OREGON ADDITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS COMES TO AN END

Oregon Employment Department still waiting word on unemployment benefits extension

Salem - The additional $25 weekly payment that has been added to individual weekly unemployment benefits will come to an end this week. Known as Federal Additional Compensation (FAC), the additional payment was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. FAC was first paid in February, 2009.

Individuals filing for unemployment benefits will see their final FAC payment in next week's benefit payment. Since the beginning of the program, individuals have received more than $353 million in FAC benefits.

Also, Congress continues to debate extending the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. The current proposal would extend the program through December 31, 2011.

The Oregon Employment Department will inform affected individuals as soon as word comes from the U.S. Department of Labor. There is no need to call the unemployment insurance centers to inquire on the status of EUC. Phone lines to the unemployment insurance centers are limited and need to remain clear for those needing assistance with their unemployment insurance claims. For the latest information on EUC, visit the Employment Department's website at www.WorkingInOregon.org.

EUC was created in July, 2008 to provide additional benefits for individuals who had exhausted their original 26-week claim. Over time, Congress added three additional tiers of EUC payments. In all, the four tiers of EUC allowed for up to 53 weeks of additional unemployment benefits for qualified individuals.

No new EUC claims could be filed after the week ending November 27, 2010. Those who were receiving EUC as of November 27 can continue to do so until their current tier of benefits exhausts.

It is important to note the program being considered in Congress would not add weeks of benefits to the EUC program. It would only extend the deadline in which a person could file for EUC benefits. In other words, individuals who had already exhausted all 53 weeks of EUC, would not have additional EUC benefits.

Most individuals exhausting regular benefits or their current tier of EUC benefits will be eligible for High Extended Benefits (HEB), a program that allows for up to 20 additional weeks of benefits.