FAQ - Extended Unemployment Benefits
Tiers 1-4 Federal Extension FAQs
- What benefits are available as part of the most recently approved federal extensions?
- Who is eligible for federal extension benefits?
- What do I need to do if I believe I’m eligible for federal extension benefits?
- What is the Deferred New Claim Payment program?
- If I run out of my regular UI benefits, how do I file the first federal extension that’s been available?
- Do I need to reapply for the second, third, and fourth federal extensions?
- What are the deadlines for filing the first federal extension?
- What are the deadlines for filing the second, third, and fourth federal extensions?
- I have a fourth federal extension filed for up to 6 weeks. Can I cancel this extension and file a fourth federal extension with an effective date May 13, 2012, to qualify for up to 16 weeks?
- I received a Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed, DE 6331EUZ-E that states I can cancel my extension and refile effective May 13, 2012, what does this mean?
- Do I still need to fill out a Continued Claim Form for extensions?
- My check didn’t include a Continued Claim Form. Where can I get one?
- Can I check the status of my extended benefit checks online?
- Can I use the same PIN number that I use to check the status of my regular UI checks to check the status of my extension benefit checks?
- If I’m granted an extension, will I get benefits for any missed weeks?
- If an extension is automatically filed for me by EDD, what will I be receiving in the mail?
- Do employers have to pay for federal extended benefits?
- What if I’m still having difficulty in finding a job?
- What if I have questions about my claim and available benefits that are not answered here?
FED-ED FAQs
- What is the FED-ED extension?
- How are FED-ED requirements different from previous extensions?
- What are the deadlines for filing the FED-ED extension?
- Why would California lose eligibility for the FED-ED program?
- How will I know if this situation affects me?
- Why did I receive an End of the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED) Extension Program for Unemployment Benefits, DE 6331FED-EN4 notice?
- What is the impact on my benefits now that the FED-ED program is ending in California?
- Why is the FED-ED program ending when California’s unemployment rate is still so high?
- Will the FED-ED extensions be restored if California’s unemployment rate increases again?
- Is California in danger of losing access to the other federal extension benefits?
What benefits are available as part of the most recently approved federal extensions?
The legislation approved by the U.S. Congress and implemented on February 22, 2012, extended the filing deadlines for federal extensions of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. The legislation did not add more weeks of unemployment benefits to the federal extensions. It only extended the deadlines for filing the federal extensions. Up to 99 weeks of total benefits is still the maximum available to unemployed workers in California for extensions filed before May 13, 2012. A regular claim provides up to 26 weeks of benefits and federal extension benefits provide up to another 73 weeks of benefits if filed by May 6, 2012, 63 weeks of benefits if filed between May 13, 2012, and May 20, 2012, 53 weeks of benefits if filed between May 27, 2012, and August 26, 2012, and 47 weeks of benefits, if filed after August 26, 2012, provided by the federal government due to the length and severity of the economic recession. The total number of benefit weeks for which someone is eligible depends on their individual situation, when the prior claims were filed, and California’s unemployment rate. For the latest federal extension information, including a chart containing the potential maximum total of unemployment benefits within specific time periods, please refer to the Unemployment Extensions page.
Who is eligible for federal extension benefits?
Federal extension benefits are designed to provide further income support to eligible unemployed workers who have been out of work for a long period of time. The current legislation makes December 23, 2012, the deadline for filing a first federal extension of benefits, once a regular UI claim runs out. The deadline for filing a second, third, or fourth federal extension of benefits, is also December 23, 2012, once the prior level of extension runs out.
What do I need to do if I believe I’m eligible for federal extension benefits?
Typically, the EDD should be able to automatically file federal extension claims for unemployed workers who have exhausted all available benefits. This will help you transition seamlessly into your first federal extension or into the next available federal extension as long as you remain otherwise eligible.
Once the federal extension is filed, a notice and/or claim forms will be sent to eligible claimants. If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.
Again, we encourage you to monitor our website and follow us on Twitter for further updates.
What is the Deferred New Claim Payment program?
