Unemployment Benefits:
My head is spinning with all the jargon related to unemployment compensation state benefits, EB, and EUC- I believe this is it. When my company started to decrease our hours in November 2008, we were instructed to file for unemployment compensation based on our reduced hours. I was clueless that individuals are eligible in some cases for unemployment compensation when your company temporarily decreases hours.
In April 2009, I was laid off and re-opened my initial claim. After filing unemployment for in April 2009, I received unemployment compensation through the end of October. Then I qualified for an extension which allowed me to collect benefits through the beginning of June.
I have since exhausted my state UC(Unemployment Compensation) benefits and based on the unemployment rate in PA(9.1 as of May 2010) and 9.7 in US as of May 2010, I qualify for Emergency Unemployment Compensation(EUC). EUC benefits categorize your benefits into specific Tiers with a defined number of weeks of benefits. After speaking with an unemployment representative, I was told there was an extension of benefits on my account from 2008. The rep assured me that these unused benefits would be activated and I can start filing as normal. Well, he was wrong if regular UC benefits were not exhausted by May 22nd, you are not eligible for the EUC. My benefits paid me out through June 2nd so I missed the May 22nd file by date.
My next question, what do I do next? It is now out of my control as Congress makes the determination on an unemployment extension. The grumbling that I have heard is extension will deepen our federal deficit. I am grateful that I did receive my last payment however for thousands of others they are still waiting. As of June 28, legislation to extend benefits was proposed in the Senate. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an extension of unemployment benefits.
If you are unemployed visit your area unemployment office for assistance in finding a new job. There are a number of workshops offered on resume writing and interviewing skills. In PA, you can create a resume profile that allows you to apply for positions loaded within the Careerlink system(jobs posted within the state of PA). Some people qualify for job training money so it is definitely worth making an appointment to get you back into the job market while learning some new skills.
