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State recovery plan

Unemployment benefits
Beginning May 3, 2009, eligible individuals who file new claims for “regular” unemployment benefits on or before January 9, 2010, will receive an additional $45 per week throughout the duration of their claims, including any training, extended or emergency benefits that they receive.

People who opened a claim for regular unemployment benefits before May 3, 2009, and have a balance remaining on that claim, also will receive the additional $45 for the duration of their claims.  For example, a claimant who first applies for unemployment in 2009, then uses up his regular benefits, and eventually goes on to claim emergency unemployment compensation and extended benefits, will receive the additional $45 a week for all benefits associated with the original claim – even into 2010 or beyond.

Individuals who opened a claim and ran out of regular benefits before May 3, 2009, are not eligible for the additional $45 on their emergency unemployment compensation or extended benefits.  People approved for state “training benefits” will receive the $45 when they are eligible for training-benefit payments.

Also on May 3, the minimum weekly benefit will be raised temporarily to $155, with the $45 state increase (and the $25 federal increase) coming on top of the new minimum.

Click here for more information about unemployment benefits.


Shared-Work Progranm
The Shared-Work Program allows businesses to retain employees at reduced hours rather than completely laying them off.  An employer can temporarily reduce employees’ hours 10 to 50 percent, and qualified workers may receive partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

As part of the Economic Security Act, the legislature removed a minimum-workforce-participation requirement for employers, increased the number of weeks a worker may receive shared-work benefits, and provided more flexibility in when an approved shared-work plan may take effect.

To learn more:


Training-Benefits Program
The Training-Benefits Program provides extended unemployment benefits to dislocated workers whose occupations are in decline and who need training to obtain a new job. Training benefits provide income support while the dislocated workers are in training; the benefits are paid out of the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Direct costs of training (tuition, books, transportation, etc.) must be funded through other sources.

As part of the Economic Security Act:

  • April 5, 2009, workers will have more time to submit a training plan and enroll in training.
  • Beginning September 7, 2009, eligibility will be expanded to several additional categories of workers.

To learn more: