Update – Feb 7, 2011 – Legislation to add extra weeks for 99ers
Democratic Reps. Barbara Lee (Calif.) and Bobby Scott (Va.) are reintroducing legislation this week to provide additional weeks of unemployment insurance benefits for “99ers,”
Main article
In 2009, the 2009 stimulus package was created by President Obama and provided extra funding for states to extend the length of unemployment benefits if necessary. Most states have a fixed number of weeks available for benefits but can increase the number of weeks if necessary. The Florida unemployment rate in April was 9.6%.
The state of Florida recently approved an extension of the unemployment benefits by 20 weeks as a result of Senate Bill 810 sponsored by Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Miami and Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola. This applies to unemployed persons who have already used up the previous maximum of 59 weeks of unemployment benefits. The legislation allowing this EB extension was signed by Governor Charlie Crist and will provide more benefits for up to 250,000 unemployed Floridians. The payments will be up to $300 per week.
The money to pay for these extended benefits will come from the stimulus package of 2009 – about $415 million in total.
The agency responsible for these benefits is called the Agency for Workforce Innovation – they expect to start sending out the extended benefit checks in July. According to a spokesman from the agency Robby Cunningham – some people might be able to collect benefits retroactive to February of 2009.
“It’s actually retroactive to February 22nd of this year so some qualifying receiptence could receive initial payments up to 5,100 dollars.”
Please note that any retroactive payments will be from February 22, 2009 or when your last claim ran out – whichever is later.
How to apply for extended benefits
If you qualify for the extended 20 weeks then you still have to apply – go to www.floridajobs.com and click on the big red “Extended Benefits” square near the top of the right side of the screen. The actual link which will open up the application form is here. You can also fill in and mail the EB application to the address indicated on the EB notice/application you will be receiving in the mail.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Here are a few guidelines you can use to determine eligibility:
- You are totally or partially unemployed.
- You exhaust all entitlement to regular and emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits prior to February 22, 2009 but your benefit year ends after February 22, 2009.
- You exhaust all entitlement to regular and emergency unemployment compensation benefits after February 22, 2009.
- You are not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits in any state (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, The District of Columbia) or Canada.
- You satisfy all requirements of the Florida UC Law that apply to regular UC and EB, such as being able and available for work, and have not been disqualified from receiving benefits based on your reason for separation.
- You actively seek work for each EB week claimed and provide the work search record as instructed.
- You do not refuse an offer of suitable work or fail to apply for suitable work.
698 replies on “Florida Unemployment Benefits Extension – 20 More Weeks”
In the week ending Jan. 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 404,000, a decrease of 37,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 441,000. The 4-week moving average was 411,750, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 415,750.
While the GOP continues to play games with their failing attempt to repeal the health care bill, what they’re really doing is delaying talk on JOB CREATION, because even though they won in November on the platform that “it’s all about JOBS,” they have no plan! As more and more time passes without serious discussion about how to help those who’ve exhausted all UI benefits, UI exhaustees who are still without work are suffering. Here’s a message from concernedinKY who has used several of my music suggestions as background to the very strong videos he creates! This is a very serious matter – depression, foreclosure, eviction, suicide…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuLKLL_dlzA
Post 102
The democrats have been in control for How Many Years??? Do you think that we could
give the “GOP” more than 2 weeks? I believe that they want to cut the PORK programs
that have been put in place with this democratic congress and senate . Hence, leaving money that could be used for “JOB CREATION”
Oh, and by the way ….. democrats don’t play games?
Post#103, despite the Dems having the Majority during the first last two years of Bush and the first two years of the Obama administation, there have been a record 252 filibusters by the GOP on JOB CREATION BILLS, and nearly any bill that might benefit the MIDDLE CLASS. As far as this forum is concerned, the GOP delayed, obstructed or BLOCKED every bill that was introduced to extend UI benefits, and never once did they propose or sponsor any bills of their own. Where are THEIR ideas? Do you not think the GOP Governors accepted stimulus funds for their own PORK-related programs? They say one thing, but they’re hypocrites when they take the money. They’re trying to repeal health care, but yet will they give up their own government subsidized health care? I don’t think so.
