Extended Unemployment

Explanation of the unemployment extension passed by the senate

2010-03-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

"The typical unemployment benefits package before the current recession tended to last 26 weeks in most states.

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) included in the stimulus package created three tiers of additional coverage. Tier one typically lasts up to 20 weeks, Tier two typically lasts up to 14 weeks, Tier three typically lasts up to 13 weeks. For those who have exhausted a regular unemployment account and federal EUC, there is are also Federal-State Extended Benefits (EB) which can run up to an additional 13 weeks. These numbers vary a bit from state-to-state, but the bottom line is that no one is able to get unemployment benefits longer than a total of 99 weeks.

The current jobs bill doesn't extend any of those tiers or add any additional coverage, such as a fourth or fifth tier.

What it does do is extend the deadlines for people to move from one tier to the next. Prior to the “phase out” period, if an applicant exhausts a tier of EUC benefits, he/she moves to the next tier. If he or she exhausts the third tier of EUC, he or she moves to Federal-State Extended Benefits. Under federal law, when the “phase out” period begins applicants will no longer be able to move from regular UI to the first tier of EUC or from one tier of EUC to the next.

Instead, if an applicant exhausts regular UI, or the first or second tier of EUC, he or she will move directly to Federal-State Extended benefits. The new legislation moves the beginning of the phase out period from April 5, 2010 to September 5, 2010. But by the end of 2010, everyone's extended benefits will have been exhausted, whether they have moved through all the tiers of coverage or not.

So the bottom line is that this isn't an unemployment "extension" as most cable news viewers would define it."

http://www.allyourtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=990&catid=990

Extended unemployment benefits deadline extended for 30 days

2010-03-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

The deadline for enrolling for extended unemployment benefits has been extended for 30 days.

The Senate voted Tuesday night to pass a one month extension which will provide unemployment benefits as well as health care coverage through Cobra.
The House already passed the extension and President Obama signed it it Tuesday night.

http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1373340-bottom-style.html

This bill does not provide any additional weeks of benefits for those that have ran out or are soon to run out of benefits, this bill simply extends the deadline for qualifying for the extended benefits programs that were already in place. This bill only helps you if you happen to fall between benefit tiers within 30 days of February 28,2010.

As of now there is no verifiable information about an extension of benefits for the long term unemployed.

No help for the long term unemployed, possable help for the recently unemployed.

2010-03-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

"Certain unemployment insurance benefits expired on February 28, 2010. Prior to expiration, an unemployed worker could receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits provided by the state in which they were employed. After the state-provided benefits were exhausted, the worker could qualify for 34 more weeks of benefits provided by the federal government. If that person was unemployed in a state with an unemployment rate above 6 percent, they qualified for an additional 13 weeks of benefits also provided by the federal government. Unemployed workers in states with an unemployment level over 8.5 percent qualified for an additional six weeks of benefits also provided by the federal government. In addition, the federal government paid 100 percent of the cost of state Extended Benefits programs which provided up to 13 additional weeks of benefits for unemployed workers who had exhausted regular state benefits or Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Last year’s economic recovery bill increased weekly unemployment benefits by an additional $25 per week.

This proposal extends these provisions, including increased unemployment benefits, retroactively to March 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. This proposal is estimated to cost $70 billion over ten years.

What this bill does is essentially extend the ability of people to collect the full set of unemployment extension tiers through the end of this year. It apparently does not create additional benefits for the long-term unemployed who have already exhausted their benefits.

A mixed bag. This bill will help many, but will leave many others without necessary aid."

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978076310&grpId=3659174697241980

4691 the 30 day deadline extension appears to be dead in the water, it has almost unanimous support from both republicans and democrats but so far there has been no mention of bringing the bill back to the senate floor. There was never an attempt for a closure vote on the bill.

Another year or fifteen days of unemployment benefits?

2010-02-25T00:31:00.000-08:00

The 15 and 30 day extensions that are being spoke of in the press are not positioned to add more weeks of benefits, they are simply an extension of the expiration date of the current extensions. If you have already started/finished tiers 3 or 4, the 15 and 30 day extension bills will do nothing to help you. If you have yet to start tiers 2, 3 or 4*, the 15 and 30 day proposals will allow you additional time to apply for the next tier of benefits. A detailed explanation of the tiers can be found in previous posts here.

There is a lot of buzz about adding an additional year of benefits but so far no legislative language has been released, it is possible they this may mean a new tier of benefits for those completing tiers 3 and 4.

