CONCORD – The Extended Benefit Program, which provides additional unemployment insurance benefits to those who exhaust their previous benefits, will soon go into effect in New Hampshire.

On July 20, 2009, the US Department of Labor advised New Hampshire Department of Employment Security that because the State’s 3-month average seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate exceeded 6.5%, the State will trigger onto an Extended Benefit period effective August 2, 2009.

Individuals who have exhausted their 33 weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) as of August 2, 2009 may be eligible for the additional 13 weeks of Extended Benefits. Historically, the Extended Benefit Program has been funded 50 percent from the state Unemployment Fund and 50 percent from the federal unemployment fund. As a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, however, federal funding will cover 100 percent of the costs for all private companies for all claims established before December 31, 2009.

New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) is in the process of identifying and notifying all individuals who are potentially eligible for the new benefits. Those who are eligible should wait to receive a notice before contacting a NHES office.

The department is employing a new benefit computer system starting August 17, 2009. All initial and continued EB claims need to be filed on paper forms available in the 13 NHES local offices across the state or by calling customer service at 1-800-266-2252.

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