Lingle authorizes extension of jobless benefits by 13 weeks
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle announced today authorized the extension of 13 additional weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits for the State of Hawai'i.
The extension will be in effect from July 6 through March 31, 2009. Currently, those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own are authorized to collect 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits.
The extension is authorized under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation that was signed by President George W. Bush as part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008. While the extension is approved by the President and Congress, the governors of each state must authorize the use of extended benefits for their individual states.
"This extension will provide unemployed individuals and their families with additional financial resources to help pay their bills as they get back into the job market," Lingle said.
"These extended benefits will not have an impact on the state's General Fund or the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, as all of the benefits are provided through the federal government."
