March 16, 2009
Monday

Alaska residents receiving unemployment insurance benefits will see a temporary $25 hike in their weekly benefit as part of the federal economic stimulus package, under an agreement signed by Gov. Sarah Palin.

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is working on administrative details so that payments can begin next month.

"This additional weekly benefit and any additional administrative expenses are 100 percent federally funded and will have no fiscal impact to the State of Alaska," Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Click Bishop said. "Entering into this agreement will benefit Alaska's unemployed workers and help support the stability of Alaska's economy.

The $25 additional benefit is payable for weeks of unemployment beginning Feb. 22 and continuing through the end of 2009 with a phase out for existing claims through July 3, 2010.

"No one needs to file a separate claim or call us to ensure payment," Chief of Unemployment Insurance Bill Kramer said. "We are working to get these additional dollars in the hands of unemployed workers as soon as we can."

Alaskans who have exhausted their regular benefits may be eligible for multiple extension programs and are encouraged to file a claim online at https://myalaska.state.ak.us/home/app.

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Labor
www.labor.state.ak.us

 

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