Published: November 21, 2009 09:43 pm      

Filing period for another unemployment extension opens Monday

THE GOSHEN NEWS

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers who have previously exhausted their unemployment benefits and remain unemployed may file for the new federal unemployment extension beginning Monday, according to Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The federal government enacted the up to 20-week extension of benefits on Nov. 6.

Any Hoosier who has previously exhausted either of the first two federal extensions of unemployment or state extended benefits and remains unemployed may be eligible to receive this new federal extension. Hoosiers currently collecting unemployment will be directed to this new extension automatically.

Hoosiers who have previously exhausted their unemployment can file for this extension as follows:

• Beginning Monday — reopen unemployment claim through Uplink, Indiana’s online benefits system

• Beginning Tuesday — return to Uplink to complete two weekly vouchers, covering the time since the extension became law on November 6, 2009

• Beginning Wednesday — deposits for eligible vouchers will be posted to individual debit cards

• Each subsequent week — file weekly voucher online similar to other unemployment programs

Uplink and answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” about this extension can be accessed through www.in.gov/dwd. Hoosiers without internet access can also apply online through their local WorkOne Center.

The Department of Workforce Development estimates that approximately 50,000 Hoosiers may qualify for this extension between now and the end of the year. Also, due to the increased number of claims generated by this federal extension, next-day deposits on eligible claims without unresolved issues can no longer be guaranteed by 10 a.m. Deposits are now guaranteed by 5 p.m. Eastern Time the next business day.

Claimants can sign up to receive a free phone or e-mail notification once their weekly deposit has been posted to their account. Claimants can sign up for notification by calling 888-393-5866 or visiting www.eppicard.com.