"During a visit to BizTech, a business incubation center in Butler County's seat, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said that senior Senate officials told him on a recent visit to Washington that more was to come - as soon as this week.

That could include an extension of unemployment benefits for another year, followed by the extension of current subsidies for COBRA health insurance payments for another 12 months and current Medicaid assistance by an additional six months, Strickland said."

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100224/BIZ01/2250360/Strickland++More+aid+to+jobless+on+way

*(states with an unemployment rate of at least 8.5% qualify for 6 weeks of benefits in tier 4)

Senate Finance Committee is looking at a 3 month extension

2010-02-04T01:23:00.000-08:00

"The Senate Finance Committee is preparing a jobs bill that would combine job-creation tax credits for businesses with only a three-month extension of the expanded federal jobless benefits now slated to end later this month, sources familiar with the proceedings said today."

http://www.congressmatters.com/storyonly/2010/2/3/2085/-Benefits-on-the-Line-for-Millions-of-Unemployed

This could potentially be a true extension, but being that it is just now going to committee, if history is our teacher, do not expect a bill to pass until March which would mean no checks till April at the soonest.

Senate pushing for a 10 month unemployment extension

2010-01-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

This is a letter sent today from 30 senators to the senate leader.

-------------------------------
Dear Majority Leader Reid and Chairman Baucus,

We are writing to urge an extension of unemployment benefits and eligibility for the COBRA Premium Assistance Program through December 31, 2010. As our nation continues to battle double digit unemployment rates, we must act right away to continue vital safety net coverage for the American family.

We appreciate your leadership in December in securing a two-month extension to both of these programs in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill. But recent employment numbers are an indication that we must immediately extend jobless benefits and health assistance for individuals and families squeezed in this tighter economy. Nearly 40 percent of the unemployed – more than 6.1 million people – have been out of work for six months or longer. The average duration of unemployment is now at 29.1 weeks.

What is more, many of those individuals and their families lost their health coverage when they lost their jobs. On average, a monthly healthcare premium payment to cover a family costs $1,111, which represents 83.4% of the average unemployment check. In some states, the average unemployment check is less than the cost of a monthly healthcare plan premium.

Based on these figures, Congress must extend unemployment benefits and eligibility for the COBRA Premium Assistance Program through the end of the year. Short term extensions, while still helpful to families, only add strain to state agencies that must constantly re-tool their computer systems, and at the same time, continue to assist the millions still searching for work. As our economy continues on a path to recovery, we need a robust extension of safety net programs that have provided a lifeline to families since the recession began.

We urge quick action on the extension of the unemployment insurance provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through December 31, 2010, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, full federal funding of the Extended Benefit program, an increase of $25 per week in state and federal benefits, and the suspension of the federal income tax on an individual’s first $2,400 of unemployment benefits. In addition, we must also extend the eligibility period of the COBRA Premium Assistance Program through December 31, 2010.

Due to the importance of these issues, we respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss how we can provide for an extension of both programs. We thank you for your consideration of our request. All of our offices are committed to ensuring our constituents are able to properly provide for their families during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Bob Casey (D-PA)
Jack Reed (D-RI)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT)
Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Al Franken (D-MN)
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Roland W. Burris (D-IL)
Arlen Specter (D-PA)
John F. Kerry (D-MA)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Herb Kohl (D-WI)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)
Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)

---------------------------------

At first glance this part ;[We urge quick action on the extension of the unemployment insurance provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through December 31, 2010, including the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, full federal funding of the Extended Benefit program, an increase of $25 per week in state and federal benefits, and the suspension of the federal income tax on an individual’s first $2,400 of unemployment benefits. In addition, we must also extend the eligibility period of the COBRA Premium Assistance Program through December 31, 2010.]
makes it look as this simply another extension of the expiration dates of the current extensions, meaning that the long term unemployed who have already received tiers 1-3 and the state extended benefits will not be eligible for more weeks.

I will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Senate Jobs Bill On The Agenda Upon January 19 Return

2010-01-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

"One aspect of the bill that may draw mixed feelings is that almost half of the funding in the new jobs bill will extend lifeline programs for the unemployed, which suggests there could be more unemployment extensions on the way, but the specifics have yet to hashed out."