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/01/19/gop-health-hypocrisy/
I was already thinking this on my own, but here’s Big Ed Schultz on the GOP stunt – “Where Are The Jobs?” – The GOP doesn’t have a plan!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41181841#41181841
Hi everyone, I haven’t posted for awhile but want to say I feel that NOTHING has changed in Washington–nothing at all—this new “House” has come in with a vengeance to continue this fight. They do not care!!!! They don’t listen to the American People and what we need. I just read this on Politics Daily:
While Republicans’ first act after taking over the House was to vote on repealing the health care reform law, a new poll suggests the public would rather lawmakers focus on jobs.
A series of CBS News/New York Times surveys out Thursday found 43 percent of Americans believe the most important thing for the new Congress to deal with is job creation — compared to just 18 percent who say the top priority should be health care. Fourteen percent said the massive federal budget deficit should be foremost on the minds of lawmakers. Most Americans believe the deficit is a very serious problem that will create hardships for future generations, according to CBS/Times pollsters.
They don’t care about the desperation the Unemployed are feeling. Meanwhile, crime rate is going up as . I live in a 55+ park. It is gated and normally very secure. The other night, a 73 year old woman down the road from me, woke up at 2am to a mask man inside her bedroom–he told her, I am not going to hurt you–but I need electricity for my babies–I’ve been unemployed for well over a year and cannot find a job—all I want is some money to get my electricity back on. She gave him what she had – $23.00. He thanked her and left. She did call the police but waited till morning to do that. She told me she really felt sorry for him. Even the most honest people are having to suffer and lower themselves to doing what they have to live. Going to churches to get help isn’t working anymore–they have run out of funds for the needy. Washington—wake up!!!
I just wish I could get an answer on what I am entitld to I have only collected up to Tier 2 and wa told I was still eligable!!! Has Florida become an EB state ? I get no answers when I call and sit on the phone for 30 minutes and hav been doing the job apps and claiming for over a month and still have not seen a deposit to my account… If anyone knows the real deal please post it here. I was told by Unemployment I am eligable, just waiting on them I heard I can collect Tier 3 nd 4 and then Extended benifits but never get clear answers from anyone.
Barbara in Hollywood Florida
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to federal funding limitations, Extended Benefits will not be paid after the week ending December 4, 2010, including Extended Benefit accounts that have a balance remaining. This deadline does not impact customers on initial state unemployment claims or the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. EUC program expiration dates will vary depending on your individual claim.
Is this still under effect?? i thought they made it till january 7 2012 as last date. i cannot claim weeks theyve now givin me.
post 104
Spoken like a true bleeding heart liberal. Which is why the people voted for Republicans and took back the congress. Maybe now something will be done about the illegals…. which in turn … will open up jobs for Americans
Nancy FL – Well said. So good to see your post!! I hope all is well with you….I’m sure it is as you are creative & proactive. Smiles to you always 🙂
Tier 5 update at – http://www.american99ersunion.com
JakeJames – EB was extended
Barbara – check online for your status. If you can’t get an answer, you need to ask for a supervisor. I’ll see if I can dig up the best numbers to call at AWI
http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/hottopics.html
http://www.examiner.com/unemployment-in-rochester/rep-barbara-lee-to-reintroduce-99er-unemployment-benefits-extension-legislation?CID=examiner_alerts_article
Post#109, I have no idea what you see in Post#104 to imply the words come from a “true bleeding heart liberal,” other than that they happen to be TRUE. If you really were “Observing” you’d see that one of the reasons for the lack of jobs is not due to “illegal aliens” taking them away from Americans here, but American jobs being outsourced to other countries for cheaper labor. Now that the GOP has control of the House, do you know what their plan is to create more jobs? I didn’t think so, because though they campaigned on that promise in order to get elected this past November, they never had one.
http://www.examiner.com/unemployment-in-hartford/99ers-unemployment-extension-2011-designated-funding-makes-easier-sell-to-house
Post#109
http://nationaljournal.com/magazine/what-happened-to-15-million-u-s-jobs–20110120?action=flag&commentId=43086
“….Somehow, rapid advancements in technology and the opening of new international markets paid dividends for American companies but not for American workers. An economy that long thrived on its dynamism, shedding jobs in outdated and less competitive industries and adding them in innovative new fields, fell stagnant in the swirls of the most globalized decade of commerce in human history….”
Barbara,try 877-846-8770. There are various extensions for this number,but try pressing zero instead. That may allow you to by pass all the voice mail BS from the individual extensions.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110124143102AAfdV1H
Open Question
What would you ask Vice President Joseph Biden?
