Extended Benefits Eligibility

• Qualifying for regular unemployment insurance does not necessarily mean qualifying for extended benefits. You might qualify if your last unemployment insurance claim was in your current state. You aren't eligible for a regular unemployment insurance claim in another state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or Canada, and your "benefit year" ends on or after the effective date of your state's EB program. If your claim is in another state that's in an EB period but you live in a state not in an EB period, you have only two weeks of eligibility.
  
  

Applying for Extended Benefits

• Your state's unemployment insurance agency will mail you an Extended Benefits application if it is determined you are eligible. If you don't receive an application and have exhausted your benefits, contact your state's unemployment insurance agency. EB applications cannot be submitted online or by fax.
  
  

Receiving EB Benefits

• Follow the same procedure for filing your weekly EB claims as you did filing for your regular unemployment benefits. File online or by telephone after the end of your benefit week. If you qualify, benefits will be paid when your application is approved, including any past weeks.
  
  

Weekly EB Benefit Amount

• Your weekly EB benefit will be the same as your regular weekly unemployment insurance benefit. The most you will receive is the lesser of 20 times your regular weekly benefit or 80 percent of the amount in your regular unemployment insurance account. After your application is approved, you will receive a Statement of Wages and Hours showing your weekly benefit amount and total amount available. However, if your state's unemployment rate drops enough that the federal government terminates the program, your benefits will cease even if you have money left in your account.
  
  

Maintaining Eligibility

• Maintaining eligibility for EB benefits is more intensive than it is for regular unemployment insurance benefits or extended unemployment compensation. According to federal law, those determined to have favorable prospects of obtaining a job within a reasonable period are subject to the same job search requirements as those collecting regular unemployment benefits in their state. Many states allow such job seekers to limit their job hunt to their usual occupation rather than any available work. Federal law requires those whose employment prospects are deemed "not good" to conduct a "systematic and sustained" job hunt each week for "suitable work." That means expanding the search beyond the person's typical salary range and type of work to include anything within his capability, even if it doesn't require his most useful skills. You also might be called for a job search review to verify your job search log. Failure to meet job search requirements will result in denial of EB benefits.