Unemployment Benefits

Cygnus_33 · August 2013

I am sure this is covered somewhere else on this site, but with two young children and an on-going job search, I simply do not have the time to read every thread. So forgive me in advance.

I am unemployed for the first time in my working life, 22 consecutive years of actual employment (not counting the lawn cutting the years for that...actual workforce). I am a professional engineer and have been for a number of years.

I have NO understanding of unemployment benefits whatsoever. I live in PA, and I was approved for 26 weeks of unemployment, which appears to be the maximum benefit. However, what happens after the 26 weeks expire if I do not find a new opportunity? I understand that it is possible to move on to Federal benefits, but is that the case?

How long do they last?
Will the amount be roughly the same as my state benefits?
How do you apply for the benefits...what are the requirements?

I have always thought that someone can receive benefits for 99 weeks, not that this is my plan at all! However, I am trying to understand what is available to me.

Can anyone help?

Thanks very much...also new here...so forgive any instances of violating board etiquette (written or unwritten) in my post.

vlagrl29 · August 2013

Unemployment lasts for 6 months and then I think you can apply for an extension. I was laid off in 2009 and they had 4 teirs of unemployment. I know at that time it was 99 weeks, but they may have cut back on that since the economy is not as bad. Basically if you are only allowed 26 weeks and you use all of it, it runs out and you don't get any more.

If you apply for more than 26 weeks I believe the amount does stay the same. If you happen to get part time work, you will need to report that and then they subtract that from your benefit.

sorry for your recent lay off

Cygnus_33 · August 2013

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it.

moonprincessd · August 2013

It depends on state, I know my mom would get unemployment benefits even when she was working part time, but she was not getting 30 hours a week.

Wulfgar · August 2013

I think the Federal Government is phasing out the extended unemployment benefits. That being said, at the height of the recession engineers that I know including myself were laid off and all found work with in the 6 month period. Some that had a lot of time in service had to take pay cuts as they start out with new companies a little lower on the scale. Others went into project management as a contractor.

Not knowing what type of engineer you are and what part of PA you are in, but my company in Canton, Ohio is looking for engineers, Hendrickson Trailer Suspensions.

MrsS728 · August 2013

Keep in mind that while on unemployment, my husband was on it twice in one year (2010) he had to take the first job that he was offered (as long as it was in his field) regardless of salary.

Unemployment Benefits

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