CONCORD – The NH Department of Employment Security announced that it is preparing to implement the provisions of the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act signed by the President on February 17, 2009. Under this bill individuals receiving unemployment benefits beginning with the week February 22-28, 2009, will have an additional $25 added to their claim for each compensable week. Individuals do not need to take any action to receive the extra $25. If they have claimed the week and will be paid for the week, the $25 will be paid on top of the net unemployment benefits.

The additional $25 weekly unemployment compensation is added to regular state weekly benefits, benefits paid under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, benefits paid by the department under Disaster Unemployment Assistance as well as Trade Readjustment benefits (TRA).

The Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act did not increase the number of weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) available to unemployed individuals. The EUC program is now set at 20 weeks of benefit eligibility. The Act, however, did extend the period of time a person can file an initial claim for EUC benefits from March 31, 2009, to December 31, 2009. Within that time frame individuals can collect up to 20 weeks of benefits. The last compensable weeks for the EUC program must be filed no later than May 13, 2010.

To file an Extended Benefits Unemployment Insurance claim, please go to File for Unemployment Benefits. If you need assistance filing a claim, please visit your nearest Employment Security Office. In addition, individuals must adhere to established unemployment laws and rules for program eligibility that include conducting the required job search and working with Employment Security staff to obtain new employment.

For more information and directions to Employment Security offices go to www.nh.gov/nhes or call 1-800-852-3400.

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