President Obama has said his State of the Union address will focus on jobs and the environment, while pundits across the spectrum have suggested the ambiance in the House chamber – the degree of partisan division or unity on display – could matter as much as what the president says.
This week, Yahoo! will pose your questions and thoughts about the president’s speech to Vice President Joseph Biden.
Submit your question and we will select the top questions to ask in our session with Biden and will publish his answers on Yahoo!
“People are dyin’ on Dead End Street…”…..(from concernedinKY) *****
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYlp4rqVQEM
Good news: This year, Change.org members have an opportunity to ask President Obama our own questions, courtesy of YouTube.
On Thursday, President Obama will give a national interview on YouTube, and instead of letting the White House press corps have all the fun, you can ask your own questions. Concerned about health care? Focused on the environment? How about education, the economy, or foreign policy? This is your chance to spotlight the issue closest to your heart.
Upload a video with your question today at:
http://www.youtube.com/askobama
The above was copied from an email from change.org.
Barbara when I have a hard time getting through on the 800# I choose spanish instead of english and get someone almost immediately. And they do speak english.
What’s up with tier 5 for 99ers
Maybe some can help me with this question.
My brother is on unemployment. In the beginning of Nov, he got a letter saying on Nov. 29th that he was rolling over for into another tier that was good for like 11 weeks. In the letter it mentions EUC Tier II.
Then unemployment said he didnt meet the requirements and he just lost his appeal and must pay back everything he’s received from Nov 29th through Jan. 24th.
I know the details are vague but does anyone know what this might be about?
Ryan – It’s hard to say without more information. If you are denied unemployment they tell you why. Sounds like he had some taxable, earned income that they discovered. Did he work at all during that time & not report it?
Gonzofl – Hi!! Long time….hope you’re good!
Hey Mark,I’m hanging in there. Still no job,but continue to look every day. Not much to even apply for is the real sad part. 🙁
He hasn’t had any income at all since being laid off.
The agency did call him the other day and just asked him questions on when he last worked.
We have no idea on why they would take away his EUC. He has to pay back over $2700 now.
Nicole Sandler coming up NOW on Thom Hartmann – RT America On Air – talking about 99’er now – 9″45 pm – Will be repeated at 11:00 pm
http://rt.com/on-air/rt-america-on-air/
From my new YouTube friend, “concernedinKY,” another 99?er message with one of my musical suggestions. The message is perfect. A little stop and start at the beginning of the piece, but I’m sure it will be corrected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI1ojI4tBbA
gonzofl – yeah I know what you mean….the job market is pretty weak.
Ryan – something doesn’t add up. They can’t just tell you to pay back the funds without a clarification as to why. Is your brother disabled or unable to look for work? Or is he going to school full time? They have to give you an explanation. Sorry he’s going through that aggravation.
Paul – Thanks for all the posts & keeping us updated!
“Yes, Mr. President, we can. A 99ers call to ACTION.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PySLQnNi16Q
(Request from the creator of the video message)
“Everyone please take a moment to leave your message to the President as a comment. This will be part of the push in Feb. and we need your participation. Thank you. Please spread this around to all groups so that enough 99ers have the opportunity to participate.
Do you remember your words? We do. Please, Mr. President, stand behind the American people and give them hope until there is change, until there are jobs.”
Just stopping by to say hello! Hope everyone is doing well. I’m still hanging in, still submitting resumes, applications, etc. in hopes of securing a full time job. I’ve been dabbling in a few side ventures here and there, nothing too promising. I see a few little blurbs about the 99’ers….not sure if there is any potential for future legislation for us or if it’s just a long shot??…..Regardless, hang in there and continue to be creative and optimistic!
What are the unemployment tiers?
I finished my initial claim of 26 weeks in December. I was grated an extention of 20 additional weeks. If I am still unemployed thereafter, will I be granted another extension?
Thank you.
Cam – Hi!!!!! How are you? Where are you? Did you move out of your place? It was good to see your post & I’m glad your hanging in there. Smiles to you 🙂
ED – Yes you should automatically roll into the next tier if you are still unemployed.
