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

Please note the comments are closed on this post because of technical difficulties. The discussion has been moved to this post.

[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?”

SO UNEMPLOYED I DUNNO…I GUESS IF ITS AN EXTENSION OF EB MOST LIKELY WE WILL HAVE TO DO THE WORK SEARCH FORMS STILL…BUT I GUESS WE WILL ALL HAVE TO WAIT AND FIND OUT THE RULES.

An interesting part of Carmen’s posted article:

Stettner predicted that Congress will likely have to continue extending jobless benefits through 2011.

Otto:

Very good observation. If you watched the meeting last week on the webcast. the same points were made. First, they definitely want to extend the year ending date for the whole program, at least thru 12/10 so that people losing their jobs now, or who aren’t yet finished with their initial 26 weeks by 12/09 will also be able to get the extensions that we did. When the question was asked by one of the panel members if this extension matter should now be a “permanent” thing, the advocates said no, but everybody knows that if job recovery is still as bad when the proposed next 13 weeks are exhausted, that they will probably be back again to discuss yet another extentsion. I think they know that we are not lazy – and that there are too many unemployed people to fill not enough jobs, and that’s not our fault. Also, as you’ve pointed out in your comments, the meager benefits that we get go right back into the economy to pay bills and to spend at businesses in our communities, which is the purpose of a true stimulus – If nobody is spending, more small businesses, especially retail could go under, and they know that. Our money goes right back, as we need to eat and buy the bare essentials and pay whatever bills, which is also linked into the housing part of the economy. So, Mr. Stettner is right, and I really think NELP has done an amazing job in advocating for us and mobilizing people to write, call our legislators – People on this forum have been really helpful with providing info too, and if when we all stick together, as we know we’re not lazy, then the message gets through to those that vote on these bills. Let’s hope that we get jobs before we have to beg and pray for yet another extension, but at least, I do believe that if it does take longer for job recovery, we will be given the “helping hand” for the bare essentials until companies feel more comfortable to start hiring – God Bless NELP!!!!

Hi, all:
Laurie, great post … though I know the immediate need is for the passage of legislation for those who are about to run out of EB — as so many here are — it is great to know that once that issue is settled, they are showing foresight. NYC has hit 10% — and if someone was laid-off after the middle of June — they will exhaust their 26 weeks by the end of the year or first week of ’10 — and then walk into the abyss.
Am so grateful for NELP: they are on top of all of these issues. They know the immediate need and they also see all the potential gaps created by the patchwork way the extensions work.
LOL: since we know our pols can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, let them pass this (tomorrow?) and then tweak the rest of it before the end of ’09.
Looks like all the calling and letters have made a difference; and at a time in our lives when we need it most, have to tools to feel empowered. NELP rocks!
Enjoy the last full day of the Summer of ’09

I AGREE NELP IS THE BEST AND THEY HAVE DONE SO MUCH TO HELP US! I WAS JUST WATCHING NEAL CAVUTO ON FOX..HE HAD SOMEONE ON HIS SHOW, I FORGET WHO IT IS BUT I THINK ITS A CONGRESSMAN , HE SAID THAT UNEMPLOYMENT WILL STAY HIGH FOR SOME TIME..RIGHT NOW THEY WILL APPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT IN 3 MONTH INCREMENTS. SEEMS LIKE MOST LIKELY FOR THE NEXT COMING YEAR. HE ALSO SAID THEY SHOULD REDUCE TAXES ON SMALL BUSINESSES SO THEY CAN START TO HIRE AGAIN. BUT HE SAID IT WILL GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER. BUT A LOT OF SMALL BUSINESSES ARE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. SO THERE WON’T BE ANY TO HIRE IMO!

Another thing that I wish would be addressed is the unfair taxing of our benefits!! Both candiates promised they would end it, and that’s the only area where I am disappointed with this President. However, there are bills pending (S 155 and HR 155) that would eliminate these taxes that will put many of us who don’t have the 10% Federal tax taken out of the weekly payment, and now owe both the Federal and State government thousands of dollars in taxes. Completely unfair. I hope we can voice our opinions and get that changed finally also. How do they expect us to pay back these taxes after being out of work for nearly two years? If and when I do find employment, I will be in deep debt with the IRS and State – That is just so not right. As far as additional extensions, I agree that the three month intervals is a good way to approach it, as there really may be a need for further extensions, since “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and jobs that were lost during the 8 years of the last administration cannot possibly be replaced in 8 months or even one year!

