Latest info on unemployment extension I received this email this morning regarding unemployment insurance extension, being included in the defense bill. Hope this passes before the Xmas break. I will try to find the link. Dear Friends -- Congress is poised to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program, full funding of the Extended Benefits (EB) program, the extra $25 per week in benefits, and the COBRA subsidy before it leaves for the holiday recess. Though NELP and all other allies for the unemployed have ed for a full-year extension, it looks now like there will be a 6 month extension at most. The plan is to attach the extension of these programs onto the Department of Defense bill, which is one that "must pass" before the end of the year. Right now, leadership in both Houses is working hard to ensure that the 6 month extension passes, but there is a possibility that it would only be a brief 2 month extension, and we have to continue fighting for a longer extension as soon as the new year starts. We know that you all need the security and peace of mind of at least a six month extension, so at this critical juncture it is important that you your Representatives and Senators as soon as possible, and let them know that they MUST pass AT LEAST a 6 month extension of UI benefits and COBRA before they go home for the holidays. You can use this toll free number, provided to us by the Coalition on Human Needs, to the Congressional switchboard -- 1-888-***. As for your Representative and Senators and make your voice heard loud and clear