Tier 1 = 20 weeks
Tier 2 = 14 weeks
Tier 3 = 13 weeks
Tier 4 = 6 weeks (only qualify for this if the unemployment rate is at 8.5% or higher)
Mark, you asked Ryan if his brother was going to school full time. Does this affect unemployment? I’m trying to go back to school, but can’t afford to lose my unemployment…
Hi Audrey – Yes this can affect unemployment. You have to be able & available & actively seeking work to collect unemployment. If you’re in school full time then how do you have time to seek a job & actually take the job if offered. If I were you I would go ahead & pursue your educational endeavors, but I definitely would NOT announce it to the unemployment folks as it could cause you problems.
Hello, just wanted to drop a note and say “HI” still kicking. I see there is a little hope for the 99ers by adding 14 weeks to Teir 1 , Did you see the Utube viedo? I wish the could give that to the Reps to watch.
Happy Job Hunting. Im still looking too.
NancyFL didnt u get a job?
Mark, Joe, Cam,Gonzo, Bre Hang in there, as hard as it is Keep ur head high…
Something to send to those who might not know “What It’s Like”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1yp2LMH1GY
Breaking News.. http://www.american99ersunion.com http://www.crewof42.com/?p=4583
Thanks Sherri, I went ahead and did my part, what all unemloyed americans need to know is that this will also benefit them in the long run. We need more people to stand up together and make some NOISE!!! Im tired of being unemployed and not being able to do for myself or my kids and am always worried where my next dollar will be made to keep us going. I can not believe that Congress and the President can sit here and ignore us.
Please tell everyone FEB 9 is our next hope.
i am woking partime but i am still praying for all my 99ers friend and family ) Congresswomen Barbara Lee of California has 310,00 people who have been unemployed for more than 99 weeks and have no unemployment benefits. Next, Wednesday she is expected to re-introduce legislation that would add an additional 14 weeks of benefits for a total of 113 weeks of unemployment. Her state has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation at 12.5%. GOD BLESS U
“The American People Will Reach the Higher Ground.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUDbQKfa5_E
@138: YES 2/9th is THE day everyone. Get those FAXES and EMAILS going. http://www.american99ersunion.com Post #137.
Good Morning All!
Hi Piefaces Mom & Marr – good to see both of your posts & know you’re doing okay 🙂
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/99ers-bill-barbara-lee-bobby-scott_n_819767.html?r=business
DON’T FORGET T O D A Y 99’ERS !!!
PLEASE– CALL YOUR REPS!! …..
U.S. CAPITOL SWITCHBOARD:
888.245.0215
202.224.3121
Time: 9:00AM Tuesday, February 8th……I am supplying 2 Toll-Free numbers to DC. Once connected, ask to be transferred to your reps office. Again, Google any extra contact …info you may need, like email or fax numbers. The Toll-Free numbers are:
1-888-340-6522 or 1-888-245-0215
The 99ers and SOON to be 99ers need help NOW! PLEASE CALL
Please watch/forward the latest effort from our fellow 99er and YouTube advocate, “concernedinKY,”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8wQvt7exec
08 Feb 2011
10:25 AM
To : anyone who has friends/relatives in Illinois
Please read my Illinois entry regarding Offsetting of unemployment benifits if you are drawing SS or other pensions.
Pass this info on to anyone affected (Illinois citizens) that you know. thank you.
WEDNESDAY – Lee/Scott Press Conference http://prlog.org/11279670
THURSDAY – Hearing on Improving Efforts to Help Unemployed Americans Find Jobs
FRIDAY – Time to get organized for next week: more calls and faxes to our representatives, tweets in coordination with the Twitter Action Committee and ways to reach out to local media.
It’s going to be a busy week. Let’s work as hard and as smart as we can to make it a successful one.
More information here: http://helpthe99ers.blogspot.com/2011/02/busy-week-ahead.html
Once again, Big Ed talks about the 99′ers and which party has always stood in the way of helping people! Personally, I don?t remember the GOP ever proposing or sponsoring a UI extension in my lifetime, nor have I seen a jobs bill come from the Republican side during the past two years and especially NOW.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41502448#41502448
This bill would pass without problem IF they come up with a way to offset the cost of it. I am very piss** that the President didn’t bargain for the 99’ers when he did for the other issues at the end of 2010.
Be that as it may, and yes it’s called abandonment, this is nothing more than a “press release” if you will, unless they offer some viable way to pay for it.
Not trying to be negative about it, but really, unless there is some offsetting cuts in spending it’s all a waste of time, and just another installment of people getting their hopes up for nothing.
Check out HR589. This is the new bill that would extend unemployment benefits by 14 weeks…..for everyone.