How to get an Unemployment Extension
The U.S. government provides unemployment for people out of work, usually for up to 6 months after losing a job. Basically, this is the government's way of saying, "We know the economy is tough, and we're going to help you while you look for a new job."
The pay isn't much, but at least it's something. At the end of that 6 month period, it is possible to file for a 13-week extension of your unemployment benefit package, but only under certain circumstances. Here are some tips to follow and things to do in order to get that unemployment extension.
1. First find out about your state's unemployment policy. Some states only offer a 3-month period for original unemployment benefits, while others don't offer any extensions. Michigan, for example, recently eliminated the ability to apply for an extension on your unemployment. Go to your state's website or read the news to know if the same is happening where you live. Many states offer very few extensions, mainly to encourage a quicker return to work by users.
2. You cannot file for an extension until the 26 week period for your original claim has lapsed. Wait for an official notification from your local unemployment office saying that the benefits have ended. An optional extension period is available only if you still haven't found a job. In the meantime, you can go to your state's unemployment insurance office website to read the specific details and find out what the guidelines are for receiving an extension.
3. The only way you're going to get additional benefits is if you convince the state that you've been trying as hard as possible to find a new job. Some states require that you've actually worked for a certain amount of time during your original unemployment claim. Other states simply require that you've been looking for work. This includes setting up job interviews and handing out your resume to possible employers, all of which you'll need to prove to the state by providing phone numbers of those who interviewed you or looked at your resume in your extension application.
4. Upon receiving notification that you can apply for additional benefits, mail your local or state agency for all the needed forms if you're applying by mail. Make sure all the necessary forms are filled out and included with the application. Gather all previous job records and include them with the required paperwork. You can also go to your local unemployment office and apply through a man-to-man interview. You might have a better chance getting the extra benefits this way, as you can plead your case much better in person.
5. At this point, there's not much else you can do to apply for additional unemployment. If you are denied the 13-week extension, you can file for an appeal, which can be done directly through your local unemployment office or by hiring a private attorney to better plead your case. Appeals can take quite a long time, however - at this point, it would be much easier if you just go out and look for a job.
And really, that's the reason why a lot of extensions are denied. All the government wants you to do is find a new job. Most of the time, they feel that this cannot be done when an additional 3 month unemployment extension is granted. Once the original unemployment claim ends after 6 months, you should have found a new job, plain and simple. It's a harsh way to put it, but that's reality. You're not going to find a job if you don't go out and look for one. Make good use of the original unemployment benefits, but at the same time, don't be lazy - it isn't going to get you anywhere.
If, however, you end the 6 month period without having a new job, you can follow the above tips and steps to file for a 13-week extension period. Obviously, the economy is hurting right now, and we're hurting because of it. A job isn't an easy thing to find, especially when hundreds of other people are out there trying to get the same job you want. As long as you continue to put in the effort to look and find one, applying for an unemployment extension is perfectly understandable.
