[EDIT: I put a How-to post on the Federal Unemployment Extension here]
Well, it’s about time!
President Obama signed the emergency unemployment benefits legislation into law this afternoon shortly after the House passed the measure and sent it to his desk. The House last approved an extension in May but the US Senate would not come to an agreement on the extension prior to breaking for their summer recess at the end of June and the measure stalled. The Senate finally approved the bill Wednesday afternoon which then sent it to the House for today’s passage.
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This bill will see Federal emergency unemployment insurance benefits extended until November for the unemployed Americans who have used up their standard 6 1/2 months of benefits. The House passed the measure by a vote of 272-152 which, like the June vote, was largely along party lines. The majority Democrats pushed for the extension, framing it as a crucial measure to help unemployed Americans suffering the worst recession in generations. Senate and House GOP claimed that the bill would add to the $1T deficit and should be paid for by government spending cuts elsewhere. Here is an AP News video on the extension -
So what does this mean for Granite Staters? Well, first, it means that if you are still claiming your first 26 weeks of benefits (the regular NHES benefits), you will likely be eligible for an extension when those benefits run out. If your NHES benefits ran out and you are claiming the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) or Extended Benefits (EB) benefits, you may also be eligible for an extension. If these benefits ran out after the expiration of the previous extension, you may be eligible for retroactive benefits. Finally, if you have exhausted all State, EUC, and EB claims, you may not be eligible BUT IT IS IMPORTANT that you be ABSOLUTELY SURE and should contact NHES directly for help with your particular case. It’s confusing and you do not want to miss out on the extension. As usual, if you have any questions of comments, please leave a comment.
