Many people made redundant in the wake of the pandemic turned to unemployment assistance—but some found themselves still out of work months later, wondering “can I get an extension on my unemployment benefits?”
Can I Get an Extension on My Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment benefits are a valuable lifeline for millions of people in America, but they traditionally expire after 26 weeks. Under some circumstances, people can apply for an extension of unemployment benefits.
Made law at the end of March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) established three programs to help American workers stay afloat.
Part of the original CARES act, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) gave unemployed workers an additional $600 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, the initial $600-per-week payments stopped at the end of July, 2020.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) provides an automatic 24-week extension to unemployment benefits. Part of the original act, PEUC was subsequently extended through March 14th, 2021.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a federal program for gig workers and self-employed people. If you’re approved for PUA, you’ll get up to 50 weeks of benefits payments.
What Happens When My Unemployment Extension Runs Out?
People who run out of standard unemployment weeks and PEUC weeks may be eligible for the federally funded Extended Benefits program. Right now, the Extended Benefits plan is available in 42 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.