Unemployment
What is Unemployment Extension Benefit?
Recently introduced Unemployment extension benefit is in place to help all those millions of people who have been unemployed for the full term of unemployment benefits. This extension offers benefits for up to 20 weeks.
To qualify for unemployment you need to be unemployed through no fault of your own.
Good news the Unemployment Extension is approved.
Although it has been a long time coming, the unemployment extension bill H.R. 4213 has finally been passed through its initial stage. From here, it goes to the senate and approved within 30 hours; thereafter the President officially signs it. This may take a further few weeks, by November those needing this much-wanted help should be in receipt of further payments and feel a little relief.
What is a 99er?
This is someone who has already exceeded all unemployment benefits meaning that they have been without work for more than 99 weeks. It can be daunting to figure out how to get off of unemployment. The unemployment extension is aimed specifically at this group allowing them anywhere between 13 – 20 weeks of further assistance. The easiest way to ascertain your position is to check out the State Unemployment Office web site, as this will provide the answers as to who qualifies and for how much.
‘The Americans want to work Act’, introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow, has created an additional tier namely Tier 5. This tier is geared to those classified as 99ers and have finished their unemployment insurance benefits. This Act provides further unemployment benefits to the 2.3million Americans that have exhausted their unemployment benefits. It offers these candidates a further benefits who are placed in states that have a 7.5% unemployment rate or higher. Our article on Unemployment Benefits Explained can help you understand the unemployment benefits.
Who qualifies for unemployment benefits?
Visit your local state department for employment as they offer many useful resources including assistance with creating your resume. This means that the company you were working for has shut down or gone into liquidation, resulting in job cuts. You did not leave your job to get married or did not go into further education. You were not involved in a labor dispute, fired for mis-conduct, or left for health reasons.
What are the benefits?
Benefits generally allow of 36% of the previously proven average weekly earnings. Reports and proof of earnings are needed to apply for this to become approved, however if you are self-employed or a part time worker, you are not eligible for any benefits. It takes two weeks for the approval process, the moment the beneficiary finds a job all benefits terminate.
To qualify for benefits check out the State Unemployment Office site as the benefits vary state to state. The amount of benefit given will also differ and this is dependent on the amount of time worked and the amount earned while working. Some people are unable to claim benefits, if this is the case; there is an appeals process where you may argue your case. We also offer a simple guide to filing for unemployment benefits.
What other benefits are available to those on the unemployment extension program?
A program called the Home Affordable Unemployment Program helps qualified homeowners to pay back a portion of their mortgage each month. Mortgage rates should not be exorbitant and you mortgage provider must belong to the program. Further help is at hand via Food Stamps, apply to SNAP, this available to people throughout the USA, not only do they supply food stamps for the first 13 weeks of unemployment but now offer extensions of up to 13-20 weeks. The amount of benefit varies according to the size of your family and income. This program provides you with an EBT card. Debited payments to the card allow you to shop for groceries and necessary household items.
Further help found via HEAP and Medicaid
Heap is a home Energy Assistance Program, which provides for low income families to assist them pay their energy bills, covering heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. Medicaid is a federal program that assists the low-income sector with health care. Medicaid payments go directly to the health care providers; apply online to see if you qualify for 100% cover.
Pharmacies provide a generic medicine program costing approximately $10-$4; some pharmacies even offer prenatal vitamins and free antibiotics. Some pharmaceutical companies fund the cost of medication for low-income families; simply make inquiries online.
America back to work program.
This program works in conjunction with the unemployment extension program, offering companies financial incentives to employ people who have been unemployed for an extended period. Thus creating jobs and making people independent again.
The first steps to recovering your financial well-being or at least being in a position to survive is to make contact with State Unemployment Office, take their advice fill in the claims form. Apply to the organizations listed above for help with utilities, food, and medical expenses. Once these basic costs are covered, you are now free to create a plan to get back to ranks of the employed.
Check here often for Unemployment news as well as unemployment benefit information including unemployment extensions and resources for the unemployed.