Unemployed workers who are approaching their benefit limit often ask “What can I do to extend unemployment in Nebraska?” As a general rule, federal unemployment extension programs are only available during periods of high unemployment.
- Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Nebraska
- Emergency Unemployment Compensation in Nebraska
- Past Federal-State Extended Duration in Nebraska
For those wanting to learn more about unemployment compensation, we’ve provided helpful information below.
Nebraska Unemployment Resources
Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Nebraska
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.
How can I extend unemployment? Extended benefits can be obtained by workers who have run through their regular unemployment insurance benefits.
The basic Extended Benefits allow 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. Anyone receiving unemployment insurance coverage should check with the local office for the extension requirements in more detail.
The weekly benefit amount of extended benefits is the same as the amount the recipient receives for regular unemployment insurance coverage. It should also be noted that recipients claiming benefits for unemployment will be required to look for work and accept job offers that were previously below his or her wage standard or even outside of the scope of work the applicant was previously seeking.
It is critical to note that you cannot apply for extended benefits under regular circumstances. An unemployment benefits extension can only be applied to applicants when NE is experiencing very high rates of unemployment. It is only during these times that the state/federal government will activate these extended benefits programs, and they will actually mail out notifications to the eligible candidates who will receive extended benefits.
If you are unsure about whether you might be eligible for a Nebraska unemployment compensation extension, you can always contact your unemployment counselor to check on whether extended benefits are available.
Federal-State Extended Unemployment Duration in Nebraska
The Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED), also called Extended Benefits (EB), is only available during high-unemployment periods, and you cannot arbitrarily file for unemployment extensions in NE, as they are dispersed at the discretion of the state and federal governments. If you are eligible for an unemployment extension, the government will notify you by mail.
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.
Past Emergency Unemployment Compensation in Nebraska
At times, the federal or state governments establish an unemployment benefits extension program. Extension programs are a preventative measure to avoid an economic depression. Those receiving unemployment insurance would receive extended benefits in order to help stimulate the economy.
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 not presently known if it will become active again. If you are curious about local extension programs, it is suggested you contact Nebraska labor authorities or follow developments in the national news.
Last Updated: February 28, 2023