State of Connecticut

Unemployment Insurance Benefit Extensions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You are here:  DOL Web Site bullet Unemployment bullet EUC 08 (Emergency Unemployment Compensation Benefits 2008) and Extended Benefits (EB) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Updated: November 17, 2009


Please read this page before contacting the Connecticut Department of Labor. In most cases, the answer to your question(s) can be found in the information provided below.

Important: Individuals who are currently employed should not quit a job to file for extended benefits. Quitting to collect will result in disqualification.

 

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Extended Benefits (EB) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Extended Benefits (EB) program?
EB is a federal/state program that allows for additional weeks of unemployment compensation benefits during periods of high unemployment in the state.  Connecticut’s unemployment rate “triggered” the program effective 2/15/09.

EB is precluded by any EUC08 benefit eligibility. In other words, EB cannot be paid until you exhaust all regular and EUC08 benefits.
 
2. How long is the EB program in effect?
Once Connecticut triggers "on" to extended benefits, the program remains in effect for at least 13 weeks.
 
3. Who is eligible to collect EB?
Claimants who:
  • Are totally or partially unemployed.
  • Have exhausted all Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) entitlement and are not eligible for regular UI benefits against any state or eligible for benefits from Canada.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements of the law and are not disqualified.
     
4. How much will I collect under the EB program?
Your Weekly Benefits Amount (WBA) will be the same as it was for UI and EUC08.  EB provides for an additional 13 weeks of unemployment compensation benefits. You will continue to receive the additional $25 under the federal stimulus program since these additional payments also apply to EB.
 
5. Do I need to apply for EB?
No, when all EUC08 benefits are exhausted, claimants will be mailed an EB monetary determination. The mailing will also include an informational fact sheet about the filing and work search requirements for EB, along with a sample "Report of Work-Seeking Activities" (EB-230).  This new report of your work search efforts can also be downloaded from the agency’s Web site. The informational fact sheet is important because the work search requirements for EB differ substantially from the regular state eligibility requirements that you have been subject to up until now.
 
6. When will I receive EB?
Those who qualify and who have already collected 26 weeks of state UI benefits, as well as the 33 weeks of EUC08 benefits, will automatically have their account balance updated for another 13 weeks, for a total of 72 weeks. Eligible claimants will be mailed a monetary determination explaining the calculation of the increased balance. (There is an exception for Interstate Claims, see question below).

Because the first group of eligible EUC08 claimants will exhaust their 33rd week of emergency benefits on April 11, 2009, the first payable week of EB will be the week ending April 18, 2009.
 
7. I am close to exhausting my 33 weeks of EUC08 benefits. How will I be notified that I am eligible to collect EB?
Automated systems are being modified to allow claimants to transition seamlessly from EUC08 to EB. However, as we make the transition, after payment for the week ending on April 11, 2009 your balance on our automated systems might not reflect the updated number of benefit weeks now available to you.  The balance should be updated in time to file your first weekly EB claim.  Please:
  • Check the agency’s web site at www.ct.gov/dol for information about EB and for filing instructions.
  • Listen for IVR special messages by calling the TeleBenefits phone system.
  • Read the message on the "stub" of your last EUC-08 check.
     
8. Is EB different if I am filing an interstate claim?  Which states are currently on EB?
Although Connecticut may have an EB period in effect, some states may not.  The law provides that claimants collecting benefits from Connecticut through an Interstate claim are eligible for two weeks of EB unless the state in which they reside is also on EB.  In that case, they would be potentially eligible for the full 13 weeks, as are claimants filing against Connecticut but residing in Canada.  Currently, the following states have triggered on to EB:
 
