The latest action by the Congress means that:

• The eligibility period for extended benefits, originally set to end May 31, 2003, is now due to end by December 31, 2003. This means that individuals can apply for extended benefits through this date.
• Benefits on the program can continue to be paid through March 31, 2004. This means that anyone who has applied for the program by December 31 will able to collect extended benefits through the end of March. No benefits can be paid for any week beginning after March 31, 2004.
• DET will continue to take extended benefits claims, although the continuation of the program has not been signed into law. DET will also continue to notify individuals whose state benefits are ending that they are eligible to file extended benefits claims.

-From the Mass. Division of Employment and Training website: www.detma.org/workers/52703.htm