Oklahoma Unemployment Extension

Oklahoma Unemployment Extension

During hard economic times, the United States federal government and Oklahoma state government sometimes offer extended unemployment benefits programs in addition to regular unemployment compensation. These extended unemployment benefit programs usually occur during times of high unemployment, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States Department of Labor also offers disaster unemployment assistance to any state where the president has declared an emergency. Right now, the Oklahoma state government is not offering any additional benefit programs other than regular unemployment benefits. However, in the past, extended unemployment benefits have been available in the form of pandemic assistance and disaster relief.

American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, further extended benefits already extended by the Continued Assistance Act and put into place by the CARES Act. ARPA was effective from 3/14/21 to 9/4/21 at the federal level, but the state of Oklahoma ended them on 6/26/21.

During this time period, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation gave an additional $300 to a person’s weekly claims, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation was given to individuals who exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance was granted to individuals such as gig workers who are normally not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits.

Continued Assistance Act

The Continued Assistance Act (CAA) modified and added an 11-week extension to the three federal unemployment programs put into place by the CARES Act: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

Under the CAA Act, FPUC benefits were reduced to $300 per week instead of the original $600. The CAA Act also established the Mixed Earners Compensation program (MEUC) which gave an extra $100 weekly benefit to “mixed earners” who receive unemployment insurance benefits and at least $5,000 from a side gig or business. In Oklahoma, the Continued Assistance Act ran from 12/27/20 to 3/13/21.

CARES Act

The CARES Act established three federal extended unemployment benefits programs: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). FPUC and PEUC were effective from 3/29/20 to 7/25/20.

FPUC granted an extra $600 weekly benefit to every unemployed worker in the program. PEUC gave up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to individuals who exhausted regular Oklahoma unemployment benefits. PUA was effective from 2/2/20 to 12/26/20. The PUA program gave 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals as well as contract and gig workers who normally don’t qualify for unemployment compensation.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Eligibility

PUA, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, was a federal extended unemployment benefits program that provided unemployment benefits to citizens who do not meet the Oklahoma unemployment eligibility requirements under normal circumstances. Gig workers, contract workers, and self-employed individuals affected by the pandemic were eligible for PUA.

The program was created by the CARES Act and was initially effective from 2/2/20 to 12/26/20. An extension was provided by the CAA Act for 12/27/20 to 3/13/21. The federal American Rescue Act Plan further extended PUA benefits from 3/14/21 to 9/4/21, but the Oklahoma state government opted to end the program on 6/26/21.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Eligibility

Another federal extended unemployment program was PEUC, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (also referred to as Emergency Unemployment Compensation or EUC.) PEUC benefits were unemployment benefits given to unemployment insurance claimants who exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits.

The PEUC program was established by the CARES Act from 3/29/20 to 12/26/20. The CAA Act extended PEUC from 12/27/20 to 3/13/21. An additional extension from 3/14/21 to 9/4/21 was provided by the ARP Act, but the Oklahoma state government stopped benefits early on 6/26/21.

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Eligibility

FPUC, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (also referred to as Federal Additional Compensation or FAC) was another federal extended unemployment program put into place by the CARES Act. FPUC gave an extra $600 weekly benefit on top of regular state unemployment compensation, which can be calculated for the state of Oklahoma using an Oklahoma unemployment calculator, to individuals on unemployment from 3/29/20 to 7/25/20. The CAA and ARP Acts reduced the additional weekly claims amount to $300 and extended FPUC from 12/27/20 to 6/26/20.

Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Eligibility

MEUC, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, was established by the CAA Act. It added an additional $100 weekly benefit to unemployment insurance claimants who earned a minimum of $5,000 from a side gig or side business in the calendar year prior to filling out their unemployment claim. Unemployed individuals in Oklahoma who were eligible to receive MEUC were mailed a letter from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission with instructions on how to apply and receive compensation from the program. The deadline for application ended 1/14/22.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

When there is a natural disaster, the United States Department of Labor offers lost wages assistance to jobless workers affected by the event. The Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, or DUA, grants unemployment benefits to people who lose their job or have their work interrupted directly because of a major disaster. To qualify for DUA benefits, you must be an unemployed worker as a result of a disaster declared a national emergency by the President. You also must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

Eligible individuals will receive DUA compensation if they lose their job because of a major disaster, cannot work because of an injury related to the disaster, are unable to contact their workplace because of the event, cannot work because of damage to the workplace, or become the head of household as a result of death of the former head of household whose death was connected to the disaster. If a presidentially-declared major disaster occurs in Oklahoma, it will be announced on the state’s website. From there, you can find instructions on how to apply for DUA benefits and receive unemployment payments.

Currently, there are no Oklahoma unemployment extension programs in effect. In stressful financial times where there is a high unemployment rate and when there is a major disaster, additional federal unemployment benefits and state extended benefits may become available

Extended Unemployment Compensation

Extended unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits are a federal government program that continues benefits after regular state benefits have been exhausted. There are up to 4 tiers which depend on the unemployment rate of the state. Currently, 2 tiers are available in the state of Oklahoma –

Tier 1 EUC
Tier 2 EUC

Extended Unemployment Compensation benefit claims may now be filed through December 28, 2013. No new Tier 1 EUC claims may be filed after December 28, 2013.

Anyone who establishes a Tier 1 or 2 EUC claim on or after March 23rd will be required to meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Required to register with Employment Services.
  • Actively search for work and make appropriate employer contacts in light of the labor market, and your skills and capabilities.
  • Maintain a detailed record of your contacts.
  • Provide your work search records to the state upon request.

Attend Re-employment and Eligibility Assessment Activities at your Workforce Oklahoma office which will include –

  1. Labor market and career information
  2. An assessment of your skills
  3. Orientation to the services available through the Workforce office; and
  4. Review of your eligibility for EUC benefits relating to your job search activities.

Extended Benefits (EB) – Program Ended

Under federal law, EUC benefits are no longer available.

Extensions for collecting UI payments are in effect only during periods of high unemployment and only if the state or federal government take specific action to provide extended benefits.

  1. All of you should feel lucky, I lost my job on August 19, 2020. I have repeatedly been trying to contact the Unemployment Office, even had to bring in my entire 2 years worth of pay stubs to prove that I work for a company since the state NEVER knew or show that I had worked for a contract company out of state. The two contract companies before that show up with no issue/problems. I have countless of INC open up under my name and still can’t seem to get anywhere by emails, phone calls, coming to their office on 50th Street twice, and their online help desk. My information is still not enter in the system for working for this one contract company correctly and it has been almost a year later. I am very desperate. As of this day, I still have not receive one penny of unemployment money. So, if you got money, feel blessed. I don’t think the State of Oklahoma is planning on paying me a dime; or should I say, even a faction of a penny.

  2. I want to know if there are extensions on unemployment in oklahoma i have 4 kids still can not find work

    • According to what the Google says, since 2019 Oklahoma no longer offers EUC, period. But they have money to feed & house child rapers & murderers. Just sayin.

    • Steven,

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • James,

      Please note there is no federal extension available. You can call the Unemployment Office in your state to inquire about a state-provided extension.

      • I filed unemployment for maybe 5 months . I didn’t really understand the monetary paid of it but the last 3 months of work I was off a lot for the loss of my mother, grandma passed 12 days later. I need what little money I have coming . I just lost my home.

        • Heather,

          Why don’t you call the Unemployment Office and speak to a representative to understand what is “remaining” in your account? This way, you get a real-time update.

  3. Please help, I filed for Unemployment after 10 years with previous employer. Your Investigation Team Supervisor contacted me and it was decided the stated information submitted was incorrect and I began Unemployment.

    During my filing at local office, I was never informed that after 26 weeks our State of Oklahoma eliminated Tier 1. I have seen so many contradicting facts.

    I found out calling local office, OK does not have extensions.

    Is that correct. I found on internet Extension Filing Documents. Now because of not being informed in beginning. No Unemployment tomorrow without warning, I lose my and spouses phone service and Daughters service (OSU Honors w/scholarship) by end of week. our Electric and Water on 17th, my Mortgage loss could lose our home.

    Please tell me, OKLAHOMA has extensions.

    • Henry,

      Please note this is a private forum.

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available.

  4. What do people do to keep from being homeless after unemployment benefits have run out? I was let go after working for a company for 32 years. I have applied to so many jobs it’s hard to keep track and absolutely no success in even getting an interview! I am soon to be 51 years old with a ton of manufacturing experience but I guess people see my lack of a degree and my age and that’s as far as it goes?? I am in excellent shape and we’ll able to work but noone seems interested. We also have a daughter that is an adult that requires 100% care so my wife cannot work as she is the full time care taker. We are running out of options!!!

    • Roger,

      I can understand your situation. Please try applying for jobs on the internet since there are multiple opportunities available.

  5. What are the rules for enrollment in collage courses,and do I continue to get unemployment while attending school. Thank you have a blessed day.

    • David,

      Thank you for writing to us. I do not have any information in this regard. Please talk to the Unemployment Office to understand the specifics.

  6. Is there a way to get an extension on Oklahoma Unemployment benefits? There are no jobs which meet my experience and state licenses.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  7. How do. I apply for EUC Tier 1 benefits? I have exhausted all of my normal benefits.

    Thanks for your help!

    Sincerely,

    Rhonda Smith

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

      • You keep saying the same phrase why???
        Since there isn’t extensions there are going to be alot more homeless people.
        The Grovnors of Oklahoma did not really have the right to discontinue the federal money that’s my opinion.
        If he was in our shoes he would know what we are going through. There is alot that’s looking but I agree there are some people who didn’t want to find work and hurt the ones that did. I got evicted out of my place cause I was getting unemployment but when I filed the next week they days unresolved issue. That makes no sence cause I’ve been drawing for 5 weeks then I am told this bit can’t get a straight from anyone at the unemployment office to tell me why.

  8. My benefits run out this week and ive been reading about extentions. All say that oklahoma has a tier 2 but i you say not. I followed all requirements and still havent found a job for this time od year. So ia there a extension

  9. What happens if you applied for all of your jobs online never once actually talking to a person on the phone or face to face. I never recieved the booklet and I was reading online that those to are requirements did I just commit fraud or am I okay because the lady at workforce told me I could use indeed.com but thats how I have applied for all my jobs every week. Im freaking out I dont want to go to jail or something over this

    • You don’t have to panic. When you make your weekly claim online, you’ll be required to file the work search report online.

      For further details in this regard, please call the Claims Center.

  10. I’ve about exhausted my unemployment and need to file an extension because in the city I live doesn’t have to much to offer in the way of Job’s ! I’ve done the required 2 job searches a week and I’ve had a handful of job interview’s and nothing has come of that,so what are my Chance’s of me getting an extension ?! I have rent and Bill’s to pay foror my family Say’s I’m out !! I don’t want to be homeless !! Please Help !!

    • I can understand your concern.

      The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  11. my benefits ran out 1/11/16 and my beneficiary year ended on 7/10/16,,,i was told on 1/12/16 that I had to wait until my year is up before refiling while I take a on-line course,,,but no luck as of yet,,,,why is that?

    • UI benefits are not revolving in nature. They do not get refreshed every year.

      You can contact the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  12. I worked for a company in Oklahoma for 15 years. Due to market globalization in the automotive rebuilding industry, our company went out of business in Oklahoma. I am almost at the end of my Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits. I have weekly applied to at least two companies and kept records of that. I apparently need to file an extension; I was told that there may be special help for those whose jobs were affected by the globalization of their industry. I’ve looked online for how to file an extension.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  13. I am confused by the statement there is no extension in Oklahoma? From what I a have been told from people there is. If you also go to other websites on Oklahoma unemployment they state there is a Tier 1 and 2. So I am concerned why you state there isn’t any?

    • Well, these benefits are not provided for all. As far as I am aware, there is no extension.

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  14. I got laid off from Jackie Brannon in November then worked for Allford propane from the end of February til the first of April and laid off due to low propane sales

    • If you got laid off and have been employed largely in the last 4-5 calendar quarters, please consider applying for Unemployment Insurance.