Still no details but the media is picking up on it.

http://www.rwbpress.com/2010/01/09/senate-jobs-bill-on-the-agenda-upon-january-19-return-will-unemployment-benefits-get-extension-jobs-created/

"There’s $41 billion to extend unemployment benefits for six months"

2010-01-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

There is continued talk, but nothing concrete of an additional 6 months of unemployment benefits for the long term unemployed. The house should take on this issue late this month or early next month, remember the last extensions though and do not expect a check for at least 3 months from the time the house sends a bill to committee.

"There’s $41 billion to extend unemployment benefits for six months and $12.3 billion to extend a health insurance subsidy for people who have lost their jobs. There’s extension of a child tax credit for poor families, $23.5 billion to help states cover Medicaid costs and $23 billion so states can support some 250,000 education jobs over the next two years. An additional $2.8 billion goes to clean water and environmental restoration projects."

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/news/9699

I will update this site only as more information becomes available.

Talk of a 6 month extension of unemployment benefits for 2010

2009-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

I can not find any details about the proposed extension. I will provide updates as more information becomes available.
"Democratic leaders say they will try to raise the ceiling to nearly $14 trillion as part of a $626 billion bill next week to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and other military programs in 2010. The bill doesn't include the additional $30 billion President Obama is expected to seek early next year to pay for his 30,000-troop buildup in Afghanistan but it might carry an added $50 billion to pay for a six-month extension of unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the long-term jobless."

http://www.kansas.com/news2use/story/1094923.html

House proposes another round of extended unemployment benefits by year end

2009-11-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is in addition to 3548 which is law and currently (but slowly) being implemented by the states. There are few details available, I will keep you apprised of future developments.

"House plans jobs bill before year end: Hoyer"
Since the stimulus bill was passed, Democrats have taken a few other steps to boost the economy, such as broadening tax credits for home buyers and businesses. But they have been careful to avoid terming their efforts as a "second stimulus."

"I don't want it to be as broad as that. I want it targeted on jobs," Hoyer said.

Among the items under consideration:

* A transportation bill that could cost up to $500 billion

* A tax credit for businesses that create jobs

* Assistance to state governments, which otherwise would lay off teachers, police and other employees as they cope with plunging tax revenues and rising social spending

* Another extension of unemployment benefits, which otherwise could run out for millions of jobless workers

* Health insurance for the jobless.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE5AG4OY20091117?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=11617

A done deal, It passed the house with a veto proof majority

2009-11-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

The bill passed the house today with a veto proof majority, all that is needed is Obama's signature. Once signed expect a 3-5 week period before receiving a check, that is how it took in the past.

I am so happy to retire this blog, till the next time.

I will post any relevant news as it comes up.

Extension bill passes the senate

2009-11-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

"To the great relief of many job seekers, the Senate Wednesday evening passed a bill providing for extended unemployment benefits. The bill passed 98-0, the AP is reporting. Because the Senate did not vote on the original House bill, but on an expanded version, the House will have to agree to the changes as well. However, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said earlier this week that the House would take up the legislation right away."

http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-inside-job/2009/11/04/unemployment-extension-will-finally-get-a-vote

Everything is on track for passage this week

2009-10-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

They debated the bill and the amendments today and will continue to do so tomorrow. This should pass by the end of the week.

Good new they could vote on the final bill as soon as tomorrow

2009-10-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

"The vote was 87-13 to bring the bill to the floor. Sixty votes were needed to pass that procedural hurdle.

The legislation would provide 14 weeks in extra financial aid for everyone exhausting their benefits by the end of the year, and another six weeks for those living in 27 states where the unemployment rate is at least 8.5 percent."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091027/ap_on_bi_ge/us_unemployment_benefits_2

The bill is on the senate schedule to be debated tomorrow a vote can be called at anytime, debate of the bill is limited to 30 hours max.

We are still on track from last weeks posts, we could see this on Obama's desk and signed into law by the end of the month.

Vote tonighte at 6 for unemployment extension

2009-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Senate will hold 30 minutes of debate on the unemployment extension and Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid will call for a vote at 6 p.m.

No new news Nothong will happen till Tesday

2009-10-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

See yesterday's post. I will post an update Monday evening if there is any credible information available, but again Nothing will happen till Tuesday.

