December 03, 2008
Wednesday

Recently the U.S. Congress passed legislation on Nov. 20 that authorizes up to seven additional weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. It also includes an additional extension of up to 13 weeks of benefits for states in high unemployment over 6 percent. Alaska's current unemployment rate is 7.4 percent.

"Due to the nature of Alaska's workforce, the seasonal unemployment rate is typically high and these additional benefits will help many hard-working Alaskans support their families while they look for work," said Tom Nelson, director of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Employment Security Division.

The first payable week under the extended program is the week that ended Nov. 29. Unemployed workers are eligible to receive the same weekly benefit amount they received during their most recent unemployment benefit claim.

The Alaska Department of Labor will notify potentially eligible Alaska workers. Individuals who never filed for the extension program or think they are eligible 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

 

SitNews ©2008
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska