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New York Unemployment Extensions – 13 More Weeks Of Extended Benefits?

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[update on May 12  New York extends unemployment by 13 weeks]
[update on May 19 – Unemployment bill to extend EB by 13 weeks has been passed by legislature].

The state of New York has been hit pretty hard by the current economic climate and unemployment levels have been rising.  As a result of these  high unemployment rates New York state has qualified for unemployment benefit extensions which were introduced as part of the 2009 stimulus package.

Unemployment benefits currently available in New York

At the moment there are a total of 59 weeks of unemployment available to New Yorkers:

  • 26 weeks – These are the regular unemployment benefits which are available regardless of the economy.
  • 33 weeks – This is Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) which is made up of a 20 week segment followed by a 13 week segment.  Emergency benefits will be paid by the same method as the regular benefits (direct deposit or check).

Will there be another 13 weeks of extended benefits?

The state government including Gov. David A. Paterson, is currently working on this extension which would involve about $645 million of federal money along with state money for funding.  The reason for the delay is that New York, along with several other states have laws which need changing in order to accept the federal funding.  If the legislation is passed it will provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits to approximately 120,000 New Yorkers for a total of 72 weeks of unemployment benefits.

429 replies on “New York Unemployment Extensions – 13 More Weeks Of Extended Benefits?”

Patterson better step up to the plate here and demand another extension for us if it comes down to that, pretty bad if he doesn’t

yes I hope we all get good news in the weeks to come, those fat cats in DC have rose colored glasses on for sure, so please hurry it up down there!

TJS – I understand. My husband works and thank god for that…

Otto – figured as much. People don’t seem to talk about t here unless they are unemployed. NYC seems to be in a place all it’s own. Imagine that, America’s most recognizable city with that statistic. This is unreal.

i’m a little confused….has there been any progress in the senate meetings yet for an extension or not?

John, in response to your posted article.

With chronic long-term unemployment, basing extensions SOLELY on trigger rates is a slap in the face to honest law abiding taxpayers who are unsuccessful in confirming gainful employment. Due to the fact that we are experiencing unheard of levels of long-term joblessness, ALL states should receive some sort of extension. Extensions should be decided on a sliding scale so ALL unemployed Americans receive some support.

OTTO..I AGREE ALL STATES SHOULD GET UNEMPLOYMENT, UNLIKE WITH THE EB SOME STATES POLITICIANS DECIDED NOT TO TAKE IT WHICH IS NOT FAIR TO THE UNEMPLOYED. THEY DONT HAVE TO LIVE WITH LITTLE TO NOTHING. WE DO!

john:

Even though the article you posted refers to HR 3404, that bill has already been amended to include states with a 3 month average of 8.5% UE to receive 13 additional weeks, and is now called HR 3548, which would include NYS if the rate doesn’t drop, which we will know soon – HR 1647 also has the same percentage requirement, but am not sure that this bill is for 10 or 13 weeks – Double digit rate states can get up to 20 extra weeks depending on which bill gets passed –

After watching the meeting from Tuesday, it seemed ike there was more agreement than not for an extension, along with extending the whole program that was supposed to end in 12/09, to 12/10, so that people still collecting the initial 26 weeks after December, 09 would be eligible for whatever extension is passed. It would be unfair to those who only recently lost their jobs if they didn’t qualify for the extensions that we have been fortunate to get already, which if things are not changed, those who haven’t exhausted their 26 weeks by the end of this year would not get the extensions, unless the year ending date is changed to 12/10. – At least it seemed like most of the panel and witnesses at the meeting understand that the job market will probably not improve that much until at least 2010, and possibly even further down the line as Tony wrote – It could take years for things to get back to a reasonable UE rate – I think the argument that people are lazy or stop looking was shot down very well at the meeting – Most of them also agreed that even with training provided, the jobs to be trained for have not yet been created – I just hope something happens by the end of this month – I don’t consider all those working in Congress and the Senate “fat cats,” as the 79 weeks we have already been granted is the most that I can remember ever being given – I do think most reasonable people in both parties agree there is a need for an extension to keep people from falling into poverty, while the money from our benefits stimulates the economy as it is immediately spent, which also benefits the small businesses in our communities.

Otto:

I’ve wondered the same as you as to whether any new extension would be under EUC or EB – I thought I read somewhere that it would be more like EUC, and not require the work search form anymore, as it takes too much time away from processing payments in some states – As far as the search for work form issue, I think I read this on one of the other state forums – It makes sense, as the powers that be have said themselves that the number of people lookiing for work versus the number of jobs is very overwhelming. and if they really do have to look at these forms, it must be extremely time-consuming – I think your comment/question is a good one, but I don’t think we will know until a bill gets approved – I guess only time will tell…right?