The Deferred New Claim Payment program was established by federal legislation in late July 2010. For eligible claimants, this program requires California to continue paying on the federal extension at the higher weekly amount even though they qualify for a new regular unemployment claim. The federal legislation that created the Deferred New Claim Payment program requires California to continue paying you on your federal extension if you meet ALL of the following five criteria:
- The end date of the benefit year of your regular unemployment claim, on which your current federal extension is filed, is July 24, 2010, or after;
- You have a federal extension filed on the regular unemployment claim, which has an end date of July 24, 2010, or after;
- You have unemployment benefits still available on your federal extension;
- The weekly benefit amount of your new regular unemployment claim is at least $100 or 25% less than the weekly benefit amount of the federal extension you are currently collecting on;
AND - You did not earn enough wages in another state to be eligible for a new unemployment claim before your regular unemployment claim ended in California.
If you meet ALL five criteria to continue being paid on your federal extension, current law states that the new regular unemployment claim that was filed will remain open for one year. Even though we are not paying you on that regular claim now, it will remain available if you are still unemployed beyond the extent of your current federal extension benefits. You will not be able to file another new regular unemployment claim until after the one year period and you will not be paid on the new regular unemployment claim for the same weeks that you were paid for on the federal extension.
If I run out of my regular UI benefits, how do I file the first federal extension that’s been available?
Once you have exhausted your entitlement to your regular UI claim, you may be eligible to file the first extension. If you are eligible to file the first extension, EDD will automatically file the first extension and send you an additional Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. No action is required on your part.
Once the first federal extension is filed, a notice and claim forms will be sent to eligible claimants. If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.
Again, we encourage you to monitor our website and follow us on Twitter for further updates.
Do I need to reapply for the second, third, and fourth federal extensions?
Once you have collected all benefits payable on your current federal extension, you may be eligible to file the next federal extension in the series. If you are eligible to file the next federal extension in the series, EDD will automatically file the next federal extension you are eligible to file and send you an additional Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. No action is required on your part.
If you do not receive a claim form in the mail from EDD after 10 days from the date you received your last check, you will need to contact EDD regarding your UI claim. A very small percentage of claims may not have been filed automatically and therefore, if you have not received any type of correspondence from EDD regarding the new extension, you may need to file a claim. You may apply online at EDD’s Web site, www.edd.ca.gov, or contact EDD by telephone. The EDD anticipates high call volumes so you are encouraged to apply online. Filing online is the fastest way to file your claim.
Again, we encourage you to monitor our website and follow us on Twitter for further updates.
What are the deadlines for filing the first federal extension?
Under current federal extension filing deadlines, the last date the first federal extension can begin is December 23, 2012. If you exhaust your entitlement to regular UI benefits before December 23, 2012, and meet all of the following eligibility criteria, you may be eligible for the first federal extension if you:
- Are fully or partially unemployed on or after July 6, 2008,
- Have exhausted your entitlement to your regular UI claim,
- Are not qualified to file a new regular claim,
- Have had a valid claim that began on or after May 7, 2006,
- Meet all eligibility criteria, AND
- Have a regular UI claim where the total amount earned in the base period is either:
- More than 40 times your weekly benefit amount
OR - More than 1.5 times the highest quarter in your base period.
- More than 40 times your weekly benefit amount
What are the deadlines for filing the second, third, and fourth federal extension?
Under current federal extension filing deadlines, the last date the second, third, and fourth federal extensions can begin is December 23, 2012. If you meet all of the following eligibility criteria you may be eligible to file, the second, third, or fourth federal extensions if you:
- Were eligible for the prior extensions,
- Collected all benefits on the prior extensions,
- Are not qualified to file a new regular claim in California or in any other state(s), AND
- Meet all eligibility criteria.
I have a fourth federal extension filed for up to 6 weeks. Can I cancel this extension and file a fourth federal extension with an effective date May 13, 2012, to qualify for up to 16 weeks?
Under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, fourth federal extensions filed in California with an effective date between November 8, 2009, through May 6, 2012, provide up to 6 weeks of benefits and fourth federal extensions filed with an effective date of May 13, 2012, or May 20, 2012, provide up to 16 weeks of extended benefits due to the end of the FED-ED program.
If the effective date of your fourth federal extension is after May 13, 2012, or you had qualified for a FED-ED extension, this change does not affect you.
