Proven Ways to Get Unemployment Extension

In times of high unemployment, like we are experiencing now, you may be worried about what happens when your current unemployment benefits run out.

February 1992, Providence, Rhode Island, USA --- Unemployed people wait in a long line at the unemployment office in Providence. --- Image by © Joel Stettenheim/CORBIS

Lucky for you, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits extension. This is a federally-funded plan that can grant you up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits. Just follow these proven ways on finding out where and how you could apply for unemployment extension.

1. Firstly, check when your current claim ends because you will not be able to apply for extended benefits until you have received all the benefits currently due to you. You can do this by contacting your local unemployment office. To find the office nearest you, simply log-on to uneploymentoffices.net – this website will also give you further information on unemployment benefits extensions.

2. It is possible that you may not be eligible for an extension even if you have received unemployment benefits before. Most states will notify eligible individuals of possible benefit extensions but you should check whether or not extensions are applicable to you regardless. Each state has different eligibility criteria so visit your state website to find out whether you are due an extension and how to apply.

3. Also, you would be advised to check the federal unemployment insurance office website to make sure that no current legislation affects the extended unemployment benefits plan. If there is such legislation in place, you may have to file additional forms but you will be directed to these in the event.

4. Once you have determined your eligibility you should prepare all your documents. These will usually just be your previous work histories, your reason of unemployment, your personal details etc. that you gathered upon initially filing for unemployment. If you have these at hand for the time of application it will make the process easier.

5. You must submit the unemployment benefits extension application respective to your state. More often you will be allowed to do this online or over the phone, although some states may require you to submit it in person. Your local employment office will clarify what you’ll need to do.

6. Most applications will be processed quickly and the unemployment office you applied to will notify you of their decision in 3-5 days. If your request was denied you may file an appeal (appeal forms also available at your unemployment office), but this may be a lengthy process and there are no guarantees of the decision being reversed.

If you are eligible and you have filed everything correctly, you will continue to receive your unemployment benefits.

Still waiting for that unemployment extension application? Why not try these 7 clever ways to make money when unemployment checks run short or try empowering yourself during unemployment and find out if it makes any difference to you.