Press Release

CONCORD - Governor John H. Lynch yesterday signed an agreement with the federal government for an extension of unemployment compensation benefits. Those individuals that have exhausted their unemployment compensation benefits beginning May 1, 2007 could be eligible to collect an extension of up to 13 weeks of benefits should they still remain unemployed. Commissioner Richard S. Brothers of Employment Security says he is "committed to assisting New Hampshire citizens and this program will remain in effect until March 31, 2009, in hopes of giving citizens the additional financial means needed to secure a new employment opportunity."

NH Employment Security must determine if you are eligible for a regular unemployment claim in New Hampshire or under any other state or federal unemployment program prior to being eligible for an extension of benefits. If it is determined that regular unemployment insurance possibilities have been exhausted, then a claim for extended benefits can be established.

Those individuals exhausting regular unemployment benefits in New Hampshire since May 1, 2007 will be receiving a letter from the Department mailed today explaining the Extended Benefits (EB) program. It is very important that if you have moved since you last filed a claim in NH, that you report any change of address to NH Employment Security by contacting your nearest office.

As this is a new program that needs to be established, all individuals that wish to file an Extended Benefits claim will have to visit their nearest Employment Security office to complete the application form. After that time, the claim will go through the same verification and adjudication process as regular unemployment insurance claims. In addition, claimants must adhere to established unemployment laws and rules that include conducting the required job search and working with Employment Security staff to obtain new employment.

For contact information and directions to Employment Security offices go to www.nh.gov/nhes or call 1-800-852-3400.