D.C. Extended Unemployment
The District of Columbia has an unemployment rate of a whopping 11.3%, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s over 1 in 10 people in the District of Columbia who are impacted. Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected. If you’ve been collecting unemployment benefits, it’s only logical that you’d be concerned about what’s going to happen when those benefits run out. The good news for you is that the District of Columbia has passed legislation which activates the federal and state extended benefits for unemployment insurance.
In addition to being able to receive benefits for a longer period of time, the package also provides for you to be able to receive $25.00 additional every week. As always, your ability to collect District of Columbia unemployment insurance benefits is based on your continued eligibility. The first $2,400 of unemployment insurance benefits that you collect in 2009 are exempt from federal taxes.
If you’re eligible to take advantage of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), you should have already received information and instructions on how to file from the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services. If you did not receive the notice, you should call their Call Center at either (202) 724-7000 or 1-877-319-7346.
The program that provides for EUC will accept the last application the week ending December 26, 2009. You can go online to https://does.dcnetworks.org/initialclaims/ and file online. The friendly computer system will answer your questions. Before you begin the process, it’s a good idea to have your bank account information available. That way, you can take advantage of direct deposit, so you can receive your payments within two business days.
Remember that in order to continue receiving District of Columbia unemployment insurance benefits, you must be physically capable of working. You also need to be actively seeking work. With the rights you have to collect unemployment insurance benefits, you also have responsibilities.
The federal government and the District of Columbia understand that the economy is tight right now. It will recover. In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of everything you have available to you.