Unemployed Workers Can Receive Extended Benefits

STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PRESS RELEASE:
TRENTON — Jobless workers in New Jersey will receive a new level of federally funded extended unemployment insurance benefits, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
This new level raises the maximum number of payable weeks on an Extended Benefit claim, from 13 to 20. These additional extended benefits went into effect the week beginning May 3, 2009.
This increase occurs when the state’s three-month average unemployment rate meets or exceeds 8.0 percent. High Unemployment Extended Benefits will remain in effect in New Jersey for a minimum of 13 weeks, at which time the three-month average unemployment rate will be recalculated.
Extended benefits apply to eligible job seekers who have exhausted both regular unemployment insurance benefits and any federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Individuals who have already begun collecting EB will have their EB claims increased to a maximum of 20 weeks or 80 percent of their initial claim whichever is less. Any claimant who exhausted EB benefits during the week ending May 2, 2009 or earlier will have their EB claims reactivated.
When individuals exhaust their benefits they are mailed notification about their eligibility for extended benefit programs, including the EB program. The Department also mails eligible individuals instructions on how to certify to receive the new benefits. The Department urges all EB claimants to carefully read all information that they receive concerning the EB program, as there are very strict requirements regarding looking for work and accepting work. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the individual being indefinitely disqualified for EB benefits.
Individuals do not need to call the Reemployment Call Center, contact the One-Stop Career Center or file a new claim to receive any extended benefits; the department automatically will enroll individuals for additional extended benefits for which they qualify after their last check is mailed.