      Please use the eligibility calculator available on this site to calculate.

  15. my benefits in Oklahoma are exhausted and my search log is pitiful as there was nothing in my field and experience to apply to. I have listed my searches and the few resumes I’ve sent and been rejected, will this satisfy them?

  16. I was a workforce reduction in Oct. 2015 my unemployment benefits will run out in March of 2016. I have not found a job yet. I’m doing my work search as required and more if possible. What will be my next step if no job lines up before March.

  17. I worked for a company for 16 or 17 years and they recently laid me off permanently then was told that the doors had closed and shut down Nowata publishing and most everyone got unemployment but others got an extension well my question is how did the other employees get an extension one or two of us did not.

    • As far as I am aware, there is no extension in benefits available anywhere in the country.

      You may want to check further with the labor authorities in your state.

    • As far as we’re aware, there is no Tier 2 benefits.

      Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state.

  18. I have exhausted Tier 1 of my benefits as of this Saturday…Do I need to contact them, continue filing? I’m not sure this is unfamiliar to me. I read 2 tiers are available, will they send me paperwork? I am concerned because I have bills and I am living week to week as it is. Thanks

  19. I have exhausted my unemployment benefits as of the week of Dec 6th, 2015. I received 26 weeks total unemployment benefits after being laid off from a 34 year long career. Is there currently an extension to unemployment benefits available in Oklahoma? And if so, is there a waiting period before one can file for the extended weeks? I am finding all kinds of mixed/contradicting info on line regarding this matter. The OK unemployment sites are awful and not up-to-date. In addition, I can not get a live person when I call the 800-555-1554 number. In addition, no one (no one soul) at the local unemployment office/workforce placement in Bartlesville knows whether there are extensions or not. It is ridiculous. Can someone please verify where or not an extension is available for Oklahoma, following the exhaustion of initial umemployment benefits?? Thank you so much,

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  20. I received benefits that ended 2 years ago when I was able to find some contract work. In the past year I have not found any additional work. Can I resume benefits even if it has been over 2 years since I had benefits?

  21. I started to receive extended benefits in the middle of December. Last payment was 12/28. I have continued to file weekly. Is there anything I should do to see if benefits will resume?

    • Extended benefits is a scheme sponsored by the federal govt. and has expired.There will be no additional benefits for time being.Please watch local and national news for further updates on this.

  22. Recieved one tier one check for the last week avalable. Will there be any more checks? Is there some other assistance if not?

    • For questions regarding your unemployment claim and future payments, if you live in the Oklahoma City calling area contact 405-525-1500, if you live outside OKC calling area or out of state contact 1-800-555-1554.

  23. My last week of regular unemployment is exhausted on Dec 21st(Sat) and turned in on Dec 22nd(Sun). The following week ending on Dec 28th would be filed on Dec 29th (Sun) thru EUC Tier 1. The actual week ends on Dec 28th but you file it the day after. Am I OK? – Thank you – Debi

  24. I have had my present job for 7 years, but because we have lost part of the government contract we worked under, my job is somewhat precarious. What is the average time to be re employed in a non professional environment for a 60 yr old female?

  25. I have gotten one extension on my unemployment and wanted to know if I could get another extension or if that was all I could get. Thank you.

  26. I have a question, I collected unemployment last year, then I qualified for extended federal benefits. I only received 12 weeks of extended benefits. During my benefit year Tier 2 and Tier 3 were cut due to state unemployment dropping. One week before I was due to apply for tier 2 I was cut and even my last week was cut by half. I felt totally left out in the cold with hardly any warning and still no job. Since I am still Unemployed If tier 2 and 3 became available would I be eligible to qualify since Unemployment extension was extended to Dec. 2013? Any insight on this would be appreciated
    Thanks, Jada Moore

    • Hi Jada,

      It is unfortunate that you had to suffer. The EUC tiers are dependent on the unemployment rate of the state. You can check if you can resume collecting your EUC benefits, this could be possible. As of April 2013, the unemployment rate of Oklahoma is 4.9%. This means only tier 1 is available as of now which is up to 14 weeks.

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