If the effective date of your fourth federal extension is between April 1, 2012, and May 6, 2012, and:
- You do not qualify to file a FED-ED extension, AND
- You want to qualify for the increased potential maximum of up to 16 weeks, AND
- You are willing to give up your extension benefits for weeks between the effective date listed on your Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed (DE 6330EUZ-E) and May 13, 2012. This means that you may only receive weeks of benefits for weeks after May 13, 2012, AND
- You are willing to wait from now until at least 2 weeks after May 13, 2012, to resume collecting federal extension benefits. The EDD cannot pay you until you next certify for benefits, which is after the weeks of unemployment occur. The first claim form following May 13, 2012 will not be due until May 27, 2012. This means that you could experience a delay of benefit payments of up to several weeks.
You must do the following:
- Contact the EDD immediately online or by phone to cancel your fourth federal extension to try to qualify to receive up to 16 weeks of benefits. You are encouraged to contact EDD online. This is the fastest way to cancel and refile your fourth federal extension.
- Do not mail your claim form to the EDD, or certify for benefits using EDD Tele-CertSM or EDD Web-CertSM.
The EDD will respond to your request to advise if you qualify to cancel your fourth federal extension and have it refiled effective May 13, 2012.
- If your extension is cancelled and refiled to May 13, 2012, you will be mailed a new Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed (DE 6330EUZ-E) and Continued Claim forms. If you do not receive Continued Claim forms from the EDD by May 23, 2012, you will need to contact the EDD again.
- If you have already been paid on the current fourth federal extension, the EDD will need to establish an overpayment on the paid weeks. Once the overpayment is established you will receive notification of the overpayment in the mail. The overpayment will be deducted from any future UI benefits you are eligible to receive, until the overpayment is paid in full.
- If you do not meet the criteria to cancel and refile your fourth federal extension, you should continue to mail your claim forms to the EDD, or certify for benefits using EDD Tele-CertSM or EDD Web-CertSM.
I received a Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed, DE 6331EUZ-E that states I can cancel my extension and refile effective May 13, 2012, what does this mean?
Under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, fourth federal extensions filed in California with an effective date between November 8, 2009, through May 6, 2012, provide up to 6 weeks of benefits and fourth federal extensions filed with an effective date of May 13, 2012, or May 20, 2012, provide up to 16 weeks of extended benefits.
If the effective date of your fourth federal extension is after May 13, 2012, this change does not affect you.
If the effective date of your fourth federal extension is between April 1, 2012, and May 6, 2012, and:
- You want to qualify for the increased potential maximum of up to 16 weeks, AND
- You are willing to give up your extension benefits for weeks between the effective date listed on your Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed (DE 6330EUZ-E) and May 13, 2012. This means that you may only receive weeks of benefits for weeks after May 13, 2012, AND
- You are willing to wait from now until at least 2 weeks after May 13, 2012, to resume collecting federal extension benefits. The EDD cannot pay you until you next certify for benefits, which is after the weeks of unemployment occur. The first claim form following May 13, 2012 will not be due until May 27, 2012. This means that you could experience a delay of benefit payments of up to several weeks.
You must do the following:
- Contact the EDD immediately online or by phone to cancel your fourth federal extension to try to qualify to receive up to 16 weeks of benefits. You are encouraged to contact EDD online. This is the fastest way to cancel and refile your fourth federal extension.
- Do not mail your claim form to the EDD, or certify for benefits using EDD Tele-CertSM or EDD Web-CertSM. Once payments are made on your extension it cannot be cancelled.
The EDD will respond to your request to advise if you qualify to cancel your fourth federal extension and have it refiled effective May 13, 2012. If your extension is cancelled and refiled to May 13, 2012, you will be mailed a new Notice of Fourth Federal Extension Filed (DE 6330EUZ-E) and Continued Claim forms. If you do not receive Continued Claim forms from the EDD by May 23, 2012, you will need to contact the EDD again.
If you do not meet the above criteria or choose not to cancel your fourth federal extension, you should continue to mail your claim forms to the EDD, or certify for benefits using EDD Tele-CertSM or EDD Web-CertSM.
