Maximum Benefits

• The maximum unemployment benefits in states accepting federal assistance includes 99 weeks in four tiers and an extended benefit in states that qualify with high unemployment for three consecutive months. This total benefit ends in January 2012 unless Congress extends funding. The federal government funds the first 20-week tier of benefits after the state's 26 weeks. The federal government named these tier benefits emergency unemployment compensation, also called EUC. The states distribute these funds through the same channels and processes in place for state funding.
  
  

Additional Tiers

• The second tier is 14 weeks available to unemployed individuals who complete the 26 weeks and 20 weeks without locating employment. Tier 3 benefits provide 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those who complete a total of 60 weeks without employment. Tier 4 provides an additional six weeks. States much qualify for tiers 3 and 4, so 60 weeks may be the maximum benefits available in some states. Other states have 79 weeks maximum available benefits. Still others have unemployment figures that allow extended benefits, referred to in some states as EB.
  
  

Extended Benefits

• After 79 weeks of unemployment compensation, some unemployed individuals continue to qualify for unemployment benefits. Availability of extended benefits depends on the state unemployment rate, the state legislature and your circumstances. You may be able to qualify for an additional 20 weeks if you live in a state that qualifies and the state legislature approves the benefit weeks for unemployed workers residing in the state. You must continue to qualify for benefits and use this benefit before January 2012. An unemployed individual must continue to be unemployed. You must report earned income to the workforce commission each week, and it may reduce or stop your benefits. Continuing unemployment benefits requires a weekly job search. Some states require application for a minimum number of positions each week and maintenance of a reporting log. You must accept suitable employment and discontinue benefits if a job offer meets the state's definition of "suitable employment."
  
  

Out of Benefits

• Some individuals exhausted 99 weeks of benefits before December 2010. No additional assistance was afforded to this group with the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, enacted in December 2010. Congress has not shown a willingness to extend benefits beyond 99 weeks during 2011.