9/22/09 c-span unemployment is number 15 on the list so should b between 11:00 am & 2:00 pm so just keep it there around that time to c the verdict BUT STILL LETS KEEP CALLING AND WRIGHTING LETTERS BECAUSE THIS IS A STEP BUT WE ALL KNOW 13 WEEKS MAY NOT B ENOUGH SO LETS KEEP THE BALL ROLLING SO WE DONT START FROM 0 AND B BACK IN THE SAME BOAT. WE HAVE THERE EARS LETS KEEP IT THAT WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a question , if there is another extention will that include me whos has had all the extentions and is on my last 7 weeks , becuase the way some of you sound about the bill it will include only the ones with 26 weeks and up to 53 weeks. I have had all of them i have been out of work a year and a half.

Laurie:

I think the powers that be FINALLY realize we are not freeloading or working the system. According to the statistics stating that there is one job available for every six people, the “laziness theory” is easily negated. When they quote those ratios I am still wondering if they are referring to jobs you can actually live on or just “anything”.

I am TOTALLY thankful every extension we have been granted. At this point I think it’s HIGHLY necessary to focus on job creation. They bailed out the banks and Detroit now it’s time for Main Street.

rebecca:

Not only will it be for those of us who will exhaust our last 7 weeks of EB, the advocates for us are fighting to change the end of the extension program from 12/09 to 12/10, so those who have lost their jobs recently or may lose their jobs prior to the end of this year, will be able to get the same extensions that we did – If the job market remains as bad as it is, these people should be able to have an extension as well, which is what NELP is advocating for – As for us that have gone thru all of our extensions and are either done with the last 7 weeks or down to the end, the new bill would most definitely include us – Why else would we all be writing letters, sending e-mails and calling our legislators? I think we will get an extra 13 weeks, and if things remain the same or get worse, maybe even more – It’s not our fault that there are not enough jobs for the amount of people who are looking for one and the legislators know this – They have to.

Otto:

When I watched the meeting last week, one of the witnesses for the extension came right out and said, that along with there not being enough jobs for the amount of the unemployed, any extensions would also serve as a way for people to train for jobs that might be created in the future(whenver that will be), so that when companies do begin to hire again, there will be a more productive work-force – The witness said that one of the assets for the benefits was that it could help people train on new skills so that they wouldn’t have to settle for a lesser job than the one they had – When I heard that, I was really happy he said that. You’re right about the argument about anybody being lazy – Nobody who has bills, a family, single or simply wants to live a decent lifestyle prefers UI benefits over having a job – The “lazy” argument has been debunked – We all know we’re not lazy – There is only so much one can do to try and get a job in a normal economy, but these times are even more extraordinary, and the legislators have to realize that – This is no picnic or vacation after being out of a job for more than a year – Maybe in the old days, people might have taken advantage of the benefits for a while, but this is a much different situation, and I think we have people arguing this point for us – I really felt so much better after watching the meeting last week – I hope I feel as good after tomorrow’s session – I might jump thru my TV if I have to get into the room to add my voice -I think we have enough people who are with us on this though – 🙂

I just hope that in 2010 they spend more time analyzing long-term unemployment and lack of job creation when determining extensions. The trigger rate stuff doesn’t REALLY address it. As it stands now, applauding a higher unempoyment rate in order to get extensions seems like a cultivation of the “devil may care” attitude. It’s actually a catch-22, although we get additional weeks of coverage, it makes finding a decent job that much more difficult since more people are bucking for the same few jobs.

Otto:

It’s amazing how much we agree now on most everything….:) It is really weird that we are in a position where there are so few jobs that in order to get an extension, we are forced to hope for a higher UE rate – You are exactly right…..again!