Do I still need to fill out a Continued Claim Form for extensions?
Yes. As one of the requirements to receive UI benefits, including extended benefits you must continue to complete the Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, and mail it to EDD in a timely manner.
My check didn’t include a Continued Claim Form. Where can I get one?
Individuals who did not receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, should contact EDD online, or call the toll-free number. You are encouraged to contact EDD online as the EDD is currently experiencing high call volumes. Contacting EDD online is the fastest way to get your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, mailed to you.
Can I check the status of my extended benefit checks online?
No, you cannot check the status of your extended benefit checks online. However, you can check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks, by using our automated telephone system. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your information. You create your PIN using the automated telephone system.
You can call the automated self-service system at 1-866-333-4606 for check information and One-Stop Career Center locations. The automated self-service system can be used by individuals who do not need to speak to a representative. The recorded information about your most recent Unemployment Insurance benefit check is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
If you want to speak to an EDD representative you can call one of EDD’s toll-free numbers.
English 1-800-300-5616
Spanish 1-800-326-8937
Chinese 1-800-547-3506
Vietnamese 1-800-547-2058
TTY 1-800-815-9387
If you have not received your check or any response from EDD within 10 days of mailing your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, contact EDD. Also contact EDD immediately if you lose your check.
Can I use the same PIN number that I use to check the status of my regular UI checks to check the status of my extension benefit checks?
Yes, you can use the same PIN number to check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks.
If I’m granted an extension, will I get benefits for any missed weeks?
In general, if you qualify for an extension you will be mailed a bi-weekly Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks of your extension. You cannot be paid extended benefits unless you submit a completed and signed Continued Claim Form, DE 4581. Once EDD receives your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, and it is determined you meet all the eligibility criteria, your extended benefit check will be issued with the next bi-weekly Continued Claim Form, DE 4581 attached to the check.
If an extension is automatically filed for me by EDD, what will I be receiving in the mail?
If the first, third, or fourth federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a notice informing you that your federal extension has been filed, and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.
If the second federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks. You will have already received notification of the amount of your second extension on the check stub for the last payment on your first federal extension.
If the FED-ED extension is filed for you, you will receive a Notice of Determination for Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits (FED-ED Extension) and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.
Do employers have to pay for federal extended benefits?
The federal government has approved an unprecedented total of unemployment extension benefits for unemployed workers during the course of the recession. They have included four tiers of federal extension benefits providing up to 53 weeks of additional unemployment benefits called Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) extended benefits. A separate extension called the Federal-State Extended Duration program, otherwise known as the FED-ED extension in California or the Extended Benefit (EB) extension in other states, provides up to 20 additional weeks of benefits.
The four tiers of federal EUC extension benefits are entirely federally-funded. This means California employers will not be charged for any EUC extended benefits paid to claimants.
Payments made on the separate FED-ED extensions, are currently entirely federally-funded for most employers. This means that most employers (mainly tax-rated ones) will not be charged for any benefits paid to claimants on FED-ED extensions filed with an effective date of May 6, 2012, or before. For individuals that file a FED-ED extension effective May 6, 2012, or before, the last payable week is May 12, 2012, even if that individual is still unemployed or has a balance remaining on the FED-ED extension. If California’s unemployment rate rises to reach the federal threshold again, California will continue to be able to file FED-ED extensions through the effective date of December 30, 2012. However, the FED-ED extension program cannot begin again until 13 weeks have elapsed since the end of the last FED-ED program.
However, governmental entities, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and a few other entities as outlined in the Employer Extended Benefit Cost Web page, are always charged 100 percent of FED-ED extension benefits paid whenever this program is active.
For more information about employers’ charges on EUC and FED-ED extensions filed with an effective date of May 6, 2012, or before, refer to the Employer Extended Benefit Cost Web page.
Employment opportunities are beginning to increase in California. In some cases you may need some assistance in making sure your resume is updated or maybe you need to enhance your skills through training to meet the requirements of upcoming job openings. No-fee job search assistance is available through a One-Stop Career Center near you. Just visit the EDD website, check out the EDD Office Locator, and enter your city or ZIP code.