Laurie:

They are most likely waiting for the individual state figures before moving forward on any given bill. Hopefully the NELP idea of granting extensions on a sliding scale from 10-20 weeks will influence the lawmakers. If so, it may set a precedent for future extensions.

The work search forms are time consuming for both the DOL and the job seeker. I spend a good amount of time googling company names in order to obtain addresses and phone numbers so as to complete all fields on the form. This time could be used more efficiently by searching for other positions and composing thoughtful and individualized cover letters. People who job hunt via computer at a public library or who share a home computer may only be granted a certain amount of time on any given day. Searching for addresses and phone numbers instead of pursuing new leads detracts them from their intentions.

Otto:

I agree with you completely about the job search forms being a waste of time – That’s what I wrote when they first asked us for them – If there is little or nothing to apply to, and the few that are found we have to go through research just to get the addresses, names and numbers, imagine how long it would take the people who do that job, if they really do it, to google, and then even get through to person at millions of jobs? I used some business cards from jobs I already either applied to or interviewed with already, and found that many of the people who I interviewed with are themselves no longer at their jobs! Anyway though, the reason I read that the work search forms were becoming a problem, was because it was slowing down the processing of payments for people in other smaller states, as in smaller towns and states, there is more of a chance that the DOL really might actually at least look at these forms. In NYC there are just too many people for any low-staffed department for them to deal with. In small towns it might be different. Either way, I think they realize that with the numbers and most law makers agreeing, there are so many less jobs then people who are unemployed – no need to have any proof.

As far as the bill they choose, I also agree they will probably look at the next set of state averages, since there is time before anything gets passed, but I’m hoping they go with the McDermott bill (HR 3548), which would give us at least 13 weeks – I think there will need to even be more extensions, since all experts say that when people who have stopped looking, start again, then the UE rate goes up. As far as EUC and EB, I would be interested, but I just need any extension, and not for lack of looking for work, but 13 sounds a little better than 10, not to appear greedy – Let’s face it, the NYS max rate is so low, especially compared to NJ, CT & PA, that it’s not as if we are living like kings on this money. One thing we do with the benefits, which is important, and you have pointed out several times, and it was mentioned at the meeting the other day by Beth Schulman from NELP , was that the little money we get goes right back to the economy, including retail and housing costs, which is what a real stimulus is supposed to do.

thanks all for the info

so depending on the news tomorrow – if we’re at 8.5% or above – we are sure to be included in any bill that passes? that’s a relief to know

ALERT: New Jersey Unemployment Rate Hits 32-Year High of 9.7%
Matt Rooney | September 16, 2009

According to the latest data and projections, New Jersey?s unemployment rate has surged to a 32-year high of 9.7 percent. That’s the highest N.J. unemployment rate since Jimmy Carter’s presidency (April 1977).

From State Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-Monmouth):

This bodes well for us New Yorkers as the rate in New York usually rises heres at about the same pace as in New Jersey

Last week, NYS had an increase of 4546, this week it’s down somewhere less that CA’s 2751, so for 2 weeks it’s still a gain of +/- 2000 new claims.

thanks stupaman!

“This bodes well for us New Yorkers as the rate in New York usually rises heres at about the same pace as in New Jersey”

FYI: 9/9/09 HR 3548 was introduced by Rep.McDermott for fast-track through Congress because HR 3404 has to be further worked on between both Houses. HR 3548 has not been brought to the floor of Congress yet and they have a scheduled OCTOBER break too. There will be over 400.000 THOUSAND unemployed that will lose their benefits from Aug to the end of this month. With Congress not bringing HR 3548 to the floor, no one knows whats going on even talking to our U.S. Reps staffers. Please call your Reps and Senators, tell them HR 3548 must be fast-tracked thru Congress and then the Senate onto President Obama’s desk. I think NY & NYS exhaust your EB next month? but help fight those exhausted & soon to be exhausting this month. Thanks ALL!

Hey everyone we hit 9%

NY Hits 9.0% New york city hits 10.3%

Highest Statewide Unemployment Rate Since 1983

Number of Unemployed in New York State Reaches New High

Albany, NY (September 17, 2009) – New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed from 8.6 percent in July to 9.0 percent in August 2009, its highest level since April 1983, the State Labor Department reported today. New York City’s rate also increased, jumping from 9.5 percent in July to 10.3 percent in August, its highest level since May 1993. In August 2009, the number of unemployed in New York State and New York City increased to 874,300 and 415,800, respectively, their highest levels on record (current data extend back to 1976).

After seasonal adjustment, New York State’s private sector job count decreased by 2,200, or less than 0.1 percent, to 7,083,300 in August 2009. The statewide total nonfarm job count (private plus public sectors) decreased over the month by 3,800, or less than 0.1 percent, to 8,645,400 in August 2009.

