Extended Unemployment Compensation: DEMYSTIFIED!
The Federal Extension of Benefits in Illinois was further extended due to the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Here’s what you need to know:
- When your regular benefits exhaust, a federal extended benefits claim will automatically be established on your behalf. If eligible, you will be entitled to up to 33 additional weeks of unemployment insurance at the same Weekly Benefit Amount as your regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- You must meet all eligibility requirement of regular unemployment. In addition, you must have total base period wages on your qualifying regular unemployment claim which equal one and ½ times your high quarter.
- When your claim has been processed, you will receive a monetary determination letter in the mail informing you if you are eligible or not. Once you receive your monetary determination, you may file your bi weekly certifications in the same manner as your regular unemployment.
- If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive your payment in the same time frame and manner as your current payment. To change your method of payment, you can access the website at http://www.ides.state.il.us/ and select the direct deposit link.
- After the exhaustion of any and all entitlement to Federal extended benefits, you may be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of State Extended Benefits.
By: Brad Lazarus – OWC Personal Finance Expert
42 Responses 
Leave a Reply 
Brad – I have a question. Does this mean after you’ve already received your first 26 weeks of unemployment and gotten the 26 week extension that you could qualify for another 33 weeks?
Great question.
First, you receive Regular Benefits for 26 weeks. After that, you may be eligible to receive extended Federal Benefits for 33 weeks. Once the extended Federal Benefits expire, the State Extended Benefits may kick in for another 20 weeks.
Hope this helps!
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Brad
Hi Brad,
What does this mean? “you must have total base period wages on your qualifying regular unemployment claim which equal one and ½ times your high quarter.”
Does it mean that I need to have earned 1.5 time my high quarter during the full year before I became unemployed?
Thanks
That’s right.
Example 1. Your base period and earnings:
1st Quarter = $3,000
2nd Quarter = $3,000
3rd Quarter = $3,000
4th Quarter = $3,000
Your total base period wages are $12,000, 1 ½ times your high quarter is $4500,
and therefore you would meet the monetary requirement of EUC.
Example 2.
1st Quarter = $1,000
2nd Quarter = $3,000
3rd Quarter = $20,000
4th Quarter = $3,000
In this example, since your high quarter is $20,000, 1 ½ times this is $30,000.
Because your total base period wages are $27,000 you would be ineligible for
EUC ($27,000 is less than 1 1/2 times your high quarter).
Hope this helps!
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Brad
I am so glad you posted this because I have a concern.
My first date of unemployment was September 19, 2008. I have received the first 26 weeks and then the extended 33 weeks.
I received the notice stating that my benefits ended 9/20/09 and that a new claim would be entered.
On 10/9/09, I received a Claimant Notice of Possible Ineligibility stating that I have been found ineligible for benefits. The notice told me to “refer to your adjudicator’s determination for the issue and section of the IL Unempl. Ins. Act applicable to your case.” I did not see any Adjudicator’s Determination.
I spoke with a friend who reached this point a week before me. He told me to ignore it because another letter will come and I’d start on the State extension. I never received another letter.
Do I need to call my local office?
Good question.
You are not alone – many people are automatically receiving these “Possible Ineligibility” notices. IDES has been slow to keep up with the extended claims since the stimulus was passed.
You should contact your office immediately and request that they update their system so that your benefits fall under the extension. Since contacting them by phone is a challenge, I suggest visiting your local office.
Hope this helps!
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Brad
great thanks!
I don’t understand that at all.
Brad-
I am about to exhaust my regular unemployment- and I received a certification stating that an EUC of 20 weeks will be extended if I am eligible. How do I know if my total base wages are eligible- where do I get those figures? Also why is it stated as 20 weeks instead of 33 weeks? I don’t understand?
My question is I have been on unemployment since April 2008 I got all the federal extended unemployment and the 20 weeks from the state. Do I qualify for anymore extension.