What if I’m still having difficulty in finding a job?
Employment opportunities are beginning to increase in California. In some cases you may need some assistance in making sure your resume is updated or maybe you need to enhance your skills through training to meet the requirements of upcoming job openings. No-fee job search assistance is available through a One-Stop Career Center near you. Just visit the EDD website, check out the EDD Office Locator, and enter your city or ZIP code.
What if I have questions about my claim and available benefits that are not answered here?
The EDD encourages all of our customers to submit your claim questions online. Just visit the Unemployment section of the EDD website and select Contact Unemployment and look for the AskEDD link to submit questions online, as well as phone numbers for calling our UI Call Centers. Please be aware that high demand can make it more difficult to get through by phone so online can provide a more convenient option for contacting UI program representatives.
FED-ED FAQs
What is the FED-ED extension?
The FED-ED extension is typically the last extension of unemployment benefits available. It has provided up to 20 weeks of additional benefits to eligible long-term unemployed workers since March 2009. The FED-ED extension, otherwise known as the Extended Benefit (EB) program in other parts of the U.S., typically is paid to qualified jobless workers after they have already run out of their up to 26 weeks of regular state benefits and then all of the other federal extension benefits available in Tiers 1,2,3 and 4. The FED-ED extension of up to 20 weeks of benefits. However, the U.S. Department of Labor has notified California that the FED-ED program must end May 12, 2012. This means that the final effective date a FED-ED extension can begin is May 6, 2012, and the final week ending date that can be paid on a FED-ED extension is May 12, 2012, even if you are still unemployed or there is a remaining balance on your FED-ED extension. Such benefits help lessen the financial impact on jobless workers, their families and their communities.
How are FED-ED requirements different from previous extensions?
The FED-ED program is a separate extended benefits program than the “federal extension” program. It is based on a different set of laws than the “federal extensions.” The requirements to receive FED-ED extended benefits are stricter than the requirements from previous extensions. In order to receive FED-ED extended benefits, you must continue to meet all UI eligibility criteria. You may also be required to:
- Document at least three (3) work search contacts on the back of your Continued Claim Form, DE 4581.
- Accept offers of suitable work that may not be in your normal occupation.
For more information regarding FED-ED requirements refer to the Notice of Determination for Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED Extension) that was mailed to you when your FED-ED extension was filed.
What are the deadlines for filing the FED-ED extension?
The U.S. Department of Labor has notified California that the FED-ED program must end May 12, 2012. This means that the final effective date a FED-ED extension can begin is May 6, 2012, and the final week ending date that can be paid on a FED-ED extension is May 12, 2012, even if you are still unemployed or there is a remaining balance on your FED-ED extension.
Why would California lose eligibility for the FED-ED program?
The federal government requires a state have a high unemployment rate in order to be eligible for the FED-ED extension program and the state’s average unemployment rate for a three month period remains 10% higher than it was during the same time period in one of the last three years. The idea is that if unemployment is not high enough, is remaining consistent or is starting to decline, then jobs may become easier to find and the need for additional unemployment benefits should decrease. The California economy is starting to recover from the recession and while the state’s unemployment rate remains high, it is no longer significantly higher than it was three years ago. Because of this, the U.S. Department of Labor has advised the EDD that California will can no longer pay FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment after May 12, 2012.
How will I know if this situation affects me?
Chances are, if you have been unemployed for about 1 ½ years, and you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits, then you may already be collecting benefits on a FED-ED extension, or you may be collecting benefits on Tier 3 or Tier 4 of the federal extensions and are about to transition to a FED-ED extension, if you remain unemployed and otherwise eligible. The EDD sends you a notice when your FED-ED extension is filed to help you track where you are in your available benefits. Check this notice to determine if you are on a FED-ED extension. In addition, since California must end the FED-ED extension program on May 12, 2012, the EDD will be sending notices to all claimants on the FED-ED extension as well as getting out alerts through the media and on our EDD website. We encourage our customers to closely monitor our website, Facebook and Twitter sites for ongoing federal extension developments.