Highest Statewide Unemployment Rate Since 1983

Number of Unemployed in New York State Reaches New High

Albany, NY (September 17, 2009) – New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed from 8.6 percent in July to 9.0 percent in August 2009, its highest level since April 1983, the State Labor Department reported today. New York City’s rate also increased, jumping from 9.5 percent in July to 10.3 percent in August, its highest level since May 1993. In August 2009, the number of unemployed in New York State and New York City increased to 874,300 and 415,800, respectively, their highest levels on record (current data extend back to 1976).

After seasonal adjustment, New York State’s private sector job count decreased by 2,200, or less than 0.1 percent, to 7,083,300 in August 2009. The statewide total nonfarm job count (private plus public sectors) decreased over the month by 3,800, or less than 0.1 percent, to 8,645,400 in August 2009.

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/pressreleases/pruistat.htm

Hello to all, does anybody know if we may get some news about the extension next week? I cant believe we hit 9%. I guess it’s good in a way becuase maybe they will rush to get a solution but, bad becuase things are just getting worse. Well good luck to all and glad we came back here. I hated the other place…

HR 3548 must be fast-tracked thru Congress …..make sure to write your senators and congressmen/womenhttp://www.nysenate.gov/senators

jesus christ, 9%, Congress hurry the hell up and put that bill through! and another break in October? are you kidding me? something tells me these people sleep all too well at night

WELL AT LEAST WE WENT UP…WE DIDNT GO DOWN! THATS GOOD NOW CONGRESS BETTER GET ON IT SOON..WE CANT AFFORD A GAP IN PAYMENTS! UNREAL CONGRESS GETS ANOTHER BREAK IN OCTOBER? WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY DOING BUT NOTHING!!

write to all you senators and congressman/women …tell them HR 3548 must be fast-tracked thru Congress

here are two numbers to call :

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: (888) 442-6651

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (888) 442-6630

JOHN HOW DO YOU KNOW THE HOUSE ATTENDS TO THIS NEXT WEEK? IT DOES NOT SAY THAT ON YOUR LINK. UNLESS I MISSED SOMETHING.

SUSANNY….its the first sentence…it reads…The House is expected to take up an unemployment benefits bill next week that would extend the available safety net for jobless workers in states hit hardest by the recession.

so yeah looks like we’ll be fine if a decision is made in the next week or so and NY is included because of our 8.76% (thanks otto) average, but keep knocking on that wood

Thanks to all for the good info – ditto to john – It stinks that we have to hope the the UE rate goes up, but as long as there are no jobs, it becomes more urgent a bill gets passed and SOON! I think that because so many will exhaust their EB by the end of September, it has a chance to go thru before the recess – I don’t love politicians either, but I’m not gonna complain that they have a break – Most or many of them do good work, and that is the nature of that really stessful position – I just hope they do the right thing and get it done before they recess – Thanks again all for any info – At least I think we will get some kind of extension whenever – Agreed?

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workforceindustrydata/PressReleases/pruistat.htm 9% is unbelievable…..although this will probably help us get another extension, Susanny i think you need to keep in mind that is not good news. Although I need another extension just like everyone else that posts on this web site, it is never good news that the unemployment rate keeps going up. I think you need to be realistic and need to think about others, not just yourself. Keep in mind how many people are having the terrible feeling of losing their jobs everyday.

Kevin:

I agree with your point, but from what I’ve heard, one thing that makes the rate go up, is due to when people who have not been previously included in the UE rate(discouraged unemployed who have stopped looking, part-time workers) start to look again as some jobs start to become available. Then those people get counted, which brings the rate up. It really is a Catch-22, Kevin. I know that there’s even less of a chance of getting a job if the rate goes up, but as hard as it is anyway, we also have to sort of hope that at least we get an extension so we can continue to look and stay barely above the poverty level. I understand your point – It’s just so frustrating and I don’t like having to “hope” that the rate goes up, please believe me. I don’t think most of the people on here do either, but there are still few jobs, so we have to also hope that NYS remains eligible for the extensions that require certain UE rates – That does suck…..

EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO ON THE OPEN CONGRESS WEBSITE .. OPENCONGRESS.ORG AND MAKE AN ACCT..LOOK FOR BILL S. 1647 AND VOTE YES FOR IT..YOU CAN ALSO LEAVE COMMENTS THERE. ITS USER FRIENDLY AND THERE ARE COMMENTS FROM ALL THE STATES, I HAVE BEEN GOING ON THAT WEBSITE FOR QUITE A WHILE.

susanny.. why vote s1647 this bill has a trigger rate 3mts of 9% the streemlined bill hr3548 is the bill we need passed s1647 will not help nys

the bill has been amended to 8.5%, so both bills will work for new york. it is no longer 9%, it is 8.5%

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