Changes to Extended Unemployment Compensation Tiers
There are no changes to state unemployment benefits. Unemployed workers will still be eligible for up to 26 weeks of state unemployment compensation.
The tiers of emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) changed starting in February, 2012. The number of weeks have gradually been reduced and the number of weeks of benefits that you will collect depends on the state from which you are receiving unemployment compensation and when your claim was filed.
There are four (Tiers 1 - 4) tiers of unemployment compensation beyond regular state unemployment benefits that unemployment workers may be eligible for. EUC Tier 1 provides up to 14 weeks of additional benefits and it is offered in all states. Tiers 2 - 4 are available depending on the unemployment rate in the state.
Eligibility for Tiers of Unemployment
The tiers of benefits, and the number of weeks within the tier, that you will be eligible for depend on the unemployment rate in your state and the dates when claim/extensions were filed. Claimants who filed for benefits early in 2012 may have different weeks available within each tier. For example, take a look at California's Federal Unemployment Extensions website to see the different benefit levels in California.
Here's information on the tier structure for 2013.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Tiers for 2013
- Tier 1: 14 weeks
- Tier 2: 14 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 6% or higher
- Tier 3: 9 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 7% or higher
- Tier 4: 10 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 9% or higher
Please Note: Depending on the date you were laid off, you may be covered under a different tier structure.
Maximum Number of Weeks of Unemployment
For 2013, the maximum weeks of available unemployment benefits are:
- 73 Weeks (including state unemployment benefits which are a maximum of 26 weeks)
How to Check Your Extended Unemployment Benefits
Your state unemployment office website will have a chart that explains how many weeks are included in each tier (1 - 4) of benefits. For example, here's information on California Unemployment Extensions.
Your state may also provide an unemployment calculator where you can enter the date of your original claim to see how much unemployment you are eligible for. For example, here's New York's UI Benefits Calculator.
Important: It's important to check with your state unemployment office for a determination of the extended unemployment benefits you are eligible for because eligibility varies based on your location, claim date and the state unemployment rate. Not all claimants are eligible for all weeks of EUC. Eligibility is complicated, so check with your state unemployment office (usually the Extended Benefits section) for details.
Extended Benefit (EB) Programs
In addition to EUC benefits, during times of high unemployment, unemployed workers may be eligible for up to 20 weeks of Extended Benefits (EB) which is based on an increase in the state unemployment rate.
Changes in Extended Benefit (EB) and Emergency Unemployment Trigger (EUC) Notices
The Department of Labor (DOL) provides updated information each week on state eligibility for EB and EUC unemployment extensions. You can check the Trigger Notice Report for information on changes in eligibility for your state.
Read More: Unemployment Compensation | Unemployment Extension | How to Calculate Your Unemployment Benefits
DISCLAIMER:
The private web sites, and the information linked to both on and from this site, are opinion and information. While I have made every effort to link accurate and complete information, I cannot guarantee it is correct. Please seek legal assistance, or assistance from State, Federal, or International governmental resources to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct. This information is not legal advice and is for guidance only.
