Unemployment Benefits Extended

Part of the bill passed in November to expand the home-buyers’ tax credit, also extends unemployment benefits for almost 2 million people out of work nearly a year or more. The measure extends benefits for 14 weeks for all those who have exhausted their federal aid or will do so by the end of the year. Those living in states where the unemployment rate is at 8.5 percent or above get an additional six weeks. The Massachusetts jobless rate is 9.3 percent. The national rate is 9.8 percent.

The fourth extension passed by Congress in the past 18 months would stretch federal aid to a maximum of 99 weeks, well beyond the extent of government intervention during past economic downturns. During the 1970s, the out-of-work were entitled to up to 65 weeks of assistance.

-“First-time home buyer credit, jobless benefits both extended”, Associated Press, November 6, 2009, http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/11/06/first_time_home_buyer_credit_jobless_benefits_both_extended/, retrieved 11/6/09.

11/09