The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also called the "economic stimulus package," will provide additional help to unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits in a number of ways including:

EXTRA $25 PER WEEK IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Most unemployed workers will receive an additional $25.00 per week in unemployment benefits. To receive this additional $25.00, you must receive an unemployment benefit payment for that week. For example, if you report earnings that reduce your weekly benefit payment to zero, you will not receive the additional $25.00. The $25 will be added to your payment after the usual deductions are taken from your weekly benefit amount. The additional $25 is automatic and effective with week ending February 28, 2009. There is no need to call the agency as we expect to start making these payments before the end of March and, at that time, we will also make payments back to week ending February 28, 2009. The additional $25.00 per week is a temporary payment through the end of 2009.

PERIOD FOR COLLECTING EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (EUC) EXTENDED

 Currently, Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) is being paid to eligible claimants. EUC is payable to those who exhaust their claims for state unemployment benefits, and who cannot establish a new claim. EUC is payable for a maximum of 33 weeks. The maximum number of weeks will remain at 33, which includes the 20 weeks maximum under the first EUC and 13 weeks maximum under the second EUC. Due to the changes in the federal economic stimulus package, EUC claims can be filed through week ending December 26, 2009, with the final payment of EUC being made for week ending June 5, 2010. Unemployed workers are notified by mail to file for the EUC when they become eligible.

PARTIAL SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR TAX YEAR 2009

 Unemployment benefits are generally taxable as income under state and federal income tax laws. In the economic stimulus package, $2,400 in unemployment benefits paid in 2009 will not be subject to federal taxes. When you filed your new claim, you were given the option to have taxes deducted. If you want to start or stop your tax deduction because of this information, call 1-866-500-0017 and press Option 3. Please remember that when you choose to start or stop tax deductions your choice applies to both state and federal taxes.