“How to get an unemployment extension” and more specifically “what can I do to extend unemployment” will undoubtedly be questions on the minds of many petitioners currently enrolled in the Michigan unemployment insurance benefits program.
To assist in answering these questions about an unemployment extension, there are guidelines regarding the federal unemployment extension and for the two types of a unemployment benefits extensions.
- Michigan Unemployment Compensation Extension Federal Guidelines
- Emergency Unemployment Compensation in Michigan
- Federal-state Extended Duration in Michigan
As a general rule, federal unemployment extension programs are only available during periods of high unemployment.
One federal extension program is called the Emergency Unemployment Compensation, 2008 (EUC08) which was a one-time legislative effort to assist those who lost their jobs during the Great Recession which began in 2008. The other is called Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED).
However, these two unemployment extension programs are not currently active in the United States.
Michigan Unemployment Resources
Michigan Unemployment Compensation Extension Federal Guidelines
During times when the jobless 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, providing a higher level of economic security to those who are out of work. Extended benefits can be obtained by workers who have run through their regular unemployment insurance benefits.
The basic Extended Benefits allows for 13 additional weeks of benefits 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 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 applicants cannot just apply for extended benefits on any given day. An unemployment benefits extension can only occur when MI is experiencing very high rates of unemployment. It is only during these times that the state/federal government will activate these extended benefit programs, and they will actually mail out notifications to the eligible candidates who will receive extended benefits.
However, beneficiaries should keep a personal log of benefits received to ensure that they are awarded all the payments for which they are eligible. If you are unsure about whether you might be eligible for an unemployment compensation extension, you can always contact your unemployment counselor to check on whether extended benefits are available.
Emergency Unemployment Compensation in Michigan
There was a federal unemployment extension program that was formerly active called the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08). This program expired in 2013. It is not presently known if it will become active again. If you are curious about this program, it is suggested you contact Michigan labor authorities or follow developments in the national news.
For purposes of information, it included four stages as follows:
- Stage 1 EUC08: 20-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 2 EUC08: 14-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 3 EUC08: 13-week maximum unemployment extension
- Stage 4 EUC08: 6-week maximum unemployment extension
In general, if you consume all of your regular unemployment benefits, you normally do not have to apply for an unemployment benefits extension because the system automatically applies for you, if you are eligible. If you approach the point where your benefits will run out, contact your employment counselor to see what you have to do to receive an unemployment extension.
Federal-State Extended Duration in Michigan
Another unemployment extension program is the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED), also called Extended Benefits (EB). You can only qualify for EB unemployment benefits extension if you have exhausted all of your regular unemployment benefits and also used up all of your EUC08 unemployment extension.
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, these programs are only available during high unemployment periods and that you cannot arbitrarily apply for an unemployment benefits extension in Michigan. If you are eligible for an unemployment extension, the government will notify you by mail.