ALABAMA (eff. 3/29/09) KANSAS (eff. 7/5/09) OHIO
ALASKA KENTUCKY OREGON
ARIZONA MAINE PENNSYLVANIA
ARKANSAS (EB ends effective 9/26/09) MASSACHUSETTS PUERTO RICO
CALIFORNIA MICHIGAN RHODE ISLAND
COLORADO (eff. 4/12/09) MINNESOTA SOUTH CAROLINA (triggered back on to EB)
CONNECTICUT MISSOURI (eff. 2/22/09) TENNESSEE (eff. 2/22/09)
DELAWARE (eff. 6/28/09) MONTANA (EB ends eff. 7/18/09) TEXAS (eff. 5/3/09)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

NEVADA

 VERMONT
FLORIDA (eff. 2/22/09) NEW HAMPSHIRE (eff. 8/2/09) VIRGINIA (eff. 5/3/09)
GEORGIA (eff. 2/22/09) NEW JERSEY WASHINGTON (eff. 2/15/09)
IDAHO NEW MEXICO (eff. 9/6/09) WEST VIRIGINIA (eff. 6/7/09)
ILLINOIS NEW YORK (eff. 3/29/09) WISCONSIN (eff. 2/22/09)
INDIANA (eff. 3/15/09) NORTH CAROLINA  
   

 *updated 11/17/2009
 
9. How will I know when the state "triggers off" the EB program and these benefits are no longer available?
Once Connecticut triggers "on" to extended benefits, the program remains in effect for at least 13 weeks. After those 13 weeks, if the EB program is scheduled to trigger off (based upon the state unemployment rate falling) you will be advised when this will take place.
 
10. Is EB subject to taxes?
EB payments are taxable and subject to voluntary withholding.
 
11. Will I file for EB the same way I did for regular UI and for EUC-08?
YES, claimants will file by using the TeleBenefits (IVR) system or online on the Web, using the continued claims options.
 HOWEVER, the availability and work search requirements for EB are more stringent than other unemployment programs. Claimants will be required to maintain written evidence of their work search efforts, which will be subject to verification by representatives of the Connecticut Department of Labor.
 They must:
  • actively seek full time work throughout the week.
  • Make efforts to find work on at least two (2) days each week.
  • Contact a minimum of three (3) employers each week.
  • Keep a written record, for each effort, of:
    • Employer name, address, phone number, contact person
    • Position/type of work sought
    • Date and method of contact
    • Result of contact
  • Apply for and accept suitable work, which is defined as:
    • Work that pays more than the claimant's EB weekly benefit amount
    • Work that pays at least the higher of the state or federal minimum wage.

When you are mailed your monetary entitlement form EB-58, it will also include an informational notice explaining the special qualifying requirements to receive EB, as well as form EB-230. This form, "Report of Work-Seeking Activities," can also be downloaded from the agency’s Web site.
 

12. Does EB have special disqualifications?
Yes. Failure to meet the EB work search requirements or to accept suitable work in any given week will result in a denial of further benefits until you have worked in at least four (4) weeks and earned four (4) times your weekly benefit amount.
 
13. Are employers charged for EB?
Normally, EB costs are shared 50/50 between the federal government and the state. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) temporarily changed the cost allocation of EB for private sector employers. ARRA provides that the federal government will pay 100% of the cost of EB for weeks of unemployment through the week ending 1/2/2010 and for certain claimants with EB claims with effective dates on or before 12/20/09, for weeks with paid dates through the week ending 5/29/2010. HOWEVER, government and municipal employers and Indian Tribes and Tribal units, will still be charged 100% for EB claims.
 
14. I am close to exhausting my 13 weeks of Extended Benefits (EB). Are there any additional extensions of unemployment insurance?
Connecticut has the potential to trigger onto 7 more weeks of federal Extended Benefits if the state’s unemployment rate averages 8% or more over a consecutive three month time period. Currently CT has not triggered onto an extension.

If Connecticut’s unemployment rate does trigger an additional 7 weeks of Extended Benefits, the Department will notify by mail any claimants who have exhausted their benefits and are potentially eligible with instructions on how to apply for the additional 7 weeks of EB. Claimants who are actively collecting EB at that point will automatically have their maximum entitlements redetermined from 13 weeks to 20 weeks.  Please check our Web site, www.ct.gov/dol for any updates in regard to this matter.
 

