As a general rule, federal unemployment extension programs are only available during periods when the nation is experiencing a high unemployment rate. And there are guidelines for federal and state unemployment extension programs. For Illinois unemployment beneficiaries wanting to learn how to get an unemployment extension, we’ve provided helpful information below.
- Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Illinois
- Former Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extensions
- Federal-State Extended Duration in Illinois
Illinois Unemployment Resources
Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Illinois
During times when the unemployment rate remains high, the United States Congress can vote to extend unemployment benefits for an additional period of time. Unemployment benefits extension programs are available through both the state and federal governments during periods of high unemployment rates, providing a higher level of economic security to individuals who are out of work.
Extended benefits can also be obtained by workers who have run through their regular unemployment insurance benefits. The basic Extended Benefits program allows beneficiaries receive 13 additional weeks of aid if a state is experiencing a period of high unemployment. Some states have also initiated a voluntary program to pay an additional seven weeks of extended benefits, totaling a maximum of 20 benefit weeks.
Not everyone who qualifies for regular benefits qualifies for extended benefits. The weekly benefit amount of extended benefits is the same as the amount the recipient receives for regular unemployment compensation.
It is critical to note that you cannot just apply for extended benefits on any given day. An unemployment benefits extension is only available when IL is experiencing very high rates of unemployment. It is only during these times that the state and federal governments will activate extended benefits programs, and they will mail out notifications to candidates who are eligible to receive extended benefits.
Unemployment beneficiaries who are unsure about whether they might be eligible for an unemployment compensation extension can always contact an unemployment counselor to check on whether extended benefits are available.
Former Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extensions
At times, the federal or state governments establish an unemployment benefits extension program. For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payment in 2008, but it expired in 2013. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which ended in 2021.
It is suggested that you contact the Illinois labor authorities or follow developments in the national news.
In general, if an unemployment beneficiary consumes all of his or her regular unemployment benefits, the beneficiary normally does not have to apply for an unemployment benefits extension because the system automatically applies for eligible claimants on their behalf.
If a beneficiary is approaching the point where his or her benefits are running out, her or she should contact an employment counselor to see if an unemployment extension is available to them.
Federal-State Extended Duration in Illinois
Another unemployment extension program is the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED), also called Extended Benefits (EB). You can only qualify for an EB unemployment benefits extension if you have exhausted all of your regular unemployment benefits.
If you qualify for an EB unemployment extension, you will receive additional benefits in the amount of 20 weeks or 80 percent of the maximum benefit amount on the original unemployment claim, whichever amount is less.
Remember, unemployment benefits extension programs are only available during times when the nation is experiencing periods of high unemployment rates. If you are eligible for an unemployment extension, the government will notify you by mail.
Last Updated: February 28, 2023