New Jersey: Extended Benefits versus Emergency Benefits?

[apollo13]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

I have been collecting unemployment benefits for about a month and a half. On their website, LWD states there will be no more Extended Benefits but Emergency Benefits will still be available when you exhaust your original claim. What is the difference between the two and will I still be able to receive Emergency benefits (my claim dates 07/08/2012)? Many thanks!

 

[Hot Topic]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

I have been collecting unemployment benefits for about a month and a half. On their website, LWD states there will be no more Extended Benefits but Emergency Benefits will still be available when you exhaust your original claim. What is the difference between the two and will I still be able to receive Emergency benefits (my claim dates 07/08/2012)? Many thanks!

What did LWD say in their handbook or over the telephone when you called them?

 

[sandyclaus]

EXTENDED benefits are available at the state level from the state's own budget.

EMERGENCY benefits are the Federal equivalent. These are funds that the Federal government makes available to state UI recipients who remain unemployed and who are still eligible for benefits if they were available.

At least that's my take on the situation.

 

[commentator]

I do not believe that the Emergency Benefits are federal. I believe they are state. I do believe that Extended Benefits are federal, they are not state. All I can say is that the state system is good usually for not more than six months of regular benefits. If there is a Federal Extension in place at the time all your regular benefits are exhausted, based on the unemployment rate, then you'll be certified for the Federal Extension. There's not really any way you can be guaranteed this extension or any will be in place unless your crystal ball does the recovery and economy futures. There are no guarantees.

People want SO badly to be assured that this is what they are entitled to, this is what they will draw, but unemployment insurance is finite. It ends, and there are may variables that will play in. It is not an on-going support system or a career choice. Most of the states have no more than 6 months of regular unemployment. Right now there is a federal extended benefits program in place for several more extensions of so many weeks, of course we've all heard about the 99 weekers, who received that as a maximum at the height of this most recent recession, but that has been reduced, and it could change at any time with the unemployment rates and the whims of your congress. Right now your state has an emergency extension program in place for IF and When the federal program ends, your state has an emergency extension program. Wow! Most states don't. But information about your state specifically must come from your state's Department of Labor that adminsters the program in your state.

 

[swalsh411]

What did LWD say in their handbook or over the telephone when you called them?

Have you ever tried calling unemployment in any State? Practically impossible on some days because their phone system gets overloaded; literally hours on hold if you're lucky.

 

[commentator]

I agree. It does take a lot of time and a lot of patience to get someone at the Dept. of Labor to answer. The theory is (and I have actually heard a state legilator say this) "They ain't got nothing better to do, they're unemployed, after all." So they don't worry too much about eliminating the long waits on the phone.

Also, start early in the day to call. Remember that someone is getting in, it may as well be you. Most systems open up at 7:00am, at least by 8:00 and if you call early and are prepared to hold, you can usually get in eventually.Also it's a good idea to check the numbers. The number you call to file a claim shouldn't be the same one you'd call to obtain information.

There should be several numbers that you can get for the department and should be able to find something where someone can answer specific questions about your claim. Remember, they will not "give you an estimate" or answer any questions about your personal situation or how likely it is that you'll get to draw until you have actually filed the claim. Those general questions are usually answered on their websites. The OP's question is pretty general.