New Rules for Collecting Unemployment Benefits
www.cambridge-credit.org -- In 2012, millions of Americans will lose unemployment benefits as the government phases out two federal unemployment insurance programs. Even if you do qualify for these emergency programs, new federal legislation will require you to do much more to qualify for benefits. New rules passed by Congress require the unemployed to visit their local One-Stop Career Center for an in-person assessment if they want to receive federal benefits. They've also made some additional changes that can impact your job search; let's review what this means to you.
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Hello, and welcome to your money 2.0. I'm Thomas Fox, community outreach director at Cambridge credit counseling. In, 2012, millions of Americans will lose unemployment benefits as the government phases out 2 federal unemployment insurance programs. The extended benefits program was phased out in August. Any emergency unemployment compensation program is scheduled to expire by December. Even if you do qualify for these emergency programs, new federal legislation will require you to do much more to qualify for benefits. New rules passed by Congress require the unemployed to visit their local one-stop Career Center for an in-person assessment if they want to receive federal benefits. They've also made some additional changes that can impact your job search, so let's review what this means to you. Federal unemployment benefits may be available to you once you've exhausted your state benefits, generally 26 weeks. Some states randomly direct some of their unemployed citizens to utilize one-stop career centers during their initial claim period. However, federal guidelines will require all recipients to meet with an employment professional.
Career centers provide a range of helpful assistance to job seekers. Some of these services include career planning, an exploration, job preparation workshops, training, access to resources like computers fax and copy machines, and supportive services which may include child care and transportation. When you meet with the council they'll assess your skills, review employment history, and help you develop a realistic approach to job seeking. This is especially helpful as they can offer advice. They can help expand your job search to relevant positions and industries you may have overlooked.
One of the best career centers service is a free review of your resume. Another is a brush up on interview skills. It's a tough job, work, and as we’ve mentioned in previous episodes it's important to make a good first impression. Your resume and interviews have to demonstrate you're the best person for the position. Career centers can help you in this regard, but sadly they're having a tough time getting people to take advantage of the services. It's estimated that about one-third of job seekers aren't scheduling appointments. Failing to do so can cause you to miss out on these valuable services and, perhaps more important, you usually lose your benefits for not meeting with a career professional depending on your state. You can visit the center in person or connect to the center through the internet to find a career center. You can visit the Department of Labor's website or give them a call toll-free. These services are being supported by the federal government, which has invested about 450 million dollars in career center services. According to the administration, the effort could ultimately save the government money because the jobless find new positions and stop collecting benefits sooner.
On average, employment initiatives shorten the job search by up to eight weeks. The timing couldn't be better because of the maximum number of weeks you can collect unemployment have been reduced to seventy three weeks and, as I mentioned, federal benefits will expire at the end of the year. There are a few things that you want to be mindful of, however lawmakers also overhauled sections of the unemployment insurance system allow drug test of certain unemployment beneficiaries typically states will be allowed to screen applicants for illegal drugs if they lost their job, fail or refuse drug test, or if they're applying for a position that requires testing. It's currently unclear if your benefits would be rescinded you failed a drug test, but it's best to err on the side of caution. Even if you're not required to visit a career center, I encourage you to consider doing so anyway, it will help you connect with resources that could reinvigorate your job search. Until next time I'm Thomas Fox for Cambridge credit counseling.