Extended Unemployment Benefits on the Way

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 Houtzdale, said that Pennsylvania will administer the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program that will provide up to 13 weeks of benefits to eligible claimants.

"Employers cut 62,000 jobs last month, the sixth straight month of nationwide job losses," George said. "The extended benefits will help to ease the economic hardships, and the state Department of Labor & Industry has begun mailing filing information to potentially eligible claimants."

George said the 13-week extension applies to people currently unemployed. It also allows anyone who exhausted his or her unemployment benefits after May 1, 2007, to apply.

"Potential claimants who have not received a notice by July 20, and believe they are eligible, can call their local Unemployment Compensation Service Center," George said. "A person must have exhausted their state unemployment compensation and have worked 20 weeks in full-time, covered employment, or earned the equivalent in covered wages to be eligible."

More information is available at the state Department of Labor and Industry Web site.

George noted that Pennsylvania employers will not be charged with additional contributions to fund the extended, federal benefits.