Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
Eligibility
What is emergency unemployment compensation (EUC)?EUC is a federal emergency extension that provides up to 53 additional weeks of unemployment benefits.
The EUC program has four tiers.
- Tier 1
We can pay up to 20 weeks of tier 1 benefits. You must apply to receive tier 1. See "How do I apply for EUC?" below. - Tier 2
We can pay up to 14 weeks of benefits. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional benefits. - Tier 3
We can pay up to another 13 weeks of benefits. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional benefits. - Tier 4
We can pay up to another 6 weeks of benefits. You do not need to apply or contact us to receive these additional benefits.
When does EUC end?
The EUC program was extended through February 2012. To receive EUC you must:
- Run out of regular benefits no later than February 25, 2012, to advance to EUC tier 1.
- Run out of a tier no later than March 3, 2012, to advance to the next tier.
If you do not meet the deadlines for EUC or your EUC has run out, you may qualify for "extended benefits." Please check here for more information.
Is Congress planning to extend EUC?
On December 23, 2011, Congress extended EUC through February 2012. No decision has been made yet about additional extensions. (It's important to remember that "extending" the 53-week program does not "expand" it to provide additional weeks of benefits.)
Do I qualify for EUC?
You may qualify for Washington EUC if:
- You are not eligible for a regular claim in any state (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia) or receiving unemployment benefits from Canada; and
* The extension of EUC in July 2010 added a new provision about new claim eligibility and EUC.
If your EUC claim expired July 24, 2010, or later and your new claim weekly benefit is either $100 or 25 percent less than your EUC weekly benefit, you will be required to file the new claim, but we will pay you any remaining EUC balance on the expired claim. - You have a valid Washington claim that began on or after May 7, 2006; and
- The benefit year on the claim has ended or you received all of the benefits; and
- You run out of regular benefits no later than February 25, 2012.
Application
How do I apply for EUC?We will mail a paper EUC application to you before you run out of regular unemployment benefits. If you do not receive an application by the time you run out of your regular benefits, you can get one from your local WorkSource office or by calling the EUC unit at 877-558-8509.
Return your completed EUC application to:
Employment Security Department
Attn: EUC unit
PO Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046
You cannot apply for EUC using the Internet, telephone or fax.
You do not need to apply for the additional tiers of EUC. We will automatically set up these benefits if you qualify as each tier of EUC benefits runs out.
When do I apply for EUC?
You can apply when we send you an application. If you do not receive an application by the time your regular benefits run out or your benefit year ends, call the EUC unit at 877-558-8509.
We cannot set up your EUC benefits until you run out of your regular benefits or your benefit year ends.
You do not need to apply for the additional tiers of EUC. We will automatically set up these benefits if you qualify as each tier of EUC benefits runs out.
Filing your weekly claims
After I am approved, how and when do I file my weekly claims for EUC?Filing EUC weekly claims is the same as for regular benefits: use the Internet or call the weekly claims line.
Benefits
How quickly will I receive a benefit check?If you qualify, your benefits will begin as soon as we approve your application and you file your weekly claims.
How much money will I receive?
The most you can receive from EUC is 53 additional weeks of benefits. Your weekly benefit amount is the same as your regular weekly benefit.
- Tier 1 -
If you run out of regular benefits no later than February 25, 2012, you may qualify for tier 1.
The maximum benefits payable for tier 1 is the lesser of: - 20 times your average weekly benefit amount; or
- 80 percent of your final maximum regular benefits payable.
Not everyone qualifies for 20 weeks of benefits. Eighty percent of your final maximum benefits payable on your regular claim may result in fewer than 20 weeks of tier 1 EUC.
We will mail you a "Statement of Wages and Hours" after we set up your EUC claim. It will tell you how much you are potentially eligible to receive from tier 1 EUC.
- Tier 2 -
If you run out of tier 1 no later than March 3, 2012, you may qualify for tier 2. Tier 2 pays the lesser of: - 14 times your average weekly benefit amount; or
- 54 percent of your final maximum regular benefits payable.
Not everyone qualifies for the full 14 weeks of benefits. Fifty-four percent of your final maximum benefits payable on your regular claim may result in fewer than 14 weeks of additional EUC.
- Tier 3 -
If you run out of tier 2 no later than March 3, 2012, you may qualify for tier 3. Tier 3 pays the lesser of: - 13 times your average weekly benefit amount; or
- 50 percent of your final maximum regular benefits payable.
Not everyone qualifies for the full 13 weeks of benefits. Fifty percent of your final maximum benefits payable on your regular claim may result in less than 13 weeks of additional EUC.
These additional EUC benefits are available only if the unemployment rate in Washington remains high at the time you run out of tier 2.
- Tier 4 -
If you run out of tier 3 by March 3, 2012, you may qualify for tier 4. Tier 4 pays the lesser of: - 6 times your average weekly benefit amount; or
- 24 percent of your final maximum regular benefits payable.
Not everyone qualifies for the full 6 weeks of benefits. Twenty-four percent of your final maximum benefits payable on your regular claim may result in less than 6 weeks of additional EUC.
These additional EUC benefits are available only if the unemployment rate in Washington remains high at the time you run out of tier 3.
I received a "Statement of Wages and Hours" in the mail and it states that I am not eligible. Why don’t I qualify? And if I disagree, what can I do?
The reasons you don’t qualify may include:
- You originally applied for unemployment benefits before May 7, 2006, which was before the EUC eligibility period started; or
- The total wages on your original claim are less than 40 times your weekly benefit amount; or
- The total wages on your original claim are less than 1.5 times your high-quarter base-year earnings; or
- You do not run out of regular benefits by March 3, 2012.
If you disagree with the redetermination, you may appeal it. An appeal is a signed written letter of disagreement with our decision. Send your appeal to:
Claims Center AppealsThe appeal hearing is scheduled by the Office of Administrative Hearings, a separate agency. See Your Right to Appeal for more information.
P.O. Box 19018
Olympia, WA 98507-0018
FAX: 800-301-1795
Job-Search Activities
Do I document my job-search activities while I'm waiting to see if my application is approved?Yes. You must document at least three job-search activities each week.
What are the job-search requirements while I am getting EUC?
The same as regular benefits. You must:
- Make at least three employer contacts during each week claimed, or
- Participate in three approved, in-person job-search activities at your local WorkSource office, or
- Make a combination of employer contacts and in-person job-search activities, for a total of three.
If you are approved for Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) or the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), you do not have to meet the job-search requirements if you are making satisfactory progress in your schooling program.
I get work through my union. Do I have to look for other work outside of the union to receive EUC?
No. If you are in good standing with a referral union that participates in our program and you meet the union’s dispatch requirements, you satisfy the work-search requirement for EUC. We will verify your status with your union.
If I am on standby with my employer, do I have to look for other work while on EUC?
If we have approved you for standby, you satisfy the job-search requirement. If you do not return to work when your standby ends, you must start meeting the job-search requirements above. We will approve no more than eight weeks of standby during your claim. If you have not returned to work with your employer after eight weeks, you must comply with the job-search requirements described above and report for all scheduled WorkSource appointments.
Miscellaneous
I have a Washington claim but I live in another state. Do I qualify for EUC?You are potentially eligible for EUC because it is a federal program.
I have been approved for training benefits. Do I need to apply for EUC?
Yes. We are required to pay you EUC before training benefits. If you do not apply for EUC, your benefits may be delayed or denied.
If you have been approved for training benefits but you are still receiving regular benefits, you will need to apply for EUC when your regular benefits end.
If you are not eligible for EUC because you qualify for a new claim, you will have the option of filing the new claim or continue drawing training benefits.
Can I continue to receive Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) instead of EUC?
No. We must pay EUC before TRA. We will mail an application packet to you if it appears you may qualify for EUC. We will review your application and make a decision about the status of your payments.
Am I eligible for EUC if I had a denial on my claim while receiving regular benefits?
If you had a prior denial on your claim for benefits, the denial remains in effect until you meet the requalification requirements.
I’m an employer. How does EUC affect my experience rating and benefit charges?
EUC will not affect your experience rating or benefit charges. It is 100 percent federally funded. You will not receive a “Notice to Base Year Employer” (EMS 166). If you are a reimbursable employer, you will not be billed.
