afraid there is no further extension available in your case as there are no extended benefits (EB) available in Michigan currently. These benefits (EB) will be activated only when the unemployment rates are higher than normal. Please check with your state unemployment agency for detailed information on the same. Glad to help.
After 35 yrs of full time employment the company I worked for down sized and I had to apply for unemployment for the first time ever. If I’m unable to obtain employment what is the next step I need to take? Will I qualify for an extension?
Hi Lori,
You are mostly eligible for unemployment compensation as the company down sized. Unemployment benefits are available to workers who are unemployed due to no fault of their own and in your case, it clearly was not your mistake. You will have to complete / exhaust state benefits before moving on to receive extension. Please check the specific requirements in the state you are applying and use our calculator tool to know how much you will receive as benefit amount.
IM 60 YRS OLD BEEN ON UNEMPLOYMENT SINCE 3/18/2012 NOW IM BEING TOLD I HAVE NO MORE COMING I THOUGHT IT WAS PASSED TO EXTEND. I LIVE IN DAYTONA BEACH FL IM CONFUSSED PLEASE HELP AS THIER IS NO WORK HERE FOR A 60 YR OLD AS IM TOLD THANK YOU
Hi Debra,
You seem to have exhausted your state benefits of 26 weeks. However, it is unclear if you were granted EUC benefits. If you were receiving EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) then there is no further extension available in your case. The new law passed in January extended the EUC plan till the end of 2013 but did not add any additional tiers to the plan. Also note that, these benefits depend on the unemployment rate of the state. Which means, if the unemployment rate of the state is less than 7.5% then tier 2 benefits will be cancelled. Please check our articles on extension to know more about tier system.
Received (UI Colorado) 6/9/2012 thru 12/30/2012 Exhausted benefits.
Continued to apply for benefits every two weeks 1/1/2013 thru 3/17/2013
Followed all rules and Guidelines. NOTHING!!
Question, am I still eligible for Federal EUC? Have called locally and been told there is a 120 minute wait time. Thank You.
Hi John,
It is important to have received a notice from the state unemployment authorities that you need to apply for extension. Also, Federal EUC filing and claim procedure is different. Please specify who you are contacting for EUC currently and we can help you head in the right direction.