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Montana expanded unemployment benefits now available

HELENA — Montana is offering extended benefits for eligible individuals who have exhausted their previous Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.

Under state and federal law, extended benefits offer up to 13 weeks of additional benefits to those who have exhausted regular UI benefits and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits.

Extended benefits were triggered by the rise of Montana’s insured unemployment rate due to COVID-19.

This extension of benefits is not available to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims for self-employed and other populations expanded under the CARES Act.

When an individual is eligible for expanded benefits, they will see the option to apply on their personal MontanaWorks dashboard. Enrollment is not automatic. Individuals will have to file a claim.

Those with technical, eligibility, or benefits questions are encouraged to view the COVID-19 resource website.

A variety of information for both Montana workers and employers is available, including resources to help claimants navigate the unemployment process.

Claimants with questions specific to extended benefits can call (406) 444-2556 for assistance.

Written by Paula Mattison

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