What are Unemployment Extensions in Arizona?
The unemployment benefits extension program activates when the state government of Arizona comes to the conclusion that the entire state is going through a period of high unemployment. In such a case, an AZ unemployment compensation extension would be issued to all eligible UI beneficiaries by way of a letter to everyone who qualifies, notifying them that their benefit period has been extended for up to 13 more weeks.
During this timeframe, the unemployment benefits payment amount will remain the same as it did before.
The unemployment benefits extension program does have its guidelines. One such rule is that employers that are considered “experience-rated” or “non-profit reimbursement” employers will have to pay 50 percent of any extended unemployment benefits that are paid. Additionally, employees of the government will have to pay back 100 percent of the extended benefits they received to the issuing department.
How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Arizona
If you are wondering, “How can I extend unemployment when my standard benefits are exhausted?” there is one possible option for you. You may be eligible for an unemployment compensation extension in Arizona if you are coming to the end of your 29 weeks of unemployment benefits and have yet to receive any job offers. However, you must bear in mind that AZ unemployment extensions are not extended to every beneficiary of the UI program. In order for you to apply for extended benefits and get approved you must meet the following criteria, in addition to your state having high unemployment:
• You must prove that you are actively seeking work.
• You must prove that you need more time to find a job.
• You must be able to prove why you need the amount of extra time that you requested.
You can apply for federal unemployment extension enrollment if you meet all of the above qualifications, and you have the option to do so over the phone, by mail or online. Remember to go into detail about the reason why you need an AZ unemployment benefits extension, and be sure to provide your Social Security Number and any other documentation that is required of you.
About the Federal Unemployment Extension Program in Arizona
If you are coming down to the wire on your unemployment benefits and you are wondering“What can I do to extend unemployment?” the first step you must take is to look into federal unemployment extension programs. After 29 weeks, your unemployment benefits will be exhausted, and you will no longer have this financial assistance. However, if your state is experiencing high statewide unemployment, you may be eligible to receive UI benefits for additional weeks, depending on if your state government activates an unemployment extension program.
Two programs that may be activated for federal unemployment extensions in Arizona include the Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008 (EUC08) program, and the Extended Benefits (EB) program. Enrollment in either program is automatic for eligible applicants, who will receive a notice in the mail regarding the extension of their unemployment insurance benefits. However, neither program is currently active, and EUC08 has not been in use since the year 2013.
Regarding how long AZ federal unemployment extensions last for these two programs, EUC08 featured four separate tiers of benefit disbursement. Depending on the unemployment rate of the state, additional benefits were available for up to nine to 14 extra weeks. Meanwhile, EB offered 13 weeks of extended benefits after beneficiaries exhausted their previous unemployment insurance.
