Statement on the Failed Unemployment Extension Bill

Albany, NY (June 25, 2010) – As many of you know, the unemployment bill to extend the eligibility dates for benefits was not passed by the US Senate last night. The bill needed 60 votes to pass but the package fell short – 57 to 41. The Senate is now in the process of determining what happens next but efforts have ended for this week. If further action is to be taken on this bill it’s likely it will not happen until after the July 4th recess (after July 12th).

In order to keep your claim active you should continue to certify each week in case legislation does pass that has a retroactive component (although this has not been proposed). In the meantime, as we wait for the next step, we urge all unemployment insurance claimants to go to New York’s myBenefits website —“ immediately. The site makes it easy for anyone to check if they may qualify for help to buy food, get health insurance, or meet other family needs. As we hear more, we’ll keep you updated.