The federal government recently passed a law that provides Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) to some long-term unemployed workers. EUC extends unemployment insurance benefits (UI) by a maximum of 13 weeks for unemployed workers who have used all of their regular UI benefits. This article explains the EUC program and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (DLWD) process for getting these benefits to eligible workers. This article will be updated periodically to include new information on the EUC application process.
I submitted an EUC application, how will I know if I’m eligible for extended benefits?
Claimants who submit an application and are deemed eligible will begin to receive EUC as early as August 4, 2008. If a claimant is determined to be ineligible for EUC they will receive a notice.
Who is eligible?
If you filed a claim for UI dated May 7, 2006, or later, you may be eligible for extended benefits if you:
- Exhausted your regular unemployment insurance benefits,
- Are not eligible for a new regular unemployment insurance claim, and
- Were unemployed or working part time on or after July 6, 2008.
I am currently receiving unemployment benefits, but they will expire soon. Am I eligible for the extension?
If you do not find a job, or if you previously had a full-time job and can only find a part-time job, by the time your regular UI benefits expire you should be eligible for EUC.
How do I apply for extended benefits?
The DLWD mailed notices in July 2008 to prior UI claimants who may be eligible for EUC. If you are eligible to file for EUC benefits after July 6, 2008, the Division will automatically file your EUC claim for a seamless transition between your regular unemployment insurance benefits and your extended unemployment benefits.
If you did not receive a notice and you have exhausted your regular unemployment insurance benefits, you must contact your nearest Reemployment Call Center (RCC).
- Freehold: 732-761-2020
- Union City: 201-601-4100
- Cumberland: 856-507-2340
You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and the name and address of each employer that you worked for over the past 18 months. A representative will then help you file your claim for EUC.
I received the EUC notice a few weeks ago. How much time do I have to file my claim?
It is very important that you complete the EUC application and mail it back as soon as possible. The notice indicates that you must file your claim for EUC within 21 calendar days from the date the application was mailed to you or your EUC claim could be delayed or denied. No EUC benefits will be paid until you file your claim. If you think you are beyond the 21-calendar-day deadline, you should still mail your claim, but do so immediately.
If I’m eligible, how much will I receive?
EUC provides for up to 13 weeks of additional UI, or 50% of the maximum benefit allowance on the most recent regular claim, whichever is less. Here’s an example of how this might apply:
Sally is a worker who previously met the eligible criteria to qualify for unemployment benefits but only earned enough to get 20 weeks of regular UI benefits (instead of the maximum 26 weeks of benefits). If Sally meets other criteria for EUC, she will receive an additional 10 weeks of benefits (since, in this case, 50% of her maximum benefit allowance of 20 weeks is less than 13 weeks).
The weekly benefits under EUC are paid at the same weekly rate that a claimant received for his or her regular UI claim. So, using the same example:
If Sally collected $175 per week for her regular claim, she would be eligible to collect a total of up to $1,750 in extended benefits (10 weeks of EUC x $175 = $1,750).
When will benefits be paid?
The DLWD is reprogramming their computer system to process EUC claims and benefits. Please check this article or the DLWD Web site for updates.
I’m in a training program and currently receiving Additional Benefits during Training (ABT). Does the extension program affect those benefits?
Claimants must first use all of their EUC benefits before they can get ABT. If you are currently receiving ABT, the DLWD will mail you an application for the EUC, which you must complete and send back. If you are still in a qualified training program when your EUC ends, you will receive a form and instructions on reopening your ABT claim. No ABT benefits will be paid after July 6, 2008 until you have exhausted your EUC. If you have any weeks that were paid as ABT, they will be transferred to EUC. The DLWD will notify you in writing if this transfer is required.
How long will the EUC be in effect?
EUC is currently authorized for one year. No EUC benefits will be payable for any week beginning after June 30, 2009.
This article appeared in the July-August 2008 edition of Looking Out for Your Legal Rights®. |
