Rep. Albio Sires (D-13th Dist.) said earlier this month that he is pressing for the passage of a bill that will extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks in states where the unemployment rate averages 9 percent during a three-month period. The bill is called the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009.
“With roughly one job opening for every five job seekers, we must act to quickly extend benefits to those hardworking Americans who need it most,” said Sires last week. “I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, which will help many New Jersey families struggling to make ends meet.” Sires said that he hoped the bill will be under consideration later in September.
The unemployment rate in NJ reached 9.4 percent in July, the highest in 10 years.
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Local unemployment
At the local level, the rate has gone up much higher than the national or even the state average. In West New York, the unemployment rate has been reported at 12 percent, and 14 percent for Union City.
The One-Stop Career Center in Union City has seen an increase in the number of clients. The center is one of many throughout the state that are part of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The centers provide clients with job training, job search workshops, coordination and referrals to other public assistance agencies, and assistance with filing for unemployment benefits. Some of their clients are also able to receive free training at educational programs in vocational schools.
In the recent months, the centers have seen an increase in the number of clients coming for help, according to Steven Smith, Assistant Director of One-Stop Operations. He said that the bill that is being pushed by Sires would be beneficial to clients.
“Is there a need for some type of intervention? I would say ‘“definitely!,’ ” said Smith.
Smith also added that he had seen some clients that received a letter in the mail informing them that their unemployment benefits would be terminated because they had received them for the maximum number of weeks. He said that those clients weren’t sure what to they would do next.
Currently, the maximum number of weeks a client can receive benefits is 79. But Smith noted that for some, 79 weeks can pass by quickly when you’re trying to find a job and none are available.
If the bill passes
If the bill were to pass legislation, those whose unemployment benefits had been terminated and are eligible for an extension would automatically receive one. Smith said that in the past, that is how it has worked. Clients would not have to re-apply, they would simply receive a letter and then a check.
“They’re going to have to do something with these people because these are working people who are used to getting paychecks to pay rent, mortgages, bills that they have, gas in their car, and so forth,” said Smith.
Making the call
Filing for unemployment benefits can be done via a phone call. However, navigating through the system can be challenging. Smith said that the department is aware and doing their best to help as many callers as they can. Advice given to clients is that they call during off peak days, such as Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of the week in which they want their claim to begin.
Useful claimant information to have when making a call is:
• Social Security number
• Address and phone number.
• Date of birth.
• Alien registration number if any.
• Pension information if receiving any pension or 401(k).
Additionally, a claimant must have information for all employers in the past 18 months. Such as:
• Complete name, address, and phone number of employer
• Occupation with that employer
• Beginning and ending dates of employment
• Reason for separation.
• A four digit number to be chosen as a personal identification number.
Smith also advises those who are considering requesting assistance to request as early as possible after becoming eligible because it may take some time to go through the process.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com