I’m confused how to calculate these number of weeks. For example: My last day of work was May 31, 2009. From the State of Illinois Department of Unemployment Security letter that I received stated that benefit year end is May 30, 2010. It means 52 weeks. Can somebody explain statements: “If eligible, you will be entitled to up to 33 additional weeks of unemployment insurance at the same Weekly Benefit Amount as your regular unemployment insurance benefits.” And then “Once the extended Federal Benefits expire, the State Extended Benefits may kick in for another 20 weeks.” What does it mean. I appreciate your clarification. Thank you, Mark
Hi Marisa,
It sounds like there was an error in processing your claim. You should receive the 33-week Federal Extension before the 20-week State Extension. I suggest a phone call to your local office to clear up the matter.
Generally, as long as there were no changes in your unemployed status, you are eligible for the 33-week extension.
You can use your paystubs to determine your wage base. Your weekly benefit amount is determined by the total wages paid to you by each of your employers during your “base” period. Your base period consists of the first four of the last five quarters (three-month periods) where you earned wages, going back from the time of your initial claim for benefits.
Hope this helps!
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Brad
At the moment, there are no further benefits available to those who’ve exhausted their extended benefits.
But a bill (H.R. 3403) introduced in Congress last month could provide an additional 13 weeks of coverage in Illinois.
You can track the progress of the bill at: http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3548/show
Hope this helps!
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Brad
Hi Mark,
All claims for unemployment benefits are in effect for a 52-week period called a benefit year. This is separate from your 33-Week and 20-Week Extension Benefits.
It tells you the 12-month period your claim will be in effect, which is your benefit year. Your benefit year stays in effect for those dates even if you were disqualified or you have drawn all of your benefits. In other words, the money may run out before the year is over, and no more benefits will be available until the next benefit year.
Hope this helps!
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Brad
Thank you Brad so much for your explanation. However, what does it mean if people talked about additional 33 weeks of unemployment insurance and another 20 weeks. Is this something that does not apply for people which positions have been eliminated this year, 2009? I can’t understand this portion. I appreciate your help. Thank you, Mark
Brad,
On a somewhat unrelated topic, can you please provide the criteria the unemployment office looks for in the event a person has to quit their job but yet still qualifies for unemployment benefits? I have been verbally abused, lied to, forced overtime, etc etc and can not take it anymore but also can not afford to leave without unemplyment benefits. How can I still qualify if i quit? Are there certain criteria for still getting benefits if i were to quit?
10/22 – Just checked with Elgin office of IDES – per them – the letter is correct. At this time, you are entitle to 26 weeks unemployment then 20 weeks Federal emergency (based on the formula previously stated) and then 20 weeks State emergency. They indicated that the web site FAQ, indicating 33 weeks, is out of date and needs to be updated.
I have a concern.
I have received the first 26 weeks and then the extended 33 weeks.
I received the notice stating that my benefits ended 10/04/09 and that a new claim would be entered.
On 10/23/09, I received a Claimant Notice of Possible Ineligibility stating that I have been found ineligible for benefits. The notice told me to “refer to your adjudicator’s determination. If applicable to your case.” I did not see any Adjudicator’s Determination. When i called teleserve for my balane. I still have $10,000. Does that mean I will be collecting another 13 wheeks of unemployment?
Thank You,
Joe
Brad,
I lost my job due to illness Dec. 2003. Never collected disability, etc. Finally well enough to work in 2007, but unable to qualify for unemployment due to time lapse. Are there state (Illinois) or federal programs available for those of us struggling with no income who aren’t currently collecting anything?
Thank you in advance.
Laurie
I was so glad to find this website! Searching info becomes confusing when you read info from another state!
My job was eliminated Dec. 30, 2008- I began claiming unemployment early Jan. I have used the first 26 weeks and went all through the nightmare of not knowing what was going on and being told to “just wait”- I apparantly moved on to some sort of extended benefits about a week later. They had me change the week I was calling on so I could pick up that week that I was just waiting…. so I just now certified for what would be weeks 15 & 16 (after the first 26 weeks)and when I called to check my balance it is really low- like maybe only a few weeks left. So I am assuming I am just getting the 20 weeks of extension…
What happens after that? Will I automatically roll onto some other extension?
