Yesterday President Obama signed the new $787 billion stimulus package into law. And much to my chagrin, I’m still sitting at my desk unemployed. I thought for sure that the sky would rain $100 bills, all my school loans would be forgiven and the president himself would come by to give me the deed on a Manhattan brownstone. I even made tea and cookies shaped like little dollar signs in anticipation of his visit. But he never came, and I finally just ate the cookies myself. Oh yeah, and except for the signing, none of that other stuff happened either. So, Mr. President, this stimulus thing better work, because you’re skating on thin ice. And the Jobless and Less endorsement in 2012 will carry with it at least one vote, which could turn the state of New York rosy red.
The stimulus package - the biggest since World War II - is a mix of tax cuts and public spending programs. And us unemployed get a little help in the deal. Here are the highlights…
- Weekly unemployment benefits will temporarily increase by $25.
- Recipients of unemployment benefits will not owe federal income taxes on the first $2,400 received in 2009.
- Unemployment benefits will be extended by 20 weeks, and an additional 13 weeks in high unemployment states.
- The government will cover 65% of the total cost of COBRA premiums for the first nine months.
Let’s break this down a little further, because really, what else do we have to do? A $25 weekly increase in unemployment benefits is pretty significant for the average joes among us. It’s $100 more per month for as long as it lasts – not enough to cover a mortgage payment, but enough to buy some groceries. So when Honey Bunches of Oats goes on sale (usually 2 for $5), I can buy 40 boxes. Each box is good for two meals, for a grand total of 80 meals – 10 short of a whole month’s worth. (A box would go further if I didn’t eat like I have a tapeworm.) All that’s really left to buy is milk. Manhattanites can probably get a day-old sandwich with their extra $100, and a handful of organic sugar packets if the cashier isn’t looking.
Federal income tax forgiveness will save those receiving the highest level of unemployment $60 per week. Six weeks of checks adds up to the $2400 limit, and yields a total tax savings of about $360. That savings can be enjoyed now or later, depending on how you set up your account. If taxes are taken out of each check, the savings will show up in your 2009 tax return. If taxes aren’t taken out, then the savings will be immediate. Either way, $360 buys a lot more Honey Bunches of Oats – 144 boxes to be exact. That may be too much cereal even for me. I suggest allocating this extra money to video games and DVDs. Three PS3 games and ten months of Netflix should take care of it.
The extension of benefits is a little confusing. Everyone take a deep breath before we start so your head doesn’t explode. Okay, here we go. New York unemployment insurance usually lasts for 26 weeks. Those benefits were extended by 13 weeks in July of 2008 and again by seven weeks in November of 2008, for a total of 46 weeks. From what I’ve read, the stimulus package further extends benefits by 20 weeks, plus 13 weeks in high unemployment states like New York (thank you, upstanding corporate citizens of Wall Street). But the New York State Department of Labor site and phone line only mention the original 13 and seven-week extensions and the pending 13-week emergency extension. So the new 20-week extension seems to just be the original 20-week extension (13 plus 7). That’s a total of 59 weeks of unemployment by my tally – plenty of time to dream up all sorts of great things to do if you had any money. Many of us won’t see any more money if they don’t push back the expiration date – currently August 31, 2009. Presently, only those laid off before Fall 2008 and still unemployed can take advantage.
COBRA is an act that allows employees to continue health insurance coverage after leaving employment. My individual coverage under COBRA cost me about $430 per month in past stints of unemployment. Family coverage costs two or three times that. The supplementary COBRA payments included in this package will save a lot of unemployed people a lot of money and incite many more to retain health insurance. Government COBRA payments covering 65% of the premiums will result in a savings of $280 per month for individuals (about $2500 total) and much more for families. It will also save those who would have otherwise gone without insurance from financial ruin should major health issues arise. This may be the most important aspect of the package, as far as the unemployed go.
Aside from the benefits specifically aimed at the unemployed, the package will create an estimated 215,000 jobs in New York. That number won’t be reached for years, well after our unemployment benefits run out. We’ll all need jobs way before then. For now, enjoy this little helping hand from Mr. Obama and all of his friends in Congress. Now let’s see what they can do about the banks and the housing market, both way bigger problems. Solving those would put many of us back to work and a lot more money in our pockets.
206 Comments
Any idea when the COBRA incentive goes into effect?
I don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking soon. Eligibility for the 13-week extension starts Feb. 22. A COBRA subsidy would take longer to implement. Maybe it will be up and running in a month or two. If I hear anything, I’ll do a post.
Thanks. I have to make a COBRA decision within 20 days. Would hate to pay them more then I need to and then wait fot a refund!
So glad the bill passed.
Starting with March 2009, the subsidy will pay 65% of your monthly COBRA bill directly to the employer in the form of a payroll tax credit after you have paid your 35% of the bill.
What amazes me about this whole stimulus package is that there are Republicans in my state who have said that they would seriously consider turning down the money!!! Can you believe that?!? They voted “no” on the bill and now out of spite they don’t want Idaho to get anything?!? That’s $1 billion that wouldn’t create over 18,000 needed jobs.
I’ve already e-mailed these twits and our Republican Govoner telling then that if they don’t want to dirty their hands with that nasty ‘ol stimulus money then I have a solution for them…
Give it to me, I’ll take it.
Seriously, I’ll take it!!!
And don’t worry boys, since I’m not a Wall Street fatcat or a partisan pollitician, I will be able to spend that money responsibly and wisely.
Trust me.
I really don’t understand politicians sometimes. They’re willing to turn down money that will help their constituents to show up the other party. It shows they’re more loyal to their party than the people that voted for them. And that’s terrible. They need to get their priorities straight.
Ann: Thanks for the information.
What states are considered “high rate of unemployment.” I live in Texas and we haven’t heard anything yet. Thank you.
I became unemployed 9/1/2008, therefore I fall within the timeframe of the stimulus package. I have applied for individual coverage since my severance package included 6 months of insurance.
Should I sign up for COBRA and then if approved for individual coverage, just drop COBRA?
I would see which option is cheaper and provides better coverage. And then make a decision based on that. As I understand it, you can drop COBRA anytime, but once you do you can’t start it again.
When does the $25 increase take effect in NY and by any chance is it retroactive?
I believe this coming week (2/23-3/1) is the first week for which we’ll get the extra $25. So the payment you get from the claim you make in the first week of March should be bigger. The increase won’t be retroactive, unfortunately.
I just do not want to get caught in a “no coverage” period…you know haven’t got my COBRA package and haven’t yet been approved for individual coverage…….
Also, what is the deal on the extensions? I am still on my original 26 week, but wasn’t there a 20 week extension plus another 7 weeks approved in 2008? And now two new extensions in the 2009 stimulus? So what’s my TOTAL weeks available?
Yeah, Rob, I totally understand wanting to maintain coverage without a lapse. You should be able to pick up your COBRA coverage directly after your work coverage runs out. Your former employer should be able to give you all the info. You’ll still be under their policy. You’ll just have to pay for it. You and the government, that is. The last time I used COBRA all I had to do was fill out a couple forms and then mail in a check once a month.
As for unemployment insurance, the total amount in NY is now 59 weeks. 26 weeks was the original amount. The state instituted a 13-week and a 7-week emergency extension in 2008. That’s the same as the 20-week extension they just announced (not sure why they did it that way). The just-announced 13-week extension is new. So that’s 26 weeks (original amount) + 20 weeks (emergency extension) + 13 weeks (new emergency extension), for a total of 59 weeks.
Be aware that the current expiration date for all of these extensions is Aug. 31, 2009. So as of now no emergency benefits will be paid on any weeks after that. From what I’ve read, this date should be pushed back to the end of the year.
What do an unemployed person to do about health insurance. For those of us who can not afford to pay for health insurance.
Teresa : I called the Texas Workforce Commission at 340-4300 and the recorded message said that Texas wouldn’t be receiving an unemployment extension from the stimulus package, but would be receiving the additional $25 per week for those currently receiving unemployment.
