Unemployment benefits can be challenging to comprehend at first and the tier 5 unemployment extension is no different. In order to truly comprehend what this kind of unemployment extension could mean for many people we are going to need to take a glance at a few of the basic principles with regards to unemployment insurance.

Unemployment insurance typically differ slightly depending on which state you live in. However, standard unemployment insurance offers as much as 26 weeks of coverage for employees who have lost their job through no fault of their own. For instance, people who have been let go from the company because of budget cuts.

The current unemployment extension offers additional financial assistance for individuals who have depleted their unemployment. The way it functions currently is that there are 4 tiers which qualify for an extension, based on how long you have been accepting your benefits. The first tier extends for 20 weeks, the second tier goes for 14 weeks, and so on and so forth (be aware that these numbers could differ between states).

When we speak about the tier 5 unemployment extension, then, it refers to extending unemployment benefits individuals who have already expended their insurance and now have no alternatives for any sort of compensation. These people are commonly referred to as the “99’ers” and have been long term unemployed (the term “99’ers” emanates from the fact that in many states 99 weeks of benefits is the maximum duration one could be compensated for). It is estimated that up to 5 million people may fit into this category and need assistance which is not yet available.

Presently tier 5 unemployment does not exist and the legislation that would make it come to pass is in limbo. Backed by the democrats, the Americans Want to Work Act would create legal guidelines to permit for a fifth tier of unemployment benefits for those who qualify. Nevertheless, the bill is approximated to cost 33 billion dollars and is receiving virtually no support from the GOP, making it tough to say when and if a tier 5 unemployment extension will ever be available.

If you are a 99’er and in need of further unemployment compensation, you are encouraged to contact your state Representative and share your story. The tier 5 extension will not pass without more support and the best way to make that happen is to make your voice heard.

Most people familiar with the horror of losing a job. What’s worse is losing employment through no fault of your own, which unfortunately is happening to numerous people in today’s economic climate. Though I am employed now, I had been let go by my company early on in the recession and I was on unemployment insurance for an extended period of time. I also learned a few other tips about what to do after losing a job.

If you have just lost your job, I recommend looking into unemployment benefits before doing anything else. The reason why I say this is that, as I’m sure you are aware, the economy today is at such a state of shambles that you really can't depend on getting a new job in a timely fashion. Nevertheless, if you do qualify for unemployment benefits, you will be able to depend on a compensation check on consistantly which should be enough to survive until finding a new job. After staying reliably employed for a long time it can be hard to come to terms with the idea that you may have a difficult time finding a new career.

Unemployment benefits are limited and do have an expiration date on them, so once you have your bases covered in that respect it is important to get back into the job hunt as soon as possible. It can be a bit of a shell shock to get thrown back out into the wild after losing a job so you want to make sure to go through the basics first. For example, update your resume and create variations that are optimized for the type of jobs you will be looking for. If you have other resources available locally then you should also take full advantage of them. When I lost my job I even went back to the university I graduated from 5 years prior and talk to career counseling for help. Nothing is off limits so utilize every resource you have in finding a job.

If you can’t find a job within the first month or you should also take a look at what type of unemployment extension your state has to offer. Most states can extend unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks while you are searching for a new job.

Standard unemployment insurance does not last very long. Fortunately, there is a variety of other financial aid services available for those who need them. For example, you may be able to get an unemployment extension which could extend your total compensation period up to 99 weeks in most states. Check with your local unemployment office to see if you qualify for an extension.

Presently there is legislation in the works which may expand unemployment benefits to go beyond 99 weeks, but sadly it has not yet been voted through. The suggested bill, entitled the “Americans Want to Work Act,” is said to cost around 33 billion dollars and so far has been unable to receive a majority vote. If you are one of the millions of 99'ers who needs further financial assistance you are encouraged to contact your state representative to show your support.

There are also many types of aid you can receive above and beyond unemployment insurance. For instance, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (formerly known as Welfare) can provide assistance with various issues you might be dealing with if you have been out of work for an extended time period. They will even help with training and coaching to get you through the job search process.

The federal government’s Food Stamp Program, recently renamed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will also help to provide financial assistance should you have a family and require help affording groceries. They help to feed countless families every year and if you qualify it could offer some much needed assistance with purchasing food, an expense which no one can go without.

Despite all the programs available many people still go without every day necessities on a regular basis. Nobody wants to find themselves in that position so if you feel you need help, or may need it in the future, it is best to start looking into these programs as early as possible to see if you qualify. In addition to those mentioned above, you may also be interested in looking into your local social services offices to find out if there is any additional aid your state or city offers. Although the federal government does offer a wide variety of assistance, many states take their aid services above and beyond so it is certainly worth looking to see if there are any additional programs available in your area.

Most of us have experienced joblessness before and it is important to remember that you are never alone. Take full advantage of the aid programs available to you as early as possible after your unemployment runs out.