Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

Will I be eligible for EUC benefits under the new unemployment extension?

• I have been unemployed since 9/09 and receiving unemployment benefits. After exhausting my regular benefits, I was automatically moved into Tier I. I exhausted my benefits under the first tier on 7/12/2010. Since then, the unemployment extension has been signed into law by the President. Will I qualify to continue receiving benefits under a new tier? If so, what do I need to do? (I tried calling the unemployment 800 number, but it is always busy) (I also tried certifying online as directed on the unemployment web site, but when I go to claim my weeks, it indicates that there are no weeks for me to claim)

• Answer:

  If you have been receiving benefits for that long, I can't think of one single reason why you wouldn't be qualified for the next Tier. However, it may be a while before you see any money. States are overwhelmed with having to file extensions for all the people who got dropped waiting for the legislation to pass, plus they have to update their computer systems, and get checks issued. Some states let you know on their UI websites what is happening and if there is a time estimate for issuing the checks. I'm afraid you'll just have to be patient a while longer, although you should probably continue trying to reach someone by phone, just to be certain you're doing everything you should.