Actually, if you have alread exhausted your emergency unemployment compensation (including tier I & tier II) YOU GET NOTHING ADDITIONAL. There is nothing additional except the dates for collecting. If you have been out of work for months, you are just out of luck.
As I understand it, if you’ve exhausted the original 26 weeks and the next 20, you can still get the 13 weeks of emergency relief. I believe that’s the case for NY anyway.
I hvae been unemployed since 5/08 and have already run the UI for 23 weeks and went into extended UI for an additional 11 weeks. Will I be eligible for the additional unemployment payments and if so would I also get the additional 25.00? I live in VA and it is getting bad here since the state just laid off 1800 vdot workers. I thought Obama’s plan was for road infrastructure?
I have been on unemployment for 23 weeks and starting the 13 weeks extension now in state of Va.
what are the details for more weeks
included on the stimulus for Va?
I live in New York, so that’s the only state I really know about. But as I understand it, the $25 increase is nationwide. The 13-week extension should kick in in the next couple weeks for those states that qualify. I don’t know if Virginia is one of them. I would contact the state department employment commission. They should have the answers. Here’s the link…
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/index.cfm
Actually, the state of Texas is expected to qualify for the 13 week extension mid March. The TWC is already gearing up to handle about 90,000 requests from people still unemployed. And Norm, thank you for the funny read!
Hello Elizabeth, Do you know if the 13 week extension will apply to tier 3 applicants? (That is individuals in Texas who have already received the first two extensions of 13 weeks + 7 weeks) And, if so, and if at all possible, could you be so kind as to share your source. Great Thanks!
TOPS, I read the minutes from a state meeting that was posted on a website that OF COURSE I can’t remember where….it was in Austin and discussed the adding of temps and outsourcing the added people necessary to handle the tier three trigger extension qualified applicants. The TWC worker said in the minutes of the meeting that she expected Texas to trigger middle of March.
I am also on tier three, –which qualified us in Texas for the 7 automatically, and would make the 13 weeks, equaling 20 for Texas.
hope this helps, it’s all up to the unemployment rate continuing at 6% or more.
I have been unemployed since Sept. 13, 2008 because of Hurricane Ike. My benefits are scheduled to expire end of March. I am in the extended period, as are many that lost their jobs/businesses due to the hurricane. I have not been able to get a clear answer from TWC on if I will get extended benefits. I am hoping so because I lost my home, and everything in it as well as my job.
I have not seen the job market this bad…I have never not been able to find a job.
Call this number to find out if you are eligible for extended benefits in Texas…I am not. 866-630-3739
Texas is one of the states that is not getting extended unemployment benefits. This is due to the unemployment rate in Texas leveling off. This false statistic is because folks quite filing claims when benefits are exhausted. If your benefits are gone continue to file. This is the only way to track unemployment.
If you go to this web page and read the meeting you will in fact see that Texas is going to get an additional 13 weeks Mid March….
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/twcinfo/minutes/012709mt.pdf
Read page 23 line 23…it is NOT an extension.
Unfortunately, I see I’m not the only one confused and anxious about extension of unemployment benefits in Texas.
The meeting linked to above took place in January and were in March now.In order for Texas to “trigger” for the 13-week extension, the unemployment rate has to be at, or average, 6% for 3 consecutive months.
November’s rate was 5.7%, December’s was 6%. So if January’s is 6.3%, or both January and February was at least 6%, we get the 13 weeks.
This money is all federal and wouldn’t require any change in the law or in any way obligate business to pay one red cent.
Someone above said Texas’ rate was “leveling off”, and so I’d like to know where is the proof? I can’t find any unemployment rate information past December. I’ve even tried looking at the Department of Labor website.
So perhaps someone could share where we can see that information?
Everyone got 13 additional weeks to start. Then in November another extension was passed for 7 weeks in states below 6% and 20 weeks for states above 6% the additional 13 weeks above the 7 are called tier 2. Texas has been at 6% since mid December so we are said to trigger in mid March for tier 2. This has nothing to do with the stimulus the stimulus is simply an extension of the dates that you can collect these benefits. If you read the entire meeting you can see that they are talking about several different topics!!!
The reason the rate is leveling off in Texas is because when peoples benefits are depleted they stop filing unemployment claims…this give a “false positive” and the unemployment rate appears to be lower. A TWC worker advises that even if your benefits are gone, continue to file until you find a job.
Jessica and Pete, thank you both for your responses. After a day of filling out KSA’s for a couple of federal positions, I would welcome any extension.
I thought I read a NELP Fact Sheet that mentioned that ARRA extended the deadline to become eligible for the Tier 3 benefits from the original March 31, 2009 date to some time later, though I could be wrong.
Pete, so you are saying you were advised to file for a new claim? I thought about this too, but I seem to remember that when we received that first 13-week extension, it reset the date for when we could refile.
Again, could you both please point me to where you are getting your information about the Texas unemployment rate and jobless claims please? I would like to see the “leveling off” as well as the numbers showing we have “remained at 6% since December”.
Thank you for your great help,
Pete
Jessica, thank you for the link to the notes from that meeting, mentioning the extension for Texas, that was the one I couldn’t remember where I read it!
I also think the extension will trigger for Texas, and will wait and see like everyone else.
I believe this issue is sensitive for folks, so don’t take it personally when some people are argumentative
Thanks for all the information fellow unemployed in Texas!!
Hi there! I’ve searched & searched for info on these NY Unemployment extensions, to no avail until I found this page!
My first unemployed week was June 30, 2009, and I got the first emergency extension automatically. I thought I was also going to go right into Extension II. But I’m not seeing that reflected in the info online. It says I only have a few weeks left of remaining Unemployment benefits. I keep checking but so far, that hasn’t changed. I’m gearing up to call them…the last time I tried the recording said to call back in a few *days*!!
I am beginning to panic, as there seems to be absolutely no job out there for me…
The Texas Workforce Commission just released its Jan 09′ unemployment numbers and it came in at a whopping 6.4%. Still a full percentage point lower than the national average, but certainly predominately leaning towards the triggering (Avg. of 6.0% or more over 3 mo.) of the Tier 2 unemployment extension benefits mentioned in the TWC meeting notes in that same month.
In fact, the last three months have be 5.7%, 6.0% , and 6.4% respectively. So, we are already there, but there hasn’t been an official announcement, but stay tuned.
Nov 08′ = 5.7%
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2008/121908epress.pdf
Dec 08′ = 6.0%
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2009/012309epress.pdf
Jan 09′ = 6.4%
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2009/030509epress.pdf
Everyone see this??
http://shapleigh.org/news/2817-lawmakers-to-perry-accept-stimulus-unemployment
Finally some data!Unfortunately, if you keep reading the first paragraph, it “adjusts” the rate for December down to 5.6%, not 6%.
Now I don’t know which rate is used to “trigger” the extension, but it is clear from reading pages 10-11 of the Commission ’s meeting that they expect the state to trigger on the 11th.
As this law was already in existence before the stimulus, and Texas participated, I don’t think Perry can block any extension should we become eligible.
It’s really awful they wrote the law this way. I really hate sitting here looking to see if more people lost their jobs so some of us can get more assistance.
Lots of data….
http://www.tracer2.com/
Thanks for your link Sam. After a few minutes one is able to find unemployment data which is what we are talking about. Unfortunately the data here says the December unemployment rate was 5.6/5.7%, not 6%. In other words, the same information on the TWC website.
Even if
Dec was adjusted to 5.6
Jan was 6.4 so as long as Feb stayed at 6.0 we would qualify for the 6%
I think we are there, but why does it take Texas so long to publish their rates? They just now put out Jan uenmployment rate! I am crossing my fingers we will trigger this coming Monday. However it seems the rate doesnt change until the begenning of every month, at least thats the trend I saw here for the most part. You can see the trigger notice updates here, just select the last option Employment Compensation Trigger Notices and select 2009.
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims_arch.asp
I just ran out of my 20 weeks of Tier 1 benefits at the end of February (46 weeks total), so I likewise am hopeful that the Tier 2 extension will trigger soon. With January Unemployment rate at 6.4%, the 3-month average should be over 6.0%, so it should trigger the additional 13-week extension. Are we certain that Texas will accept these additional benefits? I know that there was chatter initially that Governor Perry would refuse the Tier 2 extension.
