Emergency Unemployment Compensation

People who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and who are actively seeking a new job are eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. These benefits are available for up to 26 weeks.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extended

Since June 2008, those who have exhausted their standard Unemployment Insurance Benefits have been able to apply for an additional 13 weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

This has recently been extended from 13 to 20 weeks. Here is what you should know about Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC):

• In February 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which extended the period of time that people have to apply for EUC benefits and receive payments in all states.
• You may apply for EUC once you have exhausted your traditional Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
• Not everyone who has qualified for Unemployment Insurance Benefits will automatically qualify for EUC.
• If you do qualify for EUC the amount received will be the same as you had been receiving for regular Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
• The amount of time you may receive UEC may be less than 20 weeks.
• The guidelines for applying, qualifying and receiving UEC are different in each state. Click on your state on this map to get the specific info for your state.