Is the letter from Mass UI correct? (collect, extension, file)

[burnaby]

<P>I just recieved my benefits letter from stating that I am now on Tier II.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>It also states that Massachusetts EB program ended on June 26, 2010 regardless of any credit you may have.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>It also says that because congress did not extend federal funding once I complete this tier, I will not be eligible to collect benefits on the next tier.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Is this correct? I am totally confused as I thought this was addressed with the latest extension bil.</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Any advice appreciated.&nbsp; Thanks!</P>

[Ariadne22]

Call or visit your local unemployment office for clarification. There are triggers for Tiers III, IV and EB. It is possible Mass is not participating in EB at this time, but the tiers should not be affected unless the state unemployment rate is below its triggers.

This from diorgirl:

Originally Posted by diorgirl

The three-month average unemployment rate triggers for Tiers III and IV in all states are:
• EUC Tier III - up to 13 weeks (state must have a three-month average unemployment rate of at least 6%).
• EUC Tier IV - up to 6 weeks (state must have a three-month average unemployment rate of at least 8.5%).

The unemployment rate triggers for EB can vary from state to state. However, most states opt for the following three-month average unemployment rate triggers:
• EB - up to 13 weeks (state must have a three-month average unemployment rate of at least 6%),
• High EB - up to an additional 7 weeks (state must have a three-month average unemployment rate of at least 8%).

Many states also require that EB is funded 100% by the federal government as one of the criterion for offering these benefits.

You should check your state's DOL website for the specific EB requirements that are in effect in your state.

[burnaby]

Thanks so much.

[Opyelie]

Originally Posted by burnaby

I just recieved my benefits letter from stating that I am now on Tier II
It also states that Massachusetts EB program ended on June 26, 2010 regardless of any credit you may have
It also says that because congress did not extend federal funding once I complete this tier, I will not be eligible to collect benefits on the next tier
Is this correct? I am totally confused as I thought this was addressed with the latest extension bil
Any advice appreciated Thanks

It MAY be that your Tier 2 exhaustion date will take you past the current (as enacted by the bill you refer to) cutoff date to move to the next Tier and this is what the letter meant. If so, then they are correct, you won't be able to move to Tier 3 unless another extension to the deadlines is passed before then which seems unlikely at this point.

They are however incorrect in stating MA no longer offers EB....

Federal-State Extended Benefits (EB)


Up to 20 weeks
Last effective date to file for EB is 12/19/10

Must exhaust all rights to EUC Tiers I, II, III, and IV
Payable through the week ending 12/25/10

Overview of Latest Extension Benefits (http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Claimants&L2=U nemployment+Insurance+(UI)&L3=Information+on+Unemp loyment+Insurance+Extensions&sid=Elwd&b=terminalco ntent&f=dua_extensions_overview_7_10&csid=Elwd - broken link)

[burnaby]

thanks!

[Ariadne22]

That is a very bizarre letter you received.

If you have just begun Tier II, you would exhaust your benefits November13 or November 20 or at the very latest November 27, any of which date would allow you to move to Tier III before the November 30th expiration of this latest extension.

Inasmuch as the letter is incorrect on Massachusetts EB, per Opyelie above, it would appear that letter was drafted prior to the passage of HR4213 with the intent to send it to all tier recipients - not just you.

Ha - I am tempted to say disregard it because it is clearly erroneous on a couple of levels, but you may want to check to be sure your claim hasn't fallen between the cracks somewhere in their computer programming. Still think it's a big goof on their part and you weren't the only one that got it.

[Opyelie]

Originally Posted by Ariadne22

That is a very bizarre letter you received.

If you have just begun Tier II, you would exhaust your benefits November13 or November 20 or at the very latest November 27, any of which date would allow you to move to Tier III before the November 30th expiration of this latest extension.

Inasmuch as the letter is incorrect on Massachusetts EB, per Opyelie above, it would appear that letter was drafted prior to the passage of HR4213 with the intent to send it to all tier recipients - not just you.

Ha - I am tempted to say disregard it because it is clearly erroneous on a couple of levels, but you may want to check to be sure your claim hasn't fallen between the cracks somewhere in their computer programming. Still think it's a big goof on their part and you weren't the only one that got it.

Totally agree Ariadne, it seems to be OLD information and as usual suggest the best thing for the OP to do is contact their UE rep and find out for sure.

[burnaby]

Thanks so much everyone. I'll let you know what the outcome is after I visit my local office.