Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Unemployment benefits extensions in Missouri may be available for qualified out-of-work unemployment beneficiaries when the state experiences high unemployment rates. In such circumstances, the government activates special emergency programs to provide additional weeks of benefits to recipients of unemployment insurance in order to help them get by when there are no jobs available.

However, unemployment compensation extensions are not always readily available, and you cannot simply submit an application to be considered.

Furthermore, when the programs are active, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Typically, the state government and the appropriate departments make a selection to decide who will receive additional benefits via unemployment extensions, and the eligible candidates are then notified accordingly.

Missouri Unemployment Resources

Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Missouri

When a state government decides to activate an emergency unemployment benefits extension program, many recipients of regular benefits may ask, How can I extend unemployment benefits for myself?

However, there are no specific steps you can take to meet the requirements for these programs because the government and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations simply make the selection based on who needs extended benefits the most.

Unemployment extensions are paid for a limited amount of time, and recipients should not rely on this type of assistance permanently because the amount of benefits is the same as the regular initial benefits they previously received, which were lower than their previous wages.

If you are eligible to receive an unemployment compensation extension, you will be notified by mail or phone. However, if you would like to find out how to get an unemployment extension even before the programs are activated, contact your nearest DOLIR office to see if you would be eligible.

Note that you are still required to actively seek work and accept a job if you are offered one during the extension period.

Past Unemployment Extension Programs in Missouri

Missouri federal unemployment extension programs are activated by need during adverse economic conditions in the state that have resulted in high unemployment. However, even this does not guarantee that you will be selected for an unemployment benefits extension.

During times of economic crisis, the state government and the Department of Labor in Missouri may open the Extended Benefits (EB) Program. The government may activate the EB program if the economic situation remains adverse in relation to the unemployment rate. 

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.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023