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Governor Rell signed an agreement to the extension with the U.S. Department of Labor on July 1, a day after the federal bill was signed into law on June 30. “With Connecticut’s unemployment rate at 5.4 percent, many of our residents are finding it difficult to find new jobs,” Governor Rell said. “In this economy, we need to give people more time to look for work, and 13 extra weeks of unemployment insurance will be a welcome relief to individuals who have lost a job and need help getting back on their feet. This letter is designed to help answer their questions about the program and to alleviate confusion or concerns regarding eligibility.” To receive an initial letter, individuals must meet these federal guidelines: · They have filed an unemployment claim effective May 1, 2006, or later, on which they have exhausted benefits; · They are fully unemployed (or partially unemployed and working part-time) as of July 6, 2008; · They have no rights to unemployment benefits from any state, the federal government or Canada; · They are legally authorized to work in the United States; · They are able and available for and seeking employment. Unemployment benefits normally last for 26 weeks. In Connecticut, the maximum weekly benefit is $501. For most people who were unemployed when the extended benefits program started on July 6, 2008, eligibility and benefits will be retroactive to that actual start date. According to the Governor, the Labor Department has identified as many as 120,000 people who could potentially meet federal guidelines. However, it is estimated that nearly half of those individuals may have already found new employment and will not qualify for the extended benefits. A second letter, to be issued in August, will provide specific instructions on how and when to apply for the federal Benefits Extension Program, using the agency’s automated telephone system or by applying online via the agency’s Web site. As applications are received, the agency can make determinations regarding eligibility. Governor Rell noted that since this is a federal program, employers are not charged for the extended weeks of benefits. “The extended benefits program should help not only families, but also Connecticut’s economy, because these additional checks will be used for food, shelter and other necessities,” Governor Rell said. “Approximately 800 people exhaust their Connecticut unemployment insurance benefits each week and these individuals will be able to apply for the extension program if they have not yet found employment.” Governor Rell explained that individuals who believe that they may be eligible for additional weeks of unemployment compensation should visit the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Web site at www.ct.gov./dol for further updates and information. Those with general questions about the federal program can also call the agency’s Benefits Assistance Center, weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 860-263-6785, or toll-free at 1-877-LABOR-11 or 1-877-522-6711. © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. [an error occurred while processing this directive] CURRENT HEADLINES: [an error occurred while processing this directive] Top of Page
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