Why did I receive an End of the Federal-State Extended Duration (FED-ED) Extension Program for Unemployment Benefits, DE 6331FED-EN4 notice?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, California’s unemployment rate no longer meets the level required to continue filing and paying FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment that begin after May 12, 2012. The Employment Development Department (EDD) is required by federal law to notify all individuals who are potentially impacted by this end of the FED-ED benefits program. You received an informational notice because you have been identified as being potentially impacted by the end of the FED-ED program. This is because you are either currently collecting FED-ED extension benefits or you have an inactive FED-ED extension on file with the EDD that has a balance remaining on it.
Based on federal and state law, you may be eligible for FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment prior to May 12, 2012, but not for weeks of unemployment that end after May 12, 2012, even if you are still unemployed or have a balance remaining on your FED-ED extension.
If you are currently collecting FED-ED extension benefits, you should continue to mail your claim form to the EDD as usual, or certify for benefits using EDD Tele-CertSM or EDD Web-CertSM, and the EDD will pay you for the weeks of unemployment for which you are eligible.
If you are no longer collecting FED-ED extension benefits, based on federal and state law, you are not eligible to re-open your FED-ED extension and receive FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment that end after May 12, 2012, even if you have a balance remaining on your FED‑ED extension.
To be paid FED-ED benefits for any weeks of unemployment prior to May 12, 2012, you must meet all eligibility criteria.
What is the impact on my benefits now that the FED-ED program is ending in California?
Now that California no longer meets the unemployment rate threshold for FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment that begin after May 12, 2012, then EDD will have to cease all the final FED-ED payments will be for week ending May 12, 2012. That means anyone who has qualified for FED-ED benefits could continue to receive FED-ED benefits for weeks of unemployment until May 12, 2012, but after that no more benefits may be paid. That’s even if the claimant has a remaining balance on their FED-ED extension claim. In other words, FED-ED claimants may run out of their FED-ED benefits sooner than they may have expected.
Why is the FED-ED program ending when California’s unemployment rate is still so high?
Under the Federal and State law, in order for the FED-ED program to be activated in California, California's Total Unemployment Rate must reach an average of at least 6.5 percent in the previous three months and be 10 percent higher than the average rate for the same three month period during one of the last three years. Although California’s unemployment rate currently remains high, the three month average is not 10 percent higher than it was during the same three month period in one of the last three years. As of April 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of Labor, who is officially charged with determining if a state meets the required unemployment rate to continue the FED-ED extensions, has informed the EDD that California fell to only 8 percent higher than the average rate for the same three month period during the last three years, which is below the 10 percent threshold required for the FED-ED program to remain in effect in California.
Will the FED-ED extensions be restored if California’s unemployment rate increases again?
If California’s unemployment rate rises to reach the threshold required for California to begin filing and paying FED-ED benefits, it is possible for California to activate the FED-ED program again in the future. However, under Federal and State FED-ED laws, California cannot begin filing FED-ED extensions again for at least 13-weeks from May 12, 2012, which is when the U.S. Department of Labor determined that California no longer file and pay FED-ED extensions. This is the case even if California’s unemployment rate increases to meet the level required for the FED-ED program to be in effect before the 13 weeks period has expired. When at least 13 weeks have passed, and California’s unemployment rate meets the requirements to file and pay FED-ED benefits, California can once again begin filing and paying FED-ED benefits. However, even if California’s unemployment rate meets the requirements to file and pay FED-ED extensions in the future, under the law, no further unemployment benefits can be paid on any old FED-ED extensions with effective dates of May 6, 2012, or before.
Is California in danger of losing access to the other federal extension benefits?
The Federal government has extended the federal extension benefit Tiers 1, 2, 3 and 4 through the end of 2012. The end of the FED-ED program does not change when the other federal extensions (Tiers 1-4) end. However, the potential total amount of benefit weeks associated with those tiers of extensions will be going down. The potential total amount of benefits each individual may be eligible for will depend on when the individual becomes unemployed and started an initial unemployment claim, and when the individual become eligible and started each tier of extension benefits. According to the Federal law, potential total extension benefits will change throughout the remainder of the year.
For the latest federal extension information, including a chart containing the potential maximum total of unemployment benefits within specific time periods, please refer to the Unemployment Extensions page.
Important Links
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