During these tough times, the number of people seeking out unemployment benefits continues to be on the rise. In the United States, you can legally collect unemployment for 6 months, or 26 weeks.
It is important to try to look for jobs while you are on unemployment because the government will discontinue your benefits if they feel as though you are not putting a good faith effort forward. There are ways, however, to extend your unemployment benefits if the 26-week time period has passed without finding a job.
Extended Benefits Program
Not every state is going to offer the Extended Benefits Program, so it is important to contact your local Department of Labor agency to find out if your state does. The Extended Benefits Program extends the amount of time that a person is eligible to receive benefits. States can add up to an additional 13 weeks to the end of the 26-week period, but the same rules still apply that did to receive assistance in the first place.
Fill out the Extension Paperwork
Unemployment offices have special extension forms that need to completed fully. Once you apply for additional help, your file will be reviewed to determine if you have been actively looking for a job and simply can’t find one. If you have not been seeking out employment, your request will more than likely be denied.
Hopefully the additional 13 weeks will give you a bit more time to seure employment and get back on your feet.
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