From what a TWC worker advised, keep filing claims even if your benefits are exhausted…
Thanks..I planned to continue to do that anyway, just to not skew the unemployment numbers.
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou090312_mh_perry_stimulus.2b5a74d8.html
Political grandstanding. The legislature will have to go around Perry. He will accept $17 billion in stimulus money for projects, yet turns down $550 million that would help his state’s residents. Does he not realize that this is a federal plan, and our money goes to other states and we still get taxed for it? He just sealed his own fate and a loss to KBH in the next election.
Note the last line of the article….
http://blogs.chron.com/texaspolitics/archives/2009/03/lawmakers_keep.html
That perry is an idiot. WTF? I understand that business owners might have to pay higher taxes and I think everyone agrees that its not a good thing but that is one sighted, what about the people struggling to make ends meet? Its obvious this jerk never had to wait for an unemployment check. Arggggggg
Also tier 2 is not part of the stimulus package, its called Federal State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. This program automatically provides federal funding to states over the 6% unemployment rate. Lets just hope that at least goes through.
Great! Looks like they are going to re adjust the Jan employment rate. I am wondering why these people cant get anything right the first time? Dont know where that will put us but it looks like we might not make that 6% after all. This is starting to seem weird now, every month they have re adjusting for TX? Perry turns down the unemployment stimulus? Also I was informed that they do not track unemployment by people requesting it. They take this data from the Labor Dept who takes numbers and data from employers. So it doesnt really matter if you are requesting payments every other week.
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/news/press/2009/031209press.pdf
From what I understood, the Labor Dept also gets info from individual states unemployment claims and new claims. How do they come up with the “adjusted rate”?
It is really screwy how we can’t seem to hit that 6% threshold. I think there may be some self-reporting going on with someone cooking the numbers for Texas.
If the job market wasn’t bad then we’d likely not be here talking about this extension because we would be working!
The President and Congress were either shortsighted or were force to throw people like us under the bus in order to help get the bill passed. At the very least they sure didn’t advertised that all the benefits go to those recently unemployed.
Hopefully this talk of a second stimulus might address our situation. Meanwhile, we wait for more folks to lose their jobs.
From the TWC site under “messages”
You can now get payment information and the status of your claim for regular benefits by using the Claim and Payment Status Quick Link to the left of your screen. The new Federal Stimulus Package authorized an increase of $25 to the weekly unemployment benefits, if you are currently receiving benefits. We will begin adding the $25 to payments in mid March. Claimants do not need to take any additional action to receive the benefits. The stimulus package did not include additional weeks of unemployment for individuals who have already exhausted their emergency benefits.
Why wont texas update their information at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims_arch.asp ? Delware triggered today and is expected to begin payments on 3/29. It seems like the IUR is updated weekly, but the SA TUR is not being updated. It has been been 6 weeks since the SA TUR has been updated. Why wont texas update their information at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims_arch.asp ? Does anybody know what the heck is going on? I am jobless, benifitless, and almost rentless. Not for lack of effort either. God, please throw me a bone!
Do the Tier 2 benefits (13 weeks given a high unemployment rate) have anything to do with the federal funds that the governor refused recently? Or is it a separate extension altogether? It is very confusing, and I agree with B that it needs to be updated and triggered
Tier 2 does not have to do with the funds idiot Perry turned down. This is a program that has been in effect for many years. It use to be states would get federal help if they went over the 4% unemployment rate, now its 6%. Texas is screwing with us. I cant help but feel that hey are a bunch of idiots working down in Austin.
The stimulus did extend the time a state can trigger from the end of this month, until the end of the year I believe.
I have to think that Texas will not be able to avoid triggering much longer. And should we get the 13-weeks, then if still unemployed, we have to wait until it hits 8% to get an additional 7 weeks:
http://progressivestates.org/node/22819
Has anyone filed for another claim as Sam suggested?
Gosh, is it me or does it just not make any sense that they are still showing under the 6% rate? It took them SO long to publish Jan rates and we are in mid March? Should we not be seeing Feb rates by now? I don tknow but with this moron Perry it just seems like nothing is going the way it should, maybe I am just paranoid because of my sleepless nights of wondering how the bills will get paid??
Cindy, I am with YOU!! I think there is alot of eroneous information out there, and the longer they take to publish the numbers the longer they can take to pay the unemployment dollars and show it on their balance books. In the meantime we are truly suffering after working for many years. Anyone think Perry care’s about that? The answer is nope.
Perry is too worried about Texas not appearing to be the “tough guy” “we can handle it”, Aren’t we a tough state” state…who do you think is resposaible for the media not getting true body count and filming of the most heavily damaged areas until crews had cleaned up?? Not just spouting off here..the State had a huge part in controlling what counties and cities could receive and when..While FEMA was the agency actually providing the services, the State had the control of Texas National Guard and when they “asked for” certain services…I’m going to stop now because it is off topic..but there is lots more if you dig around for it…
I have been unemployed for longer than I’d really like to admit and I have continued to file my claim certification through TeleServ every 2 weeks even though my benefits ran out a couple months ago. I have no clue if this will help at all, but its worth the effort to try.
Hell, just before Perry officially rejected the Federal funds, I wrote him a lengthy letter explaining my personal situation and asking him why it was that we could pony up money to give to banks without any real second thought, but then we hem and haw about helping our neighboring Texans in times of need. Haven’t gotten a response. Nor do I ever expect to.
I can only hope that they stop gaming numbers and let us trigger already.
Perry will only respond to people giving him money to campaign…I just rec my last deposit…and BTW no extra $25 for any weeks.
Found this and wanted to share…
http://www.nelp.org/page/-/UI/ARRAConcise.pdf?nocdn=1
Thanks for the link Sam. I had read that before and forgot to mention it.
One thing it tells us is that we can trigger an extension based on the national unemployment rate rather than just the state.
It also says the money is all federal, so why the state of Texas has not triggered already is beyond explanation. At least it’s beyond anything other than a political explanation.
There are a lot of people out there who forget that we had to have worked to get these benefits. They believe we just waltzed into the TWC and signed up for “a check”.
I try to do the right thing and not be bitter about these people and the things they say, but I find myself in a position where I need them to lose their jobs in order for me to benefit.Very weird.
Thank you for the link, that is interesting, and it appears that texas should trigger for additional Tier 2 benefits at any time. I will continue to file every 2 weeks and hope this happens.
I hope all are doing well, this is a tough time, so my prayers are with everyone.
I share all the feelings above about Texas and prick Perry not trying to help the unemployed! The only thing I can figure is if you go to http://www.dol.gov and look at the unemployment release calendars the feb. numbers come on the 26th if I am reading them correctly. Do not think that TX doesnt already have the numbers but why they have not been published must be an EGO trip because we need this not want it.
Sam why are you not getting the additional 25 per week? You know I lived in CA most of my life and I have to say the Unemployment Dept here (TX)stinks and they are morons. Sorry people, it just seems like they cant get anything done. People cant get through etc.
Cannot reach anyone by phone so I do not know why no additionl $25.
how come you cant get a hold of anyone? I called the local 817-420-1600 in fort worth and talked to rep and said they will be doing the $25 deposits this week and next week retroactive back to feb 22nd..
Someone on the phone told me the $25 additional payments would be made toward the end of March, and would be retroactive to Feb 22nd (so you could get an additional $100 in your end of March payment)
New info..do I smell Gov Perry seeing the political writing on the wall??
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/X/XGR_STIMULUS_TEXAS_TXOL-?SITE=KHOU&TEMPLATE=TEXASHEADS.html&SECTION=HOME
Sam, Oh how I know its all political for Bush #2. And so sorry to hear about the $25 shafting.
I agree Texaspete. It seems like we are all just waiting for others unfortunate demise. I really feel guilty for that.
Is there anything else we can do except wait for the numbers?