SO LET ME GET THIS RIGHT IF MY LAST CHECK CAME SEPT 4 2009 AND I HAVE BEEN THREW ALL EB EUC WILL I BE INCLUDED IN THIS BILL AS WELL

Thanks everyone for providing all the information regarding extensions.
I lost my job in June of 08. My last week with the previously approved extension would have been the last week in December 09. What is the total of extensions assuming it will be approved shortly. Is it 79 plus
13 for a total of 92 weeks

Jen…..yes….its the original 26 weeks plus 53….making it 79, and this next extension would then add an additional 13 for a total of 92 weeks

Thanks Toni- who would have ever thought that we would actually need 92 weeks. Omg- how far I have fallen. My prayers are with everyone as this has been the hardest time of my life

Melissa, your article says the same as mine. I guess many newspapers and tv posted the same thing. It’s always good to re-post the information for many that haven’t read it. Hope we get news today. Cross fingers and stay positive everyone.

very interesting article……very good news, just can’t wait til the vote happens to relieve some stress

I don’t think any of us ever imagined it would take this long to find a job when we first lost our last one. I know I didn’t. I always thought that as long as I looked as hard as possible, and utilized all different methods to do so, spending 5-7 days a week, and all day long, that I would eventually find a job. That’s how it’s always been in the past. I was so confident that I would find another job sooner than later. It has now been nearly one year and a half – The last of my 79 weeks will end 10/25. And my prospects look worse, not better than when I first began looking hard. Personally, I find there are even less jobs to apply to, and lately have had less personal interviews, if any, than when I first began looking back 2008! I’ve done just about all I could do – Knowing how hard I’ve tried, along with reading other people’s experiences on this forum helps me to believe it’s not just me – but doesn’t make me feel any better for any of us – I see there are so many of us for so few jobs, and how diferent this situation is than ever before in my lifetime. If it wasn’t for these extensions, I’m sure many people would have to consider public assistance, which I think would be a very humbling, embarrassing and traumatic experience. One of the main differences between public assistance and UI right now, is that our benefits are taxed! It adds insult to injury that the small amount of weekly benefits are taxed, and it’s still hard to believe the NYS max is lower than states like NJ, CT, PA and other states where the cost of living is not nearly as high as in NYC alone. It has reached the point where there is a better chance of getting another extension than an actual job! And, when we have to hope that the UE rate goes up, just so we can be eligible to have a chance to get these extensions, there is something very wrong with that picture!! I’ve never been much into prayer, but I do pray for myself and everyone else going thru this! It seems that all those who’ve said it was going to get worse before better were right. “Bill” has constantly written on this board that jobs always lag behind even during an economic recovery, and boy was he right. I’ve learned more about economics than I ever knew from this experience. It feels like going to work on a very slow subway train in the morning, and not having any control how long it’s taking to get to work – Very discouraging. I know we can’t give up, but it’s such a helpless feeling -I’ve found when I follow-up with jobs I’ve already applied to months ago, many of the people who interviewed me, are now themselves, no longer at those jobs! May God help us and our country recover from this terrible recession which took years to get into. Will watch the proceedings tomorrow on C-SPAN regarding HR 3548….Since I have no interviews scheduled and am seeing less jobs to apply to, watching C-SPAN is about all I can look forward to – Sorry for the long post, but I’m having a minor anxiety attack! It will become more than minor if HR 3548 is not passed before my EB runs out! I really feel for those whose EB has already been exhausted or will be by the end of this month. Thanks Katie for all of your positive comments – I am one who appreciates your upbeat commentary, even though the numbers are so negative. Please don’t change. Too much negativity can be a killer. PS – Remember those search for work forms for this Sunday(ugh). Again, sorry for the long rant – It’s almost 2:45 am and am still looking at my many e-mailed job postings which are for many of the same jobs I see every day, which makes me think they’re not real, and many which are BS or for jobs in NJ & CT! Good luck to all, and again, will be glued to C-SPAN – I’m sure I won’t be the only one watching…Let’s focus!

Melissa:

Thanks for the link to the article. I’ve seen that article too, but didn’t notice until clicking on the link you provided that there is also a very good video news story from ABC, regarding what it’s like for the long-term unemployed. If anybody else hasn’t seen it, it’s a very correct representation of what it’s like – I wish people who are not unemployed yet who still think we are having some kind of vacation would watch this video too.

For every 10-12 clunker rebates that were allocated, they could have used that money to fund the first year of a job for someone. If they devised creative incentives for employers, perhaps they would stop operating in “protect” mode and hire people. The banks are still running in “lockdown” they are not lending $ to people. As long there are no jobs, there will be no lending. I really get annoyed when they say “jobless recovery” that makes absolutely no sense to me. The key to fixing this mess is getting people back to work. The only people who are prospering now are the folks who have money to dump into the stock market and who can buy property that is selling for 25-40 % less than value. These are the same folks who made out like bandits during the clunker program. These are the folks who claim the recession is over. For the rest of us things will get worse before they get better as long as unemployment rates go higher and jobs are not created.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE TIME WARNER CABLE THE HOUSE CHANNEL IS 147…IM GONNA WATCH TODAY TO SEE WHATS UP! IF I SEE ANYTHING ABOUT WHEN THE VOTE IS I WILL POST IT.

MARLY911 I JUST WENT THERE AND DID IT. MAKES NO SENSE PAYING TAXES ON THE LITTLE BIT OF UNEMPLOYMENT NY GETS, BEING ONE OF THE LOWEST PAID STATES!

LOOKS LIKE ON C SPAN THEY ARE JUST HAVING A HEALTHCARE DEBATE NOW…..GONNA KEEP SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH…HAVNT SEEN ANYTHING ON THE SCREEN ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT YET..GUESS IT WONT HAPPEN TILL TONITE.

SEEMS LIKE THE UNEMPLOYMENT VOTE IS LAST BUSINESS OF THE DAY FOR CONGRESS DOESNT LOOK LIKE A VOTE TILL AROUND 7 PM.

I agree taxes are senseless on unemployment. That will be another bill we would have to address. How to pay taxes with no money.

This was just posted on CNN

Unemployment benefits: Bill could help more than 1 million jobless
With aid for many jobless to run out this month, House on Tuesday will consider extending unemployment benefits.

By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: September 22, 2009: 7:36 AM ET

Unemployed — without a lifeline

In July, CNNMoney.com told the stories of 4 out-of-work Americans who had just lost their unemployment benefits. Here’s where they are today.
View photos
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How are you doing financially compared to the start of the year?
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Americans everywhere are feeling the recession’s pain ? some more than others. View map
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — More than a million people could receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits under a bill the House is set to take up on Tuesday.

The bill would extend benefits for those living in states with jobless rates higher than 8.5%. Some 27 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, fall into this category. The national unemployment rate hit 9.7% in August, the highest in 26 years.

The extended benefits would apply to an estimated 314,000 people set to exhaust their benefits by month’s end and to more than a million who will stop getting checks by the end of the year, according to the House Ways and Means Committee. Workers in other states could qualify if their state is expected to hit an 8.5% unemployment rate soon or meets other criteria.

“Decent, hard-working Americans from North Carolina to California have been calling my office to tell me they still cannot find work after a year or more after becoming unemployed and they need some additional help to keep their heads above water,” said Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., when he introduced the legislation earlier this month.

An estimated 400,000 people are expected to lose their checks by the end of this month and 1.4 million will by the end of the year, according to the National Employment Law Project. McDermott said he will push for more comprehensive legislation in the near future.

In most states, unemployed people receive 26 weeks of state-funded benefits. Depending on where they live, they could get federally funded extensions for a total of 79 weeks.

The bill will be fast-tracked though the House, where it is expected to pass easily. Senate Democrats said they will try to address the measure soon after the House votes. A spokesman for Senate Republicans could not be reached for comment, though at least one lawmaker has said he’d support the legislation.

The cost of the additional benefits would be offset by extending for one year an employer-paid federal unemployment tax that has been in place for the past three decades, and by requiring that reporting on newly hired employees include a start date, which would reduce unemployment insurance overpayments.