Vote for unemployment extension 10-27-09

2009-10-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

A Cloture vote has been scheduled for Tuesday the 27th of October, this vote is to limit the amount of time the bill can be debated to 30 hours. They do not have to debate for the duration of the 30 hours they can vote to pass the bill at anytime if all parties agree.

http://democrats.senate.gov/calendar/2009-10.html

We should see a vote in the senate by the middle of next week, If the house of representatives waves the rules, as they did the first time they passed this bill, the house could vote 1 hour after reading the bill. It is very possible that this bill could be on Obama's desk and signed into law by Friday the 30th of October.

US Reid Files Motion To Extend Long-Term Unemployment Benefits

2009-10-21T17:19:00.001-07:00

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., filed a procedural motion Wednesday night on legislation that would extend federal unemployment benefits to long term unemployed people for up to 20 weeks.

The move by Reid effectively starts a clock which will limit debate on the bill. It still remains unclear whether any attempts to amend the legislation will be allowed. "

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20091021-718565.html

Now that Reid has started the process we should see a vote in the senate by the middle of next week, If the house of representatives waves the rules, as they did the first time they passed this bill, the house could vote 1 hour after reading the bill. It is very possible that this bill could be on Obama's desk and signed into law by Friday the 30th of October.

Nothing new but 3548 is on the senate schedule for this week

2009-10-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

It appears that information from Saturday was not accurate, it does not look they have agreed to how they are going to fund this bill.

" Republicans are seeking a cost-benefit analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, and the right to bring forward several amendments when the measure comes to the Senate floor.

These amendments are likely to include attempts to offer a way to pay for the unemployment measure so it doesn't continue an expiring tax on employers to pay for it.

But minority lawmakers are seeking votes on other measures that are unrelated to an extension of jobless benefits, such as strengthening a program in which employers use a government-run, Internet-based system to verify potential workers are legal U.S. residents."

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200910201750dowjonesdjonline000624&title=us-lawmakers-clash-over-cause-of-delay-of-benefits-extension

On a positive note the extension bill(3548) is on the senate schedule for this week.

"The Senate convenes at 2:00 pm today to take a a bill affecting Medicare physician pay (S 1776). The tentative schedule for the remainder of the week includes a bill on Homeland Security spending (HR 2892); Defense authorization (HR 2647); and unemployment insurance (HR 3548)."

http://www.washington.edu/externalaffairs/fedrelations/this-week-on-capitol-hill-october-19-23/

No new news or action today

2009-10-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

It appears the hold up is still about the bills funding though i am concerned about another potential stall when some try to attach extending the new home buyers tax credit to the unemployment bill.

"In an interview with the New York Times' Carl Huse today, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said that his caucus is "getting ready to clear the way" for H.R. 3548, but he offered no exact details about when that might occur. Same goes for Sen. Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire), the ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, who told the AP that procedural differences will be ironed out soon without providing any specific time line. "

http://progressillinois.com/2009/10/19/durbin-pushes-gop-ui

There is some information some might find educational on opencongress on the s1699 thread page 425 posted by Taylor09 on the bottom half of the page, he talks about how amendments are added to bills in the senate.

Possible agreement on unemployment extension

2009-10-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

This is the only new information I found today.

"Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, the ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, said he believes procedural differences holding up an extension of unemployment benefits will be resolved soon. He said a way to cover an extension without adding to the deficit has been determined, but he offered no specifics."

If the objection to passing this bill was truly do to the funding of the bill, we could see this pass quickly if this news story is accurate.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/washington/6673898.html

1699

2009-10-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

The goal of this blog is to provided a daily (Monday though Friday) log of the progress of bills in relation to the extension of unemployment benefits. I will do my best to answer questions daily.

As of Friday 10-16 there has been no floor debate scheduled for 1699, the senate companion bill to 3548, 3548 only provides help for states with a TUR at or above 8.5%

Efforts to pass the bill by unanimous consent have so far failed.

The are several proposed amendments for 1699 to allow for extended unemployment benefits for all 50 states, the amendment with the most support and supposedly agreed upon by senate democrats is to provide 14 weeks of federally funded benefits for states with a TUR below 8.5% and 20 weeks for states with unemployment rates at or above 8.5%.

There is disagreement in the senate regarding how the bill should be paid for. Republicans want the money to come from the stimulus bill passed early this year. Democrats are split on whether to fund the bill by extending a $14 per year employee tax paid by employers ,due to expire this year, or by taking the money from TARP. There is strong objection from republicans to use money from TARP and strong opposition from Democrats to use money from the stimulus bill. So far, to the best of my knowledge, only one republican and no democrats in the senate have spoke out against extending the $14 a year tax paid by employers.