99 Weeks of Unemployment Benefits Ending

According to a new report by the state’s Department of Labor (DOL), the state’s declining unemployment rate has led to a reduction in the length of time that a claimant can receive unemployment compensation benefits. Since 2008, claimants have had to access 99 weeks of unemployment benefits: 26 weeks from the state’s standard unemployment system, 53 weeks from the federal emergency unemployment compensation program, and 20 weeks from the federally funded extended benefits program.

However, access to the federal benefits depends on the state’s unemployment rate being above certain thresholds. Due to steady declines in the state’s unemployment rate, in February access to the emergency benefits was reduced to 47 weeks, and starting on May 12, 2012, the state no longer qualifies for any extended benefits. This means that 73, and not 99, weeks of benefits are now available.

The DOL estimates that these changes have affected almost 13,000 claimants and has developed a plan, in coordination with the Department of Social Services and United Way, to help them access various services.