In some states, the extension is automatic and in others you have to apply. For safety, check with your own state's unemployment office.
in what states are the unemployment benefits extension automatically filed
In Connecticut you can collect unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. Part of the stimulus plan the Federal Government has allowed an extension of 20 weeks and an additional 13 weeks for states with an unemployment rate of 6% or more, which includes CT (currently at 8%). So as of now you can collect for up to 59 weeks. The stimulus plan expires Dec 31 2009, it may or may not be extended.
The new unemployment extension will last 13 weeks in Florida. Check your eligibility & claim benefits at your unemployment office www.unemployment.001webs.com
if you qualify your unemployment extends into the EUC, emergency unemployment compensation. obama just signed the extension in dec 2010 that extends benefits until dec 2011. if you exhausted your regular benefits you will apply for EUC and begin tier 1 of benefits (20 weeks) then tier 2 (14 weeks) tier 3 (13 weeks) and tier 4 (6 weeks) after that you could qualify for SEB, state extended benefits (20 weeks) if all of the EUC has been exhausted before 12/31/11
This has just been passed. Look here in the Related Link below (for 7/1/09)
If you are otherwise entitled to the benefits, you will be automatically notified once your normal benefit period expires. and receive 33 weeks of additional benefits. See the Related Link below.
Initial claim is for 13 weeks. Extension is additional 7 weeks for a total of 20 weeks.
Today 11/21/2008 it was on channel 4 NBC news that President Bush has signed the extension for unemployment extended benefits. Meaning that there will be 7 additional weeks and 13 additional weeks for the state that has over 7 percent increase in unemployment.
13 weeks
Normally the benefit year is 52 weeks during which time you can collect up to 26 weeks of benefits. With extension programs, the period can be extended to as much as 99 weeks, but that depends on the economy, etc.
If Ohio does get the unemployment extension, it will only be 7 weeks. Some states that have a high unemployment rate (6% or higher) will get 13 weeks. edit: This answer is incorrect. Ohio's current unemployment rate is 7.3%, so Ohio qualifies for the full 13 weeks. http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/state_unemployment/index.html
It all depends on several different factors when your unemployment might end. These factors include the amount of money you made with the company, if you are eligible for any extensions, and what state you live in.