|
|
|||
|
|
|||
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Date: Friday, January 10, 2003 |
||
|
PRESIDENT
SIGNS BILL TO EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE Legislation
Gives Oklahomans a Hand Up in Facing Slow Economy OKLAHOMA CITY, OK –
Oklahomans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits received
some help Wednesday, January 8, 2003, when President Bush signed legislation
extending the eligibility period for the federal Temporary Extended
Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program which expired on December 28, 2002.
This extension means that Oklahomans who have received less than their full
share of TEUC benefits because of the expiration may now continue to receive
assistance up to a maximum of 13 weeks. In addition, those who have
exhausted their entitlement of regular unemployment benefits are now
potentially eligible for the TEUC extension. The legislation does not
provide any additional benefits to those who have exhausted all of their
TEUC eligibility. “The President signing this federal extension
allows those who were on TEUC to continue to draw until those benefits are
exhausted,” said Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Director of
Unemployment Insurance Sue Havens. “Although the program expired, we have
encouraged people to continue to file their weekly unemployment
claims. Those claims affected by the program expiration should all be
processed by this coming weekend.” Individuals who filed regular
unemployment claims or exhausted regular benefits after the TEUC program
expired were sent applications to continue benefits when new funding for the
program was approved. Those applications are being processed right now. The $7.2 billion bill will affect approximately 8,500
Oklahomans who were on the extension or exhausted benefits after the federal program expired. It is
estimated that an additional 1.6 million people nationwide will become
eligible by the program’s expiration on May 31, 2003. Those enrolled by
the May deadline could receive benefits up to a maximum of 13 weeks or until
August 31, 2003, whichever comes first. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission strives
to be the foundation in building a world-class workforce system in Oklahoma
by offering the highest quality services from a friendly, knowledgeable
staff and user-friendly technology. Through this effort, the OESC acts as a
source of hope and economic stability for the people of Oklahoma. # # # |
|||