The next time I file is on the 31st…
OOOh! Great news Sam! Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for the link Sam. I think you’re right,Republicans are finally starting to realize that it’s not just Democrat voters who are losing their jobs and are in need of these benefits.
In a bad economy it doesn’t matter what your politics are, or your ethnicity, or anything of that kind of stuff,no one is completely safe.
Hope you get your money Sam, I know that money could really be helpful.
Finally, if you’re looking for a positive, at least we haven’t already exhausted the 13-week extension as some are surely going to be doing by the end of the month. I feel for them.
Unemployment may be extended in some states, and I hope they are but what about people whose benefits have already expired? do politians realize that a majority of people no longer on on benefits of unemployment will have to file for assistance, and welfare? What is wrong with these people voted into office? Did they not promise to listen to the american People? Do they not work for us? I think it is high time that they be limited into office and get a dose of reality! If they were to lose their job tomorrow, have their salaries taken away, and had to go look for another job, they would be shocked! Personally, if I were a perspective employer of these so called politians coming into my office, I would not hessitate to over look their application. If they can’t run this country the way we the people need it to be ran, then There is No way they could run a company period. It is upsetting that some have turned down the stimulus money. they are thinking of themselves, not the people who need it and depend on using that money to create jobs, and get this economy going. Everyone knows my story on Fired for now forums. Unemployment benefits do not pay one of my bills let alone two, and what can I do on $58- a week. If I get even a part time job(3which there is none in the rural area of Tenn. where I live) I can’t make more than $45- aweek, otherwise my benefits will be cut. I have 10% taken out in taxes on unemployment benefits, and $25- more won’t be a big dent, if it comes through. i was suppose to get my unemployment yesterday and didn’t. I don’t know what the problem is. I filled out their weekly questionaire….Anyway, i am sure a lot of us have ideas what to do with the stimulus money. If the politians don’t want it, the people do. I personally think that instead of giving these companies and banks the bailout money for them to distribute as bonuses, and such, and take advantage of it, give it to the people to put it wisely to use….
I ran out of benefits in Nov. so I have been without any funds for a while. Cant understand what the heck these people are thinking.
Cindy, I feel for you. I ended up with an extension in Nov, but it ran out in January. They don’t count those of us out of a job for longer. The job cuts hit under the table long before anyone wanted to admit it was an economic issue.
I actually got canned response from Perry’s office this afternoon.
March 19, 2009
Fellow Texans
Dear Friends,
Thank you for writing to the Office of the Governor about federal stimulus funding for
unemployment insurance.
Governor Perry has accepted stimulus funds that provide an additional $25 a week for each
Texan receiving unemployment compensation. Texas will continue to provide unemployment
benefits to all Texans who are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Governor Perry rejected a second category of unemployment stimulus funds because Congress
mandated that Texas permanently change state law to provide unemployment compensation to
those otherwise not qualified to receive payments. Those mandates would increase taxes on
employers over the long term – long after federal funding expires – which would stymie
employers’ ability to create new jobs and result in higher prices for consumers.
The bottom line is that Governor Perry believes the best way to address unemployment is
through job creation. To learn more about Governor Perry’s decision and his reasons for making
it, visit http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/12087/.
For specific questions about unemployment compensation, you may wish to contact the Texas
Workforce Commission (TWC). Information on TWC is available at
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/offices.html.
Please contact us whenever we can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Dede Keith
Constituent Communication Division
Boy, doesn’t that make you feel all warm and fuzzy? I just can’t wait to see what kind of jobs will be created and who will be doing them.
Well…it looks like initial claims are UP in Texas…
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/press/2009/031909.asp
Samantha, that letter you received was Perry justifying his political decision wasn’t it. And you are correct, not at all warm OR fuzzy. I honestly believe he chose the unemployment dollars vs. the highway or expansion dollars to reject because we as the unemployed have a quieter voice. No big lobby, no big dollars to donate, and no way to affect him negatively. If he turned down money for the construction, he would get a HUGE backlash.
So, in effect we became the red headed stepchild!
I am SOO angry. Yes just came in here to say that. sorry.
I went on unemployment in january for first time ever, Im 39.. I was on ly on it for 3 payments basically. I didnt lay around and sepnd time complaining on forums about this. I think the reject was good. People can go get a job if they want one.. I did and many other people i worked with before did as well. they didnt complain and instead of just sending 1 resume a week(like TWC minimum requirements said), they actually went out and tried to get a job.. instead of having everything handed to them on a platter.. stop complaining and go get a job.. sorry, but im tired of people complaining about this..
Congrats on finding a job so quickly. I’ve heard of a few other people having success finding a job. But most people I know spend a lot of time looking and have nothing to show for it. The people I’ve encountered aren’t using forums like this as a place to vent instead of looking for a job, but because finding a job is so hard. People aren’t slacking. People’s failure to find work isn’t because of laziness or procrastination. It’s a rough job market out there and getting rougher every day.
Kaleb, you have made the generalization that all unemployed people do is “complain”. That would be like me saying. All blondes smell like fish. Utterly ridiculous. There are many, many people in very tough situations. I have been unemployed since October. I have a wife, two children, a mortgage, and a flippin masters degree. I CANNOT find work. I DO NOT sit around and complain while I wait for a check. I actively pursue EVERY possible job I am qualified, over qualified, and under qualified for. This “platter” you are talking about is the ONLY thing keeping us afloat right now. You have proved yourself to be a bigoted plebian cowering behind skewed condescending generalizations.
Kaleb, you should know better. WTF? You dont know anything about all these people, how dare you pass judgement? What the heck are you doing in here anyway huh? I will tell you I am administrator with 15 years experience in project management and I send aproximately 10-15 resumes out a day. I have been on interviews where I am turned down for being over qualified. Also I have gotten calls from places that are 2 hrs away from where I live with a 10.00 per hour wage. That is insane. Am I suppose to move my entire family for a 10.00 job? What about my husbands job? Seriously, who died and made you god? I hope that little bubble you live in bursts. I guess most of us are eating bon bons and watching tv, oh except for the time we log in to vent. What a moron.
Hear, hear, B! It is also possible that this Kaleb person is just trying to incite a reaction.
So what I shall do is ignore people that haven’t been where I am, or are just not there YET.
Norm, you addressed the comments very professionally as well, kudos for you for this forum!
Hello all. This is just a quick reminder that we need to be civil in this forum. And so far we have been. The current job market and unemployment are very sensitive issues, ones that incite strong emotions. As long as comments continue to constructively contribute to the dialogue I will continue to post them. Comments that are disrespectful or inflammatory will not be posted. Thank you for your understanding.
Its my opinion and Im entitled to it. I do wish everyone would get a job. The problem is the markets down so most will have to take a pay decrease and they refuse.. I myself have 3 children and an ex wife.. I pay child support, alimony, along with her other darn bills and my own bills. Im just saying, there are jobs that can be had. And yes, I do hear complaining here.
Kaleb, since you’ve shared your contempt with us, why don’t you please share how you and the other people you mentioned found work?
Did you know someone and get the job through a contact? Did you construct your resume a certain way?
Instead of trying your best to incite us, why not share best practices? What field are you in? Did you remain in that field? What did those others you spoke about do to get their new jobs so quickly?
Do you speak more than one language?What part of the country to you live/work in?
Lastly, I would like to point out to you that what you perceive as complaint, is really frustration and desperation? We are all people who are used to working but now through no fault of our own find ourselves in need of some assistance.
Do any of you know why the numbers have not been updated today for the weekly rates?
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims_arch.asp
No idea. I am so frustrated! Why is the state of Texas treating us like this? I thought I read somewhere that we can be triggered if the national unemployment rate reaches 8.4%. Does anybody know if that is correct? Because, at this point I have given up on Texas triggering. There is some funny stuff going on at the TWC.
Congrats on finding a job…I hope it is secure and there is no chance of a layoff…
Lookng for a jo IS a job. I spend at least 5 hours a day searching, sending resumes and calling…I spend 3 to 4 hours a ay searching for a house for myself and my family…It was wiped out by hurricane Ike…the company I was working for…plus many businesses in the area were also closed because of the storm. I can honestly say I have never been without a job this long. I am educated, and have 20+ years experience. I have been offered jobs (as another poster noted)at $10-$12 per hour that are an hour or two away. I have been told I am over qualified at LEAST 50 times…So before throwing stones..count your blessings…and your LUCK…as you commute from your glass house…and keep your fingers crossed.
Cindy, its been that way for around 2 months now. It seems that as soon as they publish the numbers, a ton of us will trigger for extended benefits from the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. I am guessing this is whats keeping them from posting the numbers.
Its really frustrating though.
So frustrating…Thank you for good information here. My extended benefits ran out in Jan 09 also. I should be able to qualify for the 2nd tier but can’t figure out when that has or will trigger. I continued to apply for benefits and receiving the message that benefits had run out. So I let 3 weeks go by without applying/requesting for benefits/payments which was a mistake. I have to speak to someone now at TWC and the wait times are 30+ minutes. The message online tells me to call the center. So don’t wait longer than the 2 weeks to log into the TWC request page.
Well…more bad news. After a 33 minute wait for a TWC person on my cell phone they informed me that I have already received my tier 2 benefits. That was triggered on last November 08. Nothing is available for those of us still unemployed.
How many weeks of emergency benefits did you get total? The extra 13 weeks we are talking about have nothing to do with the original 20. Also FYI 99% of the employees at TWC have no clue about the extended benefits when the state triggers 6%
Terri cheer up. What we refer to as “Tier 2″ is different than that of the TWC. To them, the 7-week extension is “Tier 2″.
What we’re calling “Tier 2″ is actually the 13-week extension available to high unemployment states.
So as soon as Texas meets the 6% 3-month unemployment rate average, we all will get the 13-week extension.
Also, if the state should reach 8%, there is an additional extension as well.
I received 13 weeks in emergency benefits last July then another 7 weeks this past Nov.
She explained to me that the 7 weeks was the tier 2 benefits. I tried to explain to her that there is additional 13 from tier 2 after the 20 weeks is exhausted and she disagreed with me. She was clueless and thanks for helping me to understand all of this.
CCH® HR MANAGEMENT – 12/16/08
President signs UI extension bill
President Bush on November 21 signed H.R. 6867, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008. The new law extends emergency unemployment benefits to twenty weeks and establishes a second tier of 13 weeks of compensation for individuals in states with high unemployment rates, noted a White House statement. High unemployment states are defined as having a seasonally-adjusted, three-month average total unemployment rate of 6 percent, providing a total of up to 33 weeks of extended benefits.”
Just read this at http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h6867/show
Geez TWC is totally clueless.
Teri, I too am in the same predicament as you are. Mine was extended in Nov. as well. As Cindy said, the one we are talking about has nothing to do with the previous extension that Bush signed before leaving office.
Have hope.
The one we are waiting for is part of the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970. Cindy’s post above cites that “This program automatically provides federal funding to states over the 6% unemployment rate.”
Here is a link to the pdf for you to read over. We aren’t completely out of luck yet
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/EB_law_for_web.pdf
Is there not a national unemployment rate that can trigger all the states? I believe I read that somewhere, but cannot remember what the percentage was. Can anybody verify this or know the percentage required?
B if the national average hits 8% I think it will trigger and I think we are in the mid 7’s now. If someone has other info please correct me.
ny.gov says i never filed a claim for w/e 3/13… did anyone else experience this glitch? also, does anyone know how to handle a missed weeks claim? am i suspended? can i refile for this missing week?? tnx
I am so grateful for the sharing of information, and encouragement on this forum. I am almost at my wits end never before having to late pay the rent and bills that used to be standard practice.
Texas, lets take care of our own!
http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1722867.html
So California gets another 20 weeks AFTER tier II ?
I have not continued to request payment, I just personally dont think it makes a difference at all. When the money is there for the extra weeks they will let us know. I am tracking everything online so I will call them a week or so after I see it trigger.
Argggggggg. I sure miss living in CA now!! They are giving them an extra 5 months on top of the First extension of 20 weeks and the extra 20 weeks of emergency unemployment(when state triggered) we are still waiting for!
I want to know what is going on with our numbers darnit! What is up with Texas right now??
Looks like the national seasonal adjusted unemployment rate is now 8.1! What is going on with us? Correct me if I am wrong check the following:
http://www.bls.gov/cps/
Sounds like California gets an additional 20 weeks after the Tier 2 benefits, from FEDERAL funds. Why haven’t we even triggered for the Tier 2 extension with our unemployment rate? I guess it is irritating that other states are receiving further benefits and our state’s tax dollars are funding them. Hopefully something gets resolved in Texas.
I believe that is the federal money Perry did not want because after the federal $$$ runs out he is afraid Texas will have to pay….Guess folks in CA are smart enough to try to pass legislation that says when the federal moneyruns out that’s the end of benefits….
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/twcinfo/agendas/032409.pdf
Thank you Cindy. This forum is a great help for all of us in this tough situation. Thank you for keeping it up and running Norm!
Oh you have got to be kidding me Elizabeth. It looks like they are using MORE Federal money.
I mean, really. If California can do it, as broke as they are going, why won’t Texas?
Oh yeah, politics.
Anyone heard anymore on TWC/Pauken expecting us to trigger the middle/end of March? I know there was that link to the TWC meeting with the notes from the beginning of this month. That’s the last I have heard of that.
I am extremely grateful for all the information provided here as well. It certainly does encourage me.
Looks like Kay Bailey is coming down hard on Perry for not exploring other options aside from just flat out rejecting the money. Still looks fairly political, unfortunately.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-govrace_24tex.ART.State.Edition1.4a60cd2.html
Yes, thanks to Norm for this forum. I agree with Elizabeth that it is great to have a place to share information and gain a glimmer of hope.
I guess we wait until the 27th to find out if we “trigger”.
Elizabeth I think California get the additional extension because they have gone over the 8% threshold mentioned in the stimulus bill.
We can get it too should Texas reach 8%.
So again, it’s back to needing more people to lose their jobs so we all can get some assistance.
Why Congress and the President didn’t just extend everyone previously covered, and those recently unemployed, until the end of the year..or better yet, the end of the recession, I don’t know.
Here’s to hoping the numbers aren’t being altered or somehow hidden by the powers that be to support what Perry said about Texas not ‘needing’ the Fed funds.
Texaspete you made me laugh when you said they should extend us until the recession ends.
But ya’ll please…..don’t lose hope, AMERICA!!
Norm, why don’t you let advertisers place ads so you could make money off your forum here? Then you truly wouldn’t need a ‘real’ job!
I promise I would still encourage myself and everyone to visit your site just as often!
Elizabeth I’m glad that you got a chuckle out of that. I guess I was channeling my inner European.
A friend in the UK tells me that in most of Europe, the tenure for unemployment benefits is a period of years, not months. Also they get like 80% of their last salary.
I know such a thing will never fly here(assuming this recession doesn’t turn into something much worse)but it gives you something to wonder about.
This will be fun to watch what Texas does because I know for a fact that unemployment claims are up in Texas but I have feeling our rate will go down as if that would make any sense.
Good luck to all and lets hope the real numbers are published.
The numbers are in, 6.5 for Feb. For some reason it doesnt have an adjusted number for Jan as promised, it says it was 6.4 still! Hopefully we will trigger this Monday. Though I should not keep my hopes up, they might let us know Mon that they made a mistake! What a surprize! Lets keep our fingers crossed!
TWC just posted the unemployment numbers for February so we are well over 6% I don’t understand what is taking so long for us to trigger…
I know it may seem to be a waste of time but has anyone tried calling since the new numbers have been released?
Im sure the response we would get is that we will be notified by mail if eligible
According to the TWC release, the seasonally adjusted rate for February was 6.5%.
I wonder if the January number is also “seasonally adjusted”? We all recall what happen to December’s 65 once they “adjusted” it.
The labor department says UI claims were up again, and Texas is a state that saw large increases.
I hate to get excited, but this is (for us) good news.
