In late February, the US Congress voted to extend the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through December 31, 2012.
Note that there are two caveats within the new legislation.
First, the total weekly benefits available for eligible claimants will be reduced from 99 weeks. Depending upon the unemployment rate in your state, it will be reduced to 63 weeks or 73 weeks. I’m still waiting to hear the timeframe for when that is reduced.
Second, the new law allows the possibility for states to require drug testing of unemployment claimants. A state may choose drug testing for an individual whose previous employment was terminated due to refusing or failing a drug screen. A state may also choose drug testing for an individual whose new employment would require a drug screen. I haven’t yet seen discussion of how states would determine what positions qualify for the latter.
Will keep you posted!
And President Obama signed the 2012 extension into law last week.
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