About Unemployment Extension Federal Guidelines in Nebraska
During times when the jobless rate remains high, the United States Congress can vote to extend unemployment benefits for an additional period of time. Unemployment benefits extension programs are available through both the state and federal governments during periods of high unemployment, providing a higher level of economic security to those who are out of work. If you have asked “How can I extend unemployment?” extended benefits can be obtained by workers who have run through their regular unemployment insurance benefits. The basic Extended Benefits allow for 13 additional weeks of benefits if a state is experiencing a period of high unemployment. Some states have also initiated a voluntary program to pay an additional seven weeks of extended benefits, totaling a maximum of 20 weeks.
Not everyone who qualifies for regular benefits qualifies for extended benefits. Anyone receiving unemployment insurance coverage should check with the local office to the extension requirements in more detail. The weekly benefit amount of extended benefits is the same as the amount the recipient receives for regular unemployment insurance coverage. It should also be noted that recipients claiming benefits for unemployment will be required to look for work and accept job offers which were previously below his or her wage standard, or even outside of the scope of work the applicant was previously seeking.
It is critical to note that you cannot apply for extended benefits under regular circumstances. An unemployment benefits extension can only be applied to applicants when NE is experiencing very high rates of unemployment. It is only during these times that the state/federal government will activate these extended benefit programs, and they will actually mail out notifications to the eligible candidates who will receive extended benefits.
If you are unsure about whether you might be eligible for a Nebraska unemployment compensation extension, you can always contact your unemployment counselor to check on whether extended benefits are available.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation in Nebraska
The aforementioned federal unemployment extension program called the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) expired in 2013. This extension was brought about as a preventative measure to avoid an economic depression. Those receiving unemployment insurance would receive extended benefits in order to help stimulate the economy. It is not presently known if it will become active again. If you are curious about this program, it is suggested you contact Nebraska labor authorities or follow developments in the national news.
It was composed of four stages, as follows:
- Stage 1 EUC08: 20-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 2 EUC08: 14-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 3 EUC08: 13-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 4 EUC08: 6-week maximum unemployment extension
If an applicant consumes all of his or her regular unemployment benefits, he or she normally does not have to apply for an unemployment benefits extension because the system will automatically apply for you, if you are eligible. If you approach the point where your benefits will run out, contact your employment counselor to see what you have to do to receive an unemployment extension.
About the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Duration in Nebraska
Another unemployment extension program is the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED), also called Extended Benefits (EB). This program was brought about as a more permanent solution to the EUC08 program. You can only qualify for an EB unemployment benefits extension if you have exhausted all of your regular unemployment benefits. If you qualify for an EB unemployment extension, you will receive additional benefits in the amount of 20 weeks, or 80 percent of the maximum benefit amount on the original unemployment claim, whichever amount is less.
Remember, these programs are only available during high unemployment periods and that you cannot arbitrarily file for unemployment extensions in NE, as they are dispersed at the discretion of the state and federal governments. If you are eligible for an unemployment extension, the government will notify you by mail.