Calls to extend benefits
Over the past year, Congress has twice voted to extend benefits. Still, pressure has been building on Capitol Hill to extend them again as the recession wears on and unemployment continues to rise. Governors of 22 states appealed to congressional leaders last week to quickly pass extended benefits.

0:00 /2:28As jobless benefits run out
A record 50.7% of the unemployed failed to find work within six months of receiving benefits, according to the National Employment Law Project. There are now more than six potential workers for each opening, up from 1.7 in December 2007.

Extending benefits is crucial since unemployment often continues to rise even after the economy starts to turn around, said Chad Stone, chief economist for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which advocates for workers. Also, lengthening benefits helps boost the economy since the jobless usually spend their checks.

The bill is well-targeted since it would apply to more than 80% of those about to exhaust their benefits, Stone said. They will likely continue to have the hardest time finding a new job.

The states with unemployment rates greater than 8.5% are Alabama, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

The Unemployment Session will be on at 2:00 pm!! It was shown on the screen on CPAN during the Health Care session! 2:00!!!!!

The Unemployment Session will be on at 2:00 pm!! It was shown on the screen on CPAN during the Health Care session! 2:00!!!!!

” HAS ANYONE HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT WHEN ALBANY IS GONNA GET TOGETHER TO TAKE UP RAISING OUR BENEFIT RATE?”

Last I heard the NY government gets back together again in January 2010..

SUSANNY:

I agree, it makes no sense taxing unemployment benefits regardless of what the rate is – That tax was promised to be eliminated by BOTH McCain and Obama – It began during Reagan’s years, but I think the Democratic Congress at the time was behind him and I believe that’s when the taxation of UI benefits began – I can’t understand how they help us, and then take it away – Many people don’t have the 10% taken out cause we need the money now, and also, personally, I never thought I’d be out of work for over a year. Now I owe over $1,000 to the IRS & the State for 2008 – If I ever do get a job, I will be way behind already – Completely unreasonable and unfair – We can have it changed by supporting the bill that Marly911 provided the link for, which would cover taxes for 2009. I don’t think it applies to State taxes, just Federal, but I could ve wrong. Further argument about this not being a hand-out. Remember, I promise I saw on CSPAN, the UE matter is scheduled for 2:00 as soon as they return from lunch or wherever they went.
Let’s Roll!!

Also, when I did my taxes last year, I was not entitled to the earned income that I usually would get….they tax the unemployment, but you cant claim it as income you earned….what the hell?? if you dont let me claim it as earned income, then dont tax me on it as if it is earned income…..cant have it both ways…but I guess they can, and do. But, hey, let stay positive and hope they see what needs to be done now…

I agree with all of you. I will owe taxes this year because I didnt work. I have two dependants and it wont help at all (i dont think) because I wont qualify for the eic or credits that they usually gave us when we did work..this totally sucks.

Jerry, thank you. I will be turning CPAN on at 2pm..and switch back and forth to the senate channel..

SUSANNY:

I have been in touch with people from NELP through all the batles, and wrote a letter of thanks, and at around 3;30 in the am, received a personal letter from Tiphany at NELP thanking me for telling her about this site so she could post a comment for all of us to continue calling in the am – She was up all night just like me – NELP has been great for us, as I’m sure you know. It’s great that we can see who is for and against the extension – there are enough unemployed people in the state and country to change the outcome of an election if they don’t do the right thing. I think they will – and I think there might even be a need for futher extensions since job recovery is not expected to improve much way into 2010 – This matter is gonna be supported in a bi-partisan manner, as it goes beyond pary lines – Unemployment affects everybody. Thanks for all of your posts – 2:00 – can’t wait to see this –

Caemen:

I don’t think it will be on the Senate Channel – I saw it when I was watching the Health Care meeting on CSPAN – The graphic had the schedule briefly onscreen, and I know that today’s meeting is with House of Reps, but we can check to make sure when 2:00 comes, which is only 1/2 hour from now……I wish I was excited because I had a job prosepct, but I don’t, so this is all I can hope for now, and for many others too.

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