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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wanda Seeney (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2008
Unemployment Benefits Extended by 13 Weeks for Eligible Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – President George W. Bush signed legislation last week allowing up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits to eligible workers. The extension may assist as many as 50,000 Missourians and the first available payment will be for the week ending July 12, 2008.
Prior to the signing of the bill, unemployment benefits typically expired after a maximum of 26 weeks. With the 13-week extension, those who are eligible will receive up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits. In 2007, Missouri's average duration for payment of unemployment benefits was 14 weeks, which fell below the national average of 15.2 weeks.
Missouri workers must have exhausted their unemployment benefits after May 1, 2007, or have a benefit year ending after May 1, 2007, to be potentially eligible for the additional 13 weeks. To receive extended benefits, eligible Missourians must file a new, separate claim.
“By extending unemployment benefits to Missourians, we have an opportunity to provide additional short-term assistance to individuals who qualify,” said Todd Smith, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director.
The state currently is reviewing files to determine who may be eligible and will notify those individuals by mail. The Missouri Regional Claims Centers are now accepting applications for the extended benefits. The initial application for extended benefits must be filed by telephone through a Regional Claims Center. The Regional Claims Centers are taking applications between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Claims may be filed by calling the appropriate Regional Claims Center listed below.
Once the application for extended benefits is processed, the weekly certification (claim) can be filed using the Department’s Division of Employment Security’s Internet site, http://www.moclaim.com or automated telephone system.
Regional Claims Centers:
Jefferson City Regional Claims Center St. Louis Regional Claims Center
(573) 751-9040 (314) 340-4950
Kansas City Regional Claims Center Springfield Regional Claims Center
(816) 889-3101 (417) 895-6851
Outside Calling Area
(800) 320-2519
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)