15. If I do exhaust my 13 weeks of Extended Benefits (EB) and have still not found employment, are there any other services that can help me?
You can contact United Way's 2-1-1 program. This is a free referral service, with information about community services, basic needs assistance, crisis intervention and much more. 2-1-1 is toll-free from anywhere in Connecticut and it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service offers multilingual operators and TTY access. You can reach this service by calling 2-1-1.

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Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC-08) Tier 1 FAQs

1. What is the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) Program?
EUC08 is a federally-funded program which provides extended unemployment insurance benefits in all states to unemployed individuals who have already collected all regular state benefits or have expired benefit claims and meet the federal eligibility guidelines.
 
2. Who is potentially eligible?
You are considered potentially eligible for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program if you have a Connecticut unemployment claim, and:
  • You filed an unemployment claim effective May 7, 2006, or later;

  • You are fully unemployed, or partially unemployed and working part-time, as of July 6, 2008;

  • You have no rights to unemployment benefits from any other state, the federal government or Canada;

  • You are legally authorized to work in the United States;

  • You are able and available for and seeking employment.
     

3. When does the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program begin and end?
The program began July 6, 2008 and expires on December 31, 2009, with a phase-out period through May 31, 2010.
 
4. I am currently collecting unemployment benefits. Will I be eligible to apply for these additional benefits if I exhaust my 26 weeks and I still am not working full time?
If you have not found employment while collecting state unemployment compensation, you will automatically be mailed instructions on how to file for the 20 weeks of extended benefits under the "First-Tier" program. Filing options include calling your TeleBenefits line, option 6 or online at www.ct.gov/dol. If you exhaust those benefits, you may then be eligible to collect 13 additional weeks under the "Second-Tier" program. (Please refer to Tier 2 Frequently Asked Questions)
 
5. What information will I need to file a claim?
You will need your social security number and your PIN. You will need to provide information regarding any employment you have had since you last filed for benefits. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to provide your alien registration number.
 
6. What if I am deaf or hearing impaired, is there a special number I can call?
TDD/TTY users can call 1-800-842-9710.
 
7. If I file online for extended benefits, why am I also told that I also need to call the Telebenefits line?
In most cases, based on your online answers, we need to gather more information. For example, if you said you worked in another state, we would need to know which state and for how long.
 
8. How will I file my weekly claims once my eligibility has been established?
Individuals will be able to file weekly claims by using the Labor Department’s automated phone system or online using the agency’s Web site, in the same manner weekly claims for regular benefits were filed. 
 
9. If I qualify for the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, how much can I collect weekly?
Your weekly benefit amount for the extension program will be the same as your weekly benefit amount (including dependency allowance, if applicable).
 
10. Where will my payment be sent?
Payments will be mailed to the last address that you provided to the Connecticut Department of Labor. Therefore, it is important that you update your address with the Connecticut Department of Labor as soon as possible by calling the Telebenefits Line.
 
11. What could disqualify me from the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program or delay, stop, or reduce my benefits?
Individuals who are currently employed should not quit a job to file for extended benefits. Quitting to collect these benefits will result in disqualification.  If you have quit or been discharged from a job since you exhausted your unemployment benefits, the reason for that job separation will be examined and could affect your eligibility for extended benefits.

Other situations that could cause a change in your eligibility may be found in the “Claimant’s Guide to Unemployment Insurance” you received when you first filed for benefits, or it can be accessed from our Internet site at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/unemplt/unemployment.htm
 
12. If I disagree with a determination that I am not eligible to receive extended benefits, what can I do?
You may file an appeal if you disagree. Instructions on how to file an appeal will be written at the bottom of your monetary or nonmonetary determination letter.
 
13. Are Connecticut employers being charged for Emergency Unemployment Compensation program payments?
No. Connecticut employers, including reimbursable employers, will not be charged for the cost of extended benefits under this program.
 