I am in the JTP program so I am currently allowed to be enrolled in school and I am taking as many classes as I can tryingto get finished but if my benefits end I have to drop some of these classes!
Also- my benefit year ends in Jan.- if I am still on extensions- what then?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give!
Hello Tyger
I got the same letter and now i have a confirmation #. But theres no money in my account. What did you do and what should i do?
Hi, I reach my ending date on unemployment but i still have a remainding balance. Should i continue to claim or do i have a file a new claim?
I believe that my 25th and 26th weeks (final) of payment for my initial unemployment claim will be paid on November 27th. On my benefit payment explanation dated 11/12/09 I received the notice that my regular unemployment insurance will exhaust in the near future and that the EUC08 20 week claim will be established for me. It appears to be a standard paragraph. It says no need to contact the local office unless I do not receive the notice of ineligibility or a new wage information sheet within two weeks from the time I actually exhaust my benefits. Two questions: what would be the time frame between my final direct deposit payment for the regular benefits and receipt of my first direct deposit extension payment and how can I verify the date and amount of my final regular payment. Thanks.
Hi I been searching very hard everyday for jobs I make phone calls fax resume went to many temp agencies still no luck but I’m still waiting for phone calls and still looking for jobs the economy is not looking to good I exhausted my regular benefits and the 33 weeks I’m on the 20 week EB it’s gonna run out soon after that what will happen if I’m still unemployed will they extend some kind of benefits for me???
Okay, I just exhausted my 26 weeks of unemployment and the last statement of certification it says if you have upon exhaustion you will automatically receive 20 weeks of emergency unemployment if you are eligible, very clear I understand that. But last check was only half of my unemployment. When I receive my extension will I get money for the week they didnt pay me or will I get just a normal check in two weeks after? The Christmas holiday is around the corner just curious.
I understand almost everything about the unemployment program… however I don’t understand – if the extended benefits surpasses the length of a benefit year, do I qualify to receive the rest of those extended benefits? Last week it seems I was locked out from being able to claim unemployment (my benefit year had just ended)… but I also attempted to file 2 days late. Do I need to file a new claim to receive the rest of my extended benefits (until I hopefully find a job)… or am I disqualified from these benefits since I had not found any employment during the first benefit year?
Hi,
I’m actually in the same position now that you were in when you made this comment. I was curious if you could explain how everything went down. I certified last week for the two previous weeks, only one of which was covered by my original 26 weeks on benefits. I’m very worried because I received no info yet regarding the 20 weeks of extension, but I did receive a notice stating that I was ineligibility for the second week that I certified for last time (which wasn’t covered by the original 26 weeks). I’ve read online that other people have received this notice and that many times is just an automation glitch, but I’m still concerned.
Could you please answer this question a bit more clearly now that the link to the potential bill shows that it has been passed. Am I reading it correctly and can assume that since I am now receiving the 20 weeks of state extended and soon will exhaust these benefits that there may be another 14 weeks available…
Please make me understand more clearly.
Glenn
I was told yesterday that I have 5 weeks of benefits left of the 26 initially received. I believe I am eligible for the 33 weeks extension, but do I need to do anything before that? I read somewhere(forgot where) that I have to provide proof that I have been actively looking for a job, which is not a problem. Is this true? Also, attending night classes has not given me any suspension in benefits, but will attending night classes impede my potential extension of benefits?
I am confused…my last claim ended 11/29/09 & a new one was started for me automatically. I was on the 33 week emergency benefits when my claim ended. I got a letter about a week ago & it told me to certify on 12/14/09, so I assume they were going to finish paying the emergency benefits. I checked my balance over the phone & still have quite a bit of money left on it…but I got a letter today saying I was ineligible for benefits. Sorry if im not making any sense, just trying to figure out why I have a balance but found ineligible for benefits? & why would they tell me to certify over the phone if im not getting any more money? is this really it, or just an error of some sort. Somebody please help me understand…it would be greatly appreciated.