Brokentex I called, dont know why its like pulling teeth. She kept telling me “Mam you have exhausted all your benefits” haha! Ya think?? Man! They dont tell those people anything. They dont have a clue on what this is, she told me sometimes they dont tell them ’till the same day. We’ll see what happens. They cant procrastinate much longer here. Its obvious the numbers are just going to keep getting higher and highter.
TexasPete even if they adjust Jan, I dont see how it could drop below 6% from the 6.4% and then we would still be at 6.2% adjusted for Dec,Jan and Feb. I think we have a good chance. The Jan rate would have to fall below 5.8% for us to not meet that adjusted 6% from my calculations.
I agree on the good news, Texaspete.
I really don’t think they can game the numbers too much longer, Jessica. There’s only so much they can just “not report” and then turn around and say its “seasonally adjusted”.
I do feel very sorry for the newly unemployed, but I also feel thankful for them as well. They are the ones really proving that Texas is in worse shape than the state is trying to lead on.
Regardless, I will be filing my claim on Tuesday. Hopefully that will help the numbers as well.
Everyone hold on just a little longer…
I feel your pain Cindy, I could have sworn I had a different number to call about the extended benefits but of course that was over a month ago and I can’t find it now. It wasn’t the same local or 1 800 #
that is always busy but the rep was a little better informed and seemed to know about tier 2 benefits and how TX would be effected by it.
As we wait and wonder why why why, it’s not as if TX is even paying us this is federal money to those who need it. Its not that we want money to lay around and hope a great job just lands in our lap, we want to make sure we dont lose any more than we have.
After this month I don’t know if I will be able to afford the net.
I dont say alot but this may be the end for me for a little while. I too share the guilt above about waitng for the numbers to grow higher and I am not even sure that the half billion Perry turned down would have helped us for we fit a whole different criteria but I wish all of you blessings and a turn of good luck and just maybe we will get what we need. Does anyone have a site to email Paukin or whatever the TWC chairmans name is?
866-630-3739
Brokentex, keep your spirits high. Something positive will happen soon. I hope we get to hear from you again. Good luck to you.
Thank you all, and Sam is that the number for extended benefits?
How do i post a comment to the discussion with a BLS link
Just paste in the link… http://www.bls.gov/
Hey Larry I was interrested in what you had to say?
Cindy, you crack me up! I remember last year when I talked to a phone answerer at the TWC, he told me that extensions are a miracle that never happen in our lifetime.
Then the bill was signed by Pres. Bush 7 days later.
I’m not sure as well if it really is always their fault. Alot of times like the board minutes said they are outsourcing companies only given small amounts of information, really like order takers.
Stay strong Texas, seems like we have taken over the forum.
Elizabeth, I hear you. I think they should keep their people in the loop about significant changes in the near future. I am sure they are getting these calls often and they dont have answers for people. But it does not surprize me, at the pace things move at TWC its a miracle we got the first extension to begin with, its certainly not their employee’s fault. Its a problem way above them
If anyone nees the 800# for the emergency unemployment here it is, the wait time is much shorter at this #
866-630-3739
I have noticed if you look over the TWC minutes meetings they said on the 10th that they were going to hold another meeting in a couple weeks. I also saw that takes 8 days just to post the comments from these meetings.
Good news is they refer to outsourcing the call load for the tier 2 benefits so lets hope we should know something by the first.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that we trigger tomorrow.
Yes, good luck to all of us tomorrow.
Hopefully tomorrow is the day we get a job
; but if not, an extension of UI benefits is a suitable alternative.
I am new to this site but have been reading the posts for information. So this morning, excited than ever that Texas will trigger, I called TWC. The lady I spoke to told me that there were no more benefits but that I qualified for a new claim based on wages I had remaining, an additional 14 weeks of benefts. Woo hoo I thought, ok. SO I went throught the process to then be told 15 minutes later that I actually did not qualify, that the wages were used up and that….get this….if an extension did come through, it would based on the new claim which I did not qualify for. Is this their way of disqualifyng people from tier II? I am steaming right now.
Don’t know if anyone posted this link here…
http://www.texasworkforce.org/twcinfo/minutes/minutes.html
Here’s one for you…I ACTUALLY got s second interview and then a floowo up call offering me the position!!!
However, I got a call this morning saying they were really sorry, but they were laying off one third of their staff and not doing any new hiring! SO TECHNICALLY I had a job over the weekend…felt pretty good too….after feeling a little depressed this morning…I find it kind of funny…and a perfect example of the was our economy and job market is right now….So…here’s to Tier 2 kicking in…:(
Sorry to hear Babyjane. I sure hope that won’t happen. There will be a lot of angry people. You should definitely go through the appeals process for that if/when Tier 2 does trigger.
Sam, congrats on passing the interview!! But really, thats horrible. What a tease. Thats probably a good indication of the way things will be around here for a while.
Tomorrow I file again. Hopefully we see some news on triggering soon. Hang in there.
They usually have the info up by now. Hopefully them being late is a good sign for the rest of us.
Thanks Samantha. The day didn’t get better. I went on a job interview in Louisiana, the Boomtown Casino, they said “The Ark La Tex is doing great in these rough times and Boomtown is hiring for 30 new positions.” I thought what the heck, sure I was a biochemist and a war veteran but serving drinks isn’t below me and I have to feed the kids. So drove all the way there this morning, went on the interview, to be told that unfortunately since I had no experience serving cocktail beverages it wouldn’t work out. I want to ask, who can’t learn to serve drinks??? I called my daughter’s pediatrician to make an appt on the drive back and was told that they would not be able to see her without a $90 payment. Tears came pouring down my face. I just got back home and am sitting on hold with the power company to see if I can work an extension so that I can use the money to pay the pediatrician so my daughter can go to the doctor tomorrow. Praying that you are right Samantha, that I will be able to get tier 2 and soon.
Hang in there BabyJane…If you want to pick up some quick money, check with local golf courses…they are starting to hire grill and beverage cart personnel and don’t usually require a lot of experience…tips are usually pretty good…depending on the weather of course Also, banquet faciities are alwats looking for serviers and again not much experience is required…
B last week the numbers were late also. And didnt change. I wish I knew exactly how all this works but argg its amazing how people can just sit on this stuff, and Perry refusing money people need to live. We’ll see what happens.
Does anybody know what money they are talking about in the meeting minutes of 3/16? I dont understand what they are talking about? What funds? Are they talking about the funds Perry turned down? There seems to be nothing on there about Tier2? Someone please correct me if I missed something.
Hugs to you Babyjane. I do know your grief. I am 5 mos pregnant and I am so thankful my husband’s job is in good standing.
We are so close.
Honestly, I have quit going outside my local area for jobs because I get that “you are overqualified” excuse too much and its not worth my efforts.
My mom always said, in times like these you have 2 choices, reduce expenses or make more money. We too have reduced a lot of our bills as well and taken on a roommate.
Could you take your daughter to a minor emergency clinic? They usually have smaller payments for visits. Keep your chin up. Now is the time to stay strong
Cindy, could those funds be the ones that automatically get allocated from the Federal Gov’t under that bill of 1970? I’m not even sure how that works either.
Its funny to think that these meeting minutes are online for us to see, but noone answering the phones at TWC has a clue about them.
Stimulus $$$ or not, Perry raising tax on employers..
http://www.wikio.com/video/948661
You know what is so ironic about this “trigger” mechanism? They don’t even count the unemployed people it is supposed to help! Rather they count us, but they don’t use that figure in the calculation.
So even though we’re referred to as the “long-term unemployed”, we are not “unemployed” for benefit purposes. We are unemployed, but we’re not part of the official unemployment rate so the TWC gets to keep going on with the silly “Texas’ unemployment rate continues to trend well below the national rate” stuff.
I made the mistake of commenting to a forum in the local paper talking about UI and looking for work. To my surprise it was the judgment of many of my fellow Texans that I am “lazy”, “too proud to take jobs” that everybody knows are available, oh, and I’m also a “socialist” now too!
