Unemployment Benefits Crash Course

How to get in touch with your state unemployment agency

In this video, Dr. Nitin Chhoda explores:

1. Three Segments of Unemployment Benefits

2. What is EXTENDED versus What is EXPIRING and the BIGGEST MISTAKE with EXTENDED benefits

Certain unemployment benefits are expiring and others are being extended. For those in PEUC, which is the state benefit, you may not be automatically enrolled in this extension. So, if you are nearing the end of your regular benefits, you may need to contact your state agency so you can appy for the PEUC 13 week extension

3. PEUC versus PUA

THREE SEGMENTS OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

A. Regular state-funded unemployment compensation program

Workers in most states are eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits from the regular state-funded unemployment compensation program, although six states provide fewer weeks and one provides more, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)

B. 13 week PEUC extension

Under the CARES Act, states are providing at least 13 weeks of additional federally funded benefits to people who exhaust their typical state benefits.

C. Extended benefits

In states with “high unemployment,” those benefits are extended even further — another 13 to 20 weeks, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Extended Benefits (EB) have triggered in 49 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Unemployed Americans are also eligible for an extra $600 a week. However, states will pay the extra $600 only through the week ending July 25 or 26, a significant blow to unemployed workers counting on that money to bolster state benefits that average just $370 a week.

On the day this video is released, there is no indication the extra $600 a week will be extended.

This includes the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

If you have exhausted your state benefits, there is an extension for an additional 13 weeks of benefits under the PEUC – the max payout is $350 a week.

For those in PEUC, which is the state benefit, you may not be automatically enrolled in this extension. So, if you are nearing the end of your regular benefits, you may need to contact your state agency so you can apply, if needed.

Folks who were receiving PUA, who are ineligible for state benefits because they are self-employed or gig workers, can get up to 39 weeks of benefits at the $350 max through Dec. 26 as well.

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