Oregon Employment Department: Approximately 3,000 Oregonians have come to the end of their unemployment insurance benefits, as their final extensions expired this past week. According to the Oregon Employment Department, the rate of Oregonians running out of all extension benefits will grow to about 500 per week statewide.In July, 2008 Congress passed the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program which added an additional 13-weeks of benefits following a 26-week regular claim. Since then, further additions to the EUC program, plus Oregon’s continued high unemployment rate, meant unemployed Oregonians could receive a total of 79 weeks of benefits. However, as of September 5, those who qualified at the beginning of the extension programs have now exhausted all benefits.
The Oregon Employment Department has been in contact with those affected throughout the time they have been receiving benefits. Oregonians on unemployment can monitor the status of their claims online, plus the department makes contact by phone and through the mail.
During the 2009 Legislative Session, the Oregon Legislature passed the Oregon Emergency Benefits (OEB) program which will allow an additional 13 weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted all other benefit extension programs. The OEB program however, does not go into effect until October 4, 2009.
In the meantime, the Oregon Employment Department, along with its WorkSource Oregon partners statewide, are stepping up efforts to connect unemployed Oregonians with the services they need. At WorkSource Centers and online at www.WorkSourceOregon.org, job seekers may be connected to a variety of state and local resources that offer services that range from housing to health services. In addition, job seekers may find intensified job-search help, including help with resume writing, career direction, training opportunities and more.
To find the WorkSource Oregon Center in your area, go to www.WorkSourceOregon.org.
09/09/2009
CONTACT: Tom Fuller
WorkSource Oregon Employment Department
503-947-1301
[email protected]
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