Meanwhile folks like BabyJane and Sam have tales of what’s really going on. I see now that we actually have “tent cities” popping up.
They say, “it’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job, but it’s a depression when you lose your job.”I think we’re finding out how true that really can be.
People that spout off have no clue what it’s like…and when it happens to them it’s a totally different story…
I just spent 50 minutes with various folks over and about the phone anawerers and they have no information on Tier 2, but one very nice lady said they did not know until the first EB went into effect that it was happening for sure. So I guess we wait…and look for clarification on which folks qualify for Tier 2 if it happens…
Texaspete, I see the same kind of comments everywhere, I hear them from people who don’t know I am the one they are talking about. Do these people really think I would go to this point because of laziness? I am far from lazy, worked my butt off in 5 years of college, served 8 yeas in the military, deployed to Iraq 4 times. I know what work is. Yeah there are jobs posted, but each one has hundreds of applicants. They tell us to cut back. I have cut back everything. We have sold what we can sell.
BabyJane, thank you for your service. It is wrong on a whole different level that veterans are struggling.
As to our uncaring fellow citizens, I think many of them forget that we actually had to held a job and lost it through no fault of our own in order to qualify for these benefits.
I’m surprised by the number of people who think we just quit our jobs and walked in “demanding our checks”!
On the bright side,I guess we can actually look forward to Monday’s now.
Most of those people who are being judgmental are really just blinded. They don’t want to see whats right in front of them. To them, if it doesn’t directly affect them, then its not really happening.
I am so sorry to hear the country you have fought so hard for is treating you this way, Babyjane. I truly wish it was not that way. There are those of us hard working Americans who appreciate you and your hard work.
Texaspete, I hear you. I have always thought it was crap that essentially we are lumped back into the ethereal workforce if we are “long term unemployed”. Its like, once it all runs out, they just assume we have jobs. I think they started doing it that way back in 1982. That’s precisely why I am at least still filing my claim, which will only get denied, but maybe it will count as a number somewhere.
Wow they never updated the numbers today! This has not happened before. Last week the numbers came in late but they were out Mon. Wondering what is happening?
Oh my god! We got it! I cannot believe it. It is my undestanding that nothing new has to be done. We only have to call on the same day as our tier I benifits. Does anybody know if this info is correct? This is great news for so many people!
OMG! The numbers are in!! We triggered! 6.1% We start on 4/12! I guess I might not have to disconnect my internet after all! I feel bad for feeling good but this is a huge weight off my back. How hard is it to look for work when you cant stay connected to the internet? Anyway, hopefully all will be good. I just hope the same rules apply as the previous extension, and we all qualify. good luck everyone!!
WE GOT IT! Numbers are updated!
Says Texas Will Begin on 4/12.
Now, whether or not us long term unemployed people will qualify, remains to be seen. But, we triggered!
I also found this this morning. The Senate passed a bill that will allow Texas to use the Federal funds to replenish the states’ Unemployment Trust Fund.
http://www.tylerpaper.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090331/NEWS01/903310327
Texas 2.12 6.1 WILL BEGIN 4/12/2009
Good news y’all!
Hey Yall Texas begins 4/12/09 check out this site!
http://ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/claims_arch.asp
Well it was worth the wait! Texas finally “triggered”.
Of course the TWC website hasn’t been updated with instructions. I hope it’s the same as last time and they just automatically enroll us.
Guess it’s time to dust off the ol’ card!
Texaspete how did they automatically enroll you ?
When I recieved the last two extensions I still had to fax in a paper for both stating weather I had worked or not but I had quit filing both times once my benefits were up. After this last ext. of 7 weeks I have continued to file every week I am supposed to but of course TWC loves to waste paper telling me that no benefits are left in my account. Did you not have to jump thru these hoops?
For those of us who have exhausted our initial benefits (26 weeks), and extended benefits (20 weeks), do we just continue to file on our normal day, and are we automatically enrolled in this extension. I exhausted my benefits at the end of February, and I cannot see any instructions on the TWC website, or find any press releases. If anyone knows or finds the answer, please post on here. Thanks!
Hello is there anyone out there?
I am pretty sure it will happen the same way it did last time. They will send a form or post the news on the web that the extension has been granted. There will probably be a form that has to be mailed or faxed, then benefits will be paid, this is how it was done for the extra 7 weeks. I imagine it should go the same.
Thank you Cindy. I guess everyone else went out to party about the good news.
Hi trigger Texans! Let’s keep coming here to encourage and help others who are like us, unemployed and up against it.
I will tell you I have learned so much from ya’ll!!
As far as having a party? I’ll have a blowout when I know I can work and support my daughter.
I also believe that Texas is still the only place to be…….wait–is that a song?
Weird…that is my next filing date…for the first extension I called and still did the online claims every two weeks…Guess we’ll learn more later….
BrokenTex,I had to send in information and call in to TWC in order to get the first 13-week extension. With the passage of the 7-week extension, I was sent a letter saying that I was automatically enroll so long as I wasn’t working.
All of my benefits exhausted the first of the year and this extension is really the third part of the old extension so I’m betting there will be no additional paperwork other than me certifying that I am still unemployed.
I wish I could say I’ve been partying, but without funds, my celebration today is staying up really late and watching Kung Fu movies. I think I’ll get up late as well since it’s already after 4am.
Elizabeth, yes,we’ll have to keep checking in here. This is so not over yet. I want all of you folks to find jobs!!!
But if not, we’ll be waiting for the state unemployment rate to hit 8% so we get the additional 7-weeks. I’m also guessing that there is a very large number of people who are going to be exhausting in April, the 13-week extension we’re just beginning. Hopefully somewhere in this budget fight will come an additional extension that will also be available to us.
And…what song are you thinking about? All I got is “deep in the heart of Texas!”.
I think if you have continued to file, you don’t have to “re-certify” yourself by sending that fax in. I stopped filing last time around and had to do the fax, but the original extension was automatic for me since I was still filing. So I had both happen to me.
Based on that, I am assuming if you still file bi-weekly, then its automatic. If not, you’ll be sent that paperwork to fax/mail.
I don’t think 8% is too far fetched either. The trends projected 9% by the years end.
A handy link…
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/twcinfo/minutes/minutes.html
there are two sets of unemployment numbers: The one that you hear and the one that you don’t hear; the one that you don’t hear is the true unemployment rate, which includes those unemployed longer than a year, those NOT receiving benefits, those working part-time just to get by, those that were self-employed that are not currently unemployed, etc. That true unemployment rate is close to 17.4%, NOT 8.1%. Open you eyes and ears, and you will find out the truth (e.g. The Federal Reserve is a private bank).
Paul, I too understand the there is always a “second book” the bookkeeper keeps.
Thing is, those numbers don’t mean crap at when it comes to us actually receiving benefits based on them. We are the ones who KNOW the numbers are higher than they are reporting. We see the pain first hand. No need to tell us twice.
And I will proudly say I am well aware that “The Federal Reserve is no more Federal than Federal Express”.
Any word from anyone? Called and got a phone answerer that, of course, had no idea….I cannot remember when theletters went out for the last extension…
Does anyone know if we will begin getting paid on the 12 or if that is the first day we file and we get paid two weeks from that date?
Is it possible that these extended benefits could be retroactive to when you exhausted your benefits? Or is that too much to hope for? Does everyone start new at this time who has expired?
How long can the Texas Workforce remain in denial before they acknowledge the latest extension?
Sam, lemme see if I can help expectation here.
Bush signed the last extension on 11/21/08. I have a fax confirmation dated 12/2/08. So, I most likely got the paperwork in the mail on 12/1/08(Mon). So, thats about 2 weeks.
I’m just going to guess that we will probably start to see something next week.
Scott, I believe this federal/state extension is not retroactive. It will start from when the website says, which is 4/12/09. This would make sense because it should only be triggered once unemployment hits 6%. So it will be from the trigger point through 13 weeks. Which is better than nothing, right!
Jessica, my next time to file is 4/14/09 and I expect to see funds by 4/16/09. It usually only took them 48 hours to transfer the funds to my card. So, if you still have your card, then it should still be active for you and should work similarly.