Darren,
I received my last 26th week of benefits today. How long did you have to wait before you received your extension funds? Where did you call to get a balance from? I am in Illinois as well, so a number would be great. Sorry I can’t answer your question, but I would appreciate if you would help me.
Colleen,
I received my last benefits this morning, but they were also for only half the amount. Could you tell me how long you waited to get your extension and if you recieved the 2nd half in addition to the full 2 weeks (total 3 weeks) It’s about that time since you wrote this comment before xmas. Thanks, Izabella
To check balance.
•call 888-337-7234(teleserve), then
•select “1″ for English (or “2″ for Spanish, etc.)
•select “3″ for “check status of your claim”
•enter your SSN, then
•enter your PIN, then
the system will guard you through the rest
Like many comment posted above, I also received the notification (right under my check — an EUC08 will be established for 20 weeks) – BUT I have only exhausted 26 weeks — what happened to the 33 weeks federal extension?? I know I qualify.
When my COBRA benefits ran out I found I could save about $1200 per year using one of those prescription discount cards. All I did was go to http://www.nationalprescriptiondiscounts.com and print up my free card. Alot of the cities and counties are giving them out to their employees too. Thank god for that! I couldn’t afford to pay full prcie. These cards are good at more 60,000 pharmacies.
Question: I had originally been told by 4 different IDES employees that I was eligible for an extention last fall in which I then certified and received 2 payments. I then was told that I was not eligible and that I needed to pay back the money. I agree that I was probably not eligible but my issue is that why should I have to pay them back when 4 of their employees told me I was eligible???? I filed an appeal but I need to know what to do to fight the repayment (the appeal is only to determine if you’re eligible or not and that is not my issue here). Does anyone know?
UNEMPLOYMENT REMAINING BALANCE CONFLICTS WITH BENEFIT YEAR ENDING (IL)?
Someone please help! I am pretty confused. I have been on my regular unemployment insurance since August 21, 2009. My last “Debit Card Benefit Payment Explanation” statement that comes in the mail every time I do Teleserve says:
“your entitlement to regular unemployment insurance will exhaust in the near future. as a result of recent legislation covering unemployment extensions, we will be evaluating your claim. we will notify you within two weeks following the exhaustion of your current claim about your eligibility for additional benefits. There is no need to contact your local office at this time. you can check your current balance by calling Teleserve & selecting option 3, claim status.”
I did this. It says I have a remainder of $831.00, BUT, it says that my Benefit Year Ending date isn’t until August 22, 2010. First off why is my balance lower than a typical month? And why, if my Year Ending date is August 2010, would my balance be $831.00? What does this all mean? And has anyone experiences this recently?
Hi Kathy,
Anyone can get FREE legal help when filing appeals for Ill. UI benefits issues by following the directions at this web site:
http://www.ides.state.il.us/legal/default.asp
I hope this helps,
Brain
Brad, I have a question regarding the latest unemployment extension legislation. Before it passed, I was under the impression that once I completed Tier 1 of EUC in September, benefits would stop, and I wouldn’t go to Tier 2. Will this legislation allow me to proceed to Tier 2 now? Any answer would be greatly appreciated, as the IDES site is clear as mud on this issue.
Thanks,
Thomas
All calculations for higher quarter and 1 1/2 ….. do not apply to me.
before loosing my job i worked 6 months period…..
Would i still be eligible for extension ?
On Friday I checked my balance via Teleserve and it was approximately $1500, this morning when I certified over the phone it said that my benefits were exhaused as of 8/14/10 so it only allowed me to certify for one week. Does that mean that I will only be getting paid for one week (which would be about $428) or will I get the remaining balance in full? Please help! Thanks!