2011-6006. Notice of a Change in Status of an Extended Benefit (EB) Period for Alaska

AGENCY:

Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

This notice announces a change in benefit period eligibility under the EB program for Alaska.

The following changes have occurred since the publication of the last notice regarding the State's EB status:

• Based on data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on January 25, 2011, the three month average, seasonally adjusted total unemployment rate for Alaska met or exceeded the 8.0% threshold to enter a high unemployment period (HUP) in the EB program. As a result, Alaska's payable period in (HUP) began February 13, 2011, and eligibility for claimants has been increased from a maximum potential entitlement of 13 weeks to a maximum potential entitlement of 20 weeks in the EB program.

The trigger notice covering state eligibility for the EB program can be found at: http://ows.doleta.gov/​unemploy/​claims_​arch.asp.

Information for Claimants

The duration of benefits payable in the EB program, and the terms and conditions on which they are payable, are governed by the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, as amended, and the operating instructions issued to the states by the U.S. Department of Labor. In the case of a state beginning an EB period, the State Workforce Agency will furnish a written notice of potential entitlement to each individual who has exhausted all rights to regular benefits and is potentially eligible for EB (20 CFR 615.13(c)(1)).

Persons who believe they may be entitled to EB, or who wish to inquire about their rights under the program, should contact their State Workforce Agency.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Scott Gibbons, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Frances Perkins Bldg. Room S-4231, Washington, DC 20210, telephone number [phone] (this is not a toll-free number) or by e-mail: [e-mail].

Signed in Washington, DC, this 9th day of March 2011.

Jane Oates,

Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration.