How do Unemployment extensions work?

Will I receive an extension on my California Unemployment Benefits?

• I have been unemployed since April 2010. I have not been able to find a job. I got my usual check in the mail, and it says my claim balance remaining is $175, which is about half a normal check. I checked on the California Unemployment Benefits website, and saw this: "Federal extension benefits are designed to provide further income support to eligible unemployed workers who have been out of work for a long period of time. The current legislation makes Sunday, May 23, 2010, the deadline for filing a first federal extension of benefits, once a regular UI claim runs out. The deadline for filing a second, third, or fourth federal extension of benefits, is May 30, 2010, once the prior level of extension runs out. It is possible that Congress will act again in pushing back filing deadlines for claimants to move into the next level of these extensions. But for now, those individuals filing a typical 26-week original UI claim after November 15, 2009, will most likely not be eligible for any of the four federal extensions. There is simply not enough time left before the current May deadlines to use all of their regular UI benefits and start a federal extension claim. However, claimants may be eligible for some extended benefits under a separate FED-ED program later in 2010 if the state meets certain levels of unemployment required by law. Watch the EDD Web site for any potential further developments." Does that mean I am not going to be able to get an extension and this next check of $175 is my last check??

• Answer:

  I hope so!