14. Are these extended unemployment benefits taxable?
Yes. You must report all unemployment insurance on your income taxes, as reported to you on Form UC-1099G. More information may be found on the following IRS press release.
 
15. I have already filed a claim for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and need additional assistance, whom should I contact?
You may contact the agency's Telebenefits line.
 

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Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC-08) Tier 2 FAQs
1.  What is the “Second-Tier Program”?
Eligibility for "Second-Tier" benefits is based on a federal formula for states with high unemployment rates.  It provides for an additional 13 weeks of federally funded EUC08 benefits.  Currently, Connecticut meets the criteria, but this could change should the state's unemployment rate go down for a certain number of months.
 
2.  How do I apply for the 13 additional weeks of "Second-Tier" extended benefits?
There is no application necessary. These "Second-Tier" extended benefits will be provided automatically to those who have used up their 26 weeks of state UI benefits and the 20 weeks of the first federal extension, provided they are otherwise eligible.
 
3.  How do I know if and when I am eligible for the 13 additional weeks of "Second-Tier" extended benefits?
You will be mailed a monetary re-determination increasing your total EUC08 benefit entitlement to 33 weeks.
 
4.  How do I file weekly claims for the 13 additional weeks of "Second-Tier" extended benefits?
You may continue to file weekly claims as you have done in the past, using our TeleBenefits and WebBenefits systems.
 
5.  How much will I be provided each week if I need to collect these "Second-Tier" benefits?
The "Second-Tier" benefits will provide you with the same amount you were eligible to collect under the state unemployment insurance program and the "First-Tier" federal extended benefits program.

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Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC-08) Tier 3 FAQs

November 13, 2009 Update: On November 6, the President expanded the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) program to include additional weeks of benefits. For Connecticut, in addition to the 33 weeks of EUC08 currently provided under Tiers 1 and 2, one additional week of unemployment compensation benefits will be added to EUC08 Tier 2, and 13 weeks will be provided under EUC08 Tier 3, for a total of 14 additional weeks of EUC08 benefits.

EUC08 Tier 3 is provided to those states with a total unemployment rate of at least 6% over a three-month average; therefore, Connecticut qualifies for these 13 additional weeks of EUC08 Tier 3.

In states where the total unemployment rate is at least 8.5% over a three-month average, the legislation provides for EUC08 Tier 4 – an additional six weeks of benefits, for a total of 20 weeks. At this time, Connecticut does not qualify for these six weeks of EUC08 Tier 4.

Please review the following Frequently Asked Questions regarding EUC08 Tier 3 benefits and keep checking this site for additional updates:

 

1.  I have exhausted, or will soon exhaust my final 13 weeks of Extended Benefits (EB). Are there any additional extensions of unemployment insurance?
A new federal unemployment insurance expansion bill, known as the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (Worker Assistance Act) was approved November 6, 2009 and provides for additional weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08). For Connecticut, in addition to the 33 weeks of EUC08 currently provided under Tiers 1 and 2, one additional one week of unemployment compensation benefits will be added to EUC08 Tier 2, and 13 weeks will be provided under EUC08 Tier 3, for a total of 14 additional weeks of EUC08 benefits. These additional weeks will be provided to all claimants upon completion of EUC08 Tier 2 benefits, provided claimant is eligible.
 
2.  I received a letter from the Department of Labor that said I was eligible to collect seven weeks of High Extended Benefits (HEB). But now I understand that I will be filing for EUC08 Tier 3?
On November 6, the President expanded the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) program. This expansion means that in addition to the 33 weeks of EUC08 Tiers 1 and 2 currently provided, Connecticut will provide 13 additional weeks of federal benefits under EUC08 Tier 3. To ensure the continuing prompt payment of benefits, the US Department of Labor allows states the option of implementing the EUC08 Tier 3 benefits program prior to the High Extended Benefits (HEB) benefits program, which Connecticut has chosen to do. To be eligible for any extension program, you must have no rights to unemployment benefits from any other state, the federal government, or Canada.
 
3.  Why am I getting the EUC08 Tier 3 benefits before the HEB benefits?
The US Department of Labor has given states the option to provide EUC08 Tier 3 before the HEB benefits because the two benefits programs are simultaneously effective Nov. 8, 2009. Connecticut is adopting this option in order to streamline programming changes since this will ensure continuous payment of benefits.
 
4.  When can I file for EUC08 Tier 3?
Since EUC08 Tier 3 benefits are effective Nov. 8, 2009, beginning week ending Nov. 15, 2009, all claimants who have exhausted EUC08 Tier 2 entitlement and have no rights to unemployment benefits from any other state, the federal government or Canada will be filing for EUC08 Tier 3.
 
5.  I have heard some states are eligible for 20 additional weeks of EUC08 benefits. Why is Connecticut eligible for only 14 weeks instead of 20?
In those states where the total unemployment rate is at least 8.5% over a three-month average, these states are eligible for EUC08 Tier 4. This fourth tier of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation provides for an additional six weeks of unemployment, for a total of 20 weeks. Connecticut does not have a total unemployment rate of at least 8.5% over a three-month average at this time, and therefore does not currently qualify.
 
6.  Once I have exhausted the EUC08 Tier 3 benefits, are there any additional extensions of unemployment insurance?
Based on Connecticut’s total unemployment rate, there may be additional extensions available. Please check this Web site for updates. To be eligible for any extension program, you must have no rights to unemployment benefits from any other state, the federal government, or Canada.
 
7  If I exhaust my benefits and have still not found employment, are there any other services that can help me?
You can contact United Way's 2-1-1 program. This is a free referral service, with information about community services, basic needs assistance, crisis intervention and much more. 2-1-1 is toll-free from anywhere in Connecticut and it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service offers multilingual operators and TTY access. You can reach this service by calling 2-1-1.

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Federal Additional Compensation FAQs
1.  Why am I getting an additional $25?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009, created a temporary Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) program to provide for a weekly stimulus payment of $25.  All UI claims and extensions (including TRA) are covered.
 
2.  How do I apply for the additional $25 FAC payment?
The $25 FAC stimulus payment will automatically be added to each week of benefits paid to eligible individuals. You do not need to apply or contact the Labor Department to receive the FAC.  Please continue to file your weekly continued claims as you normally do.
 
3.  When will I begin to get the additional $25 FAC?
The $25 applies to state and federal unemployment claims filed for the week ending February 28, 2009 and later.  It is not retroactive.
 
4.  How long will I receive the additional $25 in my unemployment compensation checks?
Under federal legislation, the $25 stimulus payments are temporary and will be phased out in July 2010.
 
5.  Will I be taxed on this $25 stimulus payment?
The $25 is taxable as income, although there will not be withholding from the payment.  The total payment amounts will be included in your UC-1099G next January.  Please be aware, however, that under another provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the first $2,400 of UI benefits received during the 2009 tax year are not subject to federal taxes. The first $2,400 may still be subject to Connecticut state taxes.
 
6.  As an employer, will I be charged for the additional $25?
No, the $25 stimulus payments are entirely federally funded.
 
7.  If someone is collecting benefits under TRA or as part of the Shared Work program, will the $25 be added to these checks?
Yes, the $25 will be added to every unemployment check.
 
8.  Is there a minimum amount that I must collect in UI benefits in order to receive the additional $25?
No, regardless of how much money a person is collecting, the $25 will be added to the check amount.
 
9.  The extra $25 might affect other entitlement programs I am currently participating in. Can I elect not to receive the additional $25?
Under the federal guidelines, claimants cannot choose whether to receive the $25. Everyone who meets the eligibility requirements will receive the payment, regardless of the effect the extra $25 may have on other entitlement programs.

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Published by the Connecticut Department of Labor, Project Management Office
Last Updated: November 17, 2009