Unemployment Money To Increase For Illinois' Jobless

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- As jobless rates climb toward record highs, Illinois residents looking for work will see an extra $25 a week in unemployment benefits.

The bump begins next week and comes from the federal stimulus package.

The program guarantees the extra money to any resident collecting unemployment checks through the end of the year or until their benefits run out.

Illinois' unemployment rate was 7.2 percent in December, similar to national statistics which show unemployment rates at a 16-year high.

Unemployment is expected to climb again in January.

The extra money will be added to benefits paid out on debit cards or direct deposit accounts every two weeks.

Comments

[JakeK]

Can anyone tell me how many weeks of unemployment one can draw here in the state of Illinois with all of the Extended Unemployment Compensation periods that have been added now. I am over 55 now and haven't even gotten my foot in the door of any company. I have found out that being a veteran with 22 years of honorable service does not really count for anything.

[bigbossman]

Under a new federal law that took effect on November 21, 2008, up to 33 weeks’ worth of emergency unemployment plus the regular 26 weeks paid out by the state of illinois

[PoliticalRockChick]

That extra $25 is definitely going to help me pay for bills.

[BushBites]

I was more relieved when the Democrats lengthened the time you can stay on unemployment.

Hope I don't need it, but if I do, I want to make sure I have enough to last me until people are hiring again.

[VOTER]

Exactly

I live in Congressman Kirk's district and he seems to think we are all
doing fine here.

Huh?
He is wealthy, out of touch with reality and a Limbaugh Lemming.

[American In Chicago]

Thank you, Mr. President!

I'll be sure to use it to do some economic stimulatin'

[ChiProgressive]

by buying American hopefully

[roddy43]

Obama didn't sign the extension into law..that was Bush..than­k him