http://www.labor.state.ny.us/ui/claimantinfo/ExtendedBenefits.shtm

Important Notice About
Emergency Unemployment Compensation

Due to the high unemployment rate in New York State, we expect an additional 13 weeks of federally funded emergency benefits will be available February 22, 2009, for a total of 33 weeks of emergency benefits.

Under current legislation, new claims for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) can be initiated through the week ending March 29, 2009 and no EUC can be paid for any week that begins after August 30, 2009. However, we also expect the program ending dates to be extended through new legislation. Check our website weekly for updates on additional extensions of emergency benefits and program ending dates.
Individuals who are currently employed should not quit a job to file for EUC benefits. Quitting to collect these benefits will result in disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)?

In order to be eligible for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), claimants must:

* Have exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits.
* Meet basic state eligibility requirements such as being ready, willing and able to work.
* Have no rights to regular or extended compensation under any other state or Federal law.



What can I do if I received my 26 weeks of regular benefits and I am still unemployed?

If you have been paid 26 weeks of regular benefits, you may start claiming EUC for the week immediately following your last week of regular benefits by logging in on the Benefits Online Page and clicking on “Claim Weekly Benefits,” or calling our toll-free Tel-Service number. Please note:

* EUC cannot be paid for any week in which partial regular UI has already been paid. In that case, EUC would begin the following week.
* Under current legislation, individuals must start claiming emergency benefits no later than for week ending March 29, 2009.



What can I do if I received 20 weeks of emergency benefits and I am still unemployed?

Due to the high unemployment rate in New York State, we expect an additional 13 weeks of emergency benefits will be available February 22, 2009, for a total of 33 weeks of emergency benefits. Check our website weekly for updates and instructions on when to start claiming these weekly benefits.





What is my weekly benefit rate for emergency benefits?

The weekly benefit amount paid for emergency benefits is the same amount you received for regular benefits.



How are emergency benefits paid?

The Department of Labor now pays benefits either by Direct Deposit (into your personal checking account) or on a Direct Payment Card (debit card) account. Emergency benefits will be paid with the same method used on your previous claim.



Why are there breaks in my payments of emergency benefits?

There may be breaks in your payments of emergency benefits, since none of the approved extensions are retroactive.

* The first approved extension, for 13 weeks of emergency benefits, was effective on week ending July 13, 2008.
* The second approved extension, for 7 weeks of emergency benefits, was effective on week ending November 30, 2008. These benefits were not retroactive for individuals who exhausted the first 13 weeks of emergency benefits prior to November 23, 2008.

thats good to know, thanks TMS. I lost my job back in November and still havent found anything since, its been a big pain in the ass. Especially cause I'm getting married in October and need all the money I can get to pay for it.