Unemployment Extensions

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Unemployment Extensions

KAUZ News

Story Created: Apr 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 8, 2009 at 4:12 PM CST

As un-employment remains at an all time high, so does the concern for those searching for a job. Especially for those who's un-employment benefits are reaching the end.

Un-employment benefits can last up to 26 weeks. It seems like plenty of time, but with the jobless rate at 7.1%, an all time high in Wichita Falls, competition for work is tight.

Leaving many asking the question, "What happens when those 26 weeks or less are over, and a job is still un attainable?" Terry Womack is just one of many Texomans collecting unemployment, while at the same time actively looking for a job. She was laid off in February, and the hunt for work hasn't been easy.

"In the field we are in, there's not much at all." said Terry Womack.

Workforce Specialist Rita Gauthier says Terry's not alone.

"The competition is very tight especially for people in positions like welding and production jobs. That's what they've done all their lives and that's their livelihood, and that's all they know." said Gauthier.

Terry is having to retrain herself and remain positive, all while doing whatever she can to stay ahead. 

 "Some people may have to go to different fields just retrain and go back to school."

But what happens when the benefits run out?

Gauthier says the Department Of Labor looks at unemployment numbers for each state and if it's rising, they determine if benefit extensions are necessary. And with the overall state average at 6.8%... "Right now Texas has extended benefits in place."

It's up to an additional 13 weeks on a case by case bases.

Terry says the extensions are not something she is relying on but...

"It's going to help if we can't find a job by that time."

She says to be on un-employment was never her goal, but instead to "Find a job hopefully on we like and get back to work as soon as we can."

For more information on un-employment benefits and extensions, call Texas WorkForce Office at 322-1801. 

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