These are only my assumptions, but they are based on previous experience, so I hope that helps someone else plan accordingly.
Anybody try calling the number that Cindy Provided? 866-630-3739 She said it had much shorter wait times. I am not sure if it is specifically for EUC or not. I will try tomorrow. My current plan is to call in on 4/12 to request. Sunday was my old day anyways.
B
I called it nothing yet. They still have no idea about anything. Also I dont think we will see any actual funds until early May. By the time I got my funds last time I had already accumulated 3-4 weeks of payments. These folks are VERY slow to get things done here. But hey at least there is something coming!
I forgot to mention that since they are so busy with this new proposed child care issue that has a rigid time line it will probably back us up more than usual. I am trying to stay positive but realistically I think we are in for a nice waiting period.
Hey Cindy,
I think Samantha is on the right track so dont lose hope. This wont take TWC long to get their heads out of their ass.
Hello all–It seems the comments area for this post has become a place to exchange ideas and offer information about unemployment. I really like that you are so ready and willing to share with each other.
To make things easier, I just set up a discussion area on the site called Forums. Here’s the link…
http://www.joblessandless.com/forums/
I added some topics, but please feel free to add more topics you think are appropriate. And do email me with suggestions to improve the page. Here’s my email address…
joblessandless[at]gmail[dot]com
I look forward to the continued conversation.
Thanks Norm!! We really appreciate it!
i live in texas and have been unemployed since december of 2008, can someone please explain the extension to me- my first round runs out in june- is it just standard procedure to apply and get the additional 20 weeks, and what happens after that…is texas a high unemployment state- will i qualify for the additional weeks that were stated in the stimulus package? HELP!!!!!
Hello Lori–I just launched a forum all about unemployment issues in TX. I suggest reaching out to people over on that page. They’ve been working through the issues you bring up. Here’s the link…
http://www.joblessandless.com/forums/unemployment-benefits/unemployment-benefits-in-tx/
thanks norm- having trouble logging in to other site so that i can post comments- anyway i did talk to twc yesterday and my understanding is that the deadline for people collecting unemployment since 2008 was being extended for another 20 weeks- (this has been extended thru dec 2009) once your benefits are about to run out you should receive a letter informing you of this- you will then be asked questions about your continuing unemployment and job search. after this it should be business as usual- once those benefits run out there is another extension that can be granted as long as texas is still considered a high unemployment state (which we are considered right now)if unemployment goes down enough and we are no longer considered a high unemployment state, that may affect whether or not there will be benefits to give to people who are filing for the 3rd tier extension.
Hey Lori glad to know I’m not the only one having probs with the other site.
Hello Lori and Brokentex–Thanks for signing up. I’m sorry that you’re having a problem. Is the site rejecting your password? If you tell me what it’s doing exactly, I’ll try to fix it.
Norm
From minutes of meeting 3/31/2009
I’m LaSha Lenzy, Unemployment Insurance
Division.
Yes, we had received informal
notification, I guess it was Friday, concerning Tier 2 extended benefits, and this morning we did receive
formal written notice that Texas has triggered. With the rise in unemployment we’re at about 6.1 percent,is what DOL reported to us this morning. And so Texas claimants will be eligible for Tier 2 extended benefits.The effective date for that is April the 12th. Those benefits can last up to 13 weeks and can pay up to 50 percent of the maximum benefit amount.
For example, if you were eligible for 26 weeks, it would be half of that.
We project that right now a little over
56,000 claimants have exhausted their benefits and will be — so the Tier 2 extension will be available
to them immediately. In the next few weeks, almost another 12,000 will enter that, and it will just keep rolling from there. We will be sending out a letter to all claimants who have exhausted. That letter should go
out either the end of this week or early next week notifying claimants about Tier 2 extension.
Thanks for the excerpt from the meeting Sam. Seems to jive with what I was told.
hey sam- it gives us a ridiculous password instead of letting us pick our own, and then after you enter it- the site rejects what you have put in.
Hello Lori and Brokentex–I was just looking into the login issues and noticed that your usernames in the forum section are different than your names here in the comment section.
In the forums section, they appear as “lorim” and “brokentex”. In the emails that I receive notifying me of comments, they appear as “Lori” and “Brokentex”.
Please try out “lorim” and “brokentex” as your usernames in the forum section. Maybe this will solve the problem. Please let me know either way.
Lori-you also appear to have a user name that I think is your first and last name together, all lowercase and not space.
Sorry to post here. I am having trouble registering with my super slow internet connection. I was wondering if anybody can correct me if I am wrong. I believe the first date to request benifits will be the 24th covering back to the effective date of the 12th? Also, I was wondering if anybody had recieved the letter with the 800 # to call yet. If so or when you do can you please post the number here. I talked to a lady at TWC today who was still clueless about Tier 2 benifits. She laughed and said I seemed to know more than her on the issue! Thanks for the help in advance.
Hey B
If you haven’t quit filing I would suggest doing so next week it’s worth a try.
Otherwise you will recieve something in the mail asking if you have had any work, answer no, return by fax is what I suggest for the fastest results and you should be able to file on the 26th and you should recieve 13 weeks if your orignal claim was 26 weeks. so don’t get lost in all the babble that is going on in the forum.
Does anyone know if everyone automatically receives tier 2 benefits (if otherwise qualified) even if Texas triggers off, lets say in May? I am concerned that when my first tier runs out in May, the state might actually adjust the rate again to below 6.0%, and we will automatically be shut off from tier 2 benefits.
Hello Gabriel–Here’s a link to the forums section where people are discussing this stuff…
http://www.joblessandless.com/forums/unemployment-benefits/unemployment-benefits-in-tx/page-2/
Check you Benefit amount and claim status online..funds added to remaining balance mine just showed up..no letter…filing date is 26th ;0)
Texas Senate votes to accept federal unemployment money
02:23 PM CDT on Monday, April 20, 2009
Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate, bucking Gov. Rick Perry, has voted to accept $555 million in federal unemployment benefits.
The measure, which passed 19-11 Monday, would expand state unemployment benefits by including part-time workers and people who quit for compelling reasons, such as a child’s illness or family violence.
Perry, a Republican, has agreed to take almost all the nearly $17 billion stimulus package slated for Texas. But he says there are too many strings attached to the unemployment money.
does anyone know if the third tier of unemployment for texas has been confirmed- i know the second tier is in effect but i haven’t heard anything about the 3rd tier…????
I have a question for you. I was laid off in Mid-August 2009. My benefit year is through August 2010. My 25 weeks of benefits will end at the end on February 2010. I called the Virginia Employment Commisssion (VEC) myself because my balance is $732.00 and was getting low. I asked the lady about the EUC and what should I do to apply. She told me that President Obama put the deadline as of February 21,2010 to end the EUC benefits. Since I will not have a -0- balance at that time I will not be accepted for the emergency benefits. I was very upset and disappointed in this discovering. I asked her how would I know that, she said it was on the news. I watch the news every day, I never heard anything about the EUC benenits deadline, and futhermore why should I get that information about my benefits from the news. She told me that no notices are sent to the claimants. I told her there is nothing on the VEC website about the deadline. I have been looking for a job every day, sending resumes, speaking to employers, going to interviews. Nothing has develop any further at this point. Is there anything that I can do so I get these Emergency benefits. My finance’s hours were cut at his job and these funds and helping us get by with food, utililty bills and basic needs. I hope to find a job soon. Please any advice will help
Ms. Atwood, I hope you have recieved some information regarding your situation, I am sure it is frustrating for you every day.
The website NELP.com has information regarding the deadlines and when Congress will extend the programs. The hope is that they will extend them before the deadline, maybe as quickly as Monday the 21st.
Because you are in Virginia I am not familiar with the way they do things–but if the deadlines are extended you should receive a letter.
Hope you have a super day, and remember to keep the faith!
You people out there saying that Republicans or Tea Parties are responsible for your demise- Guess again- It’s our NON-president that is in office! Once his sorry 4 year term is up, the better off the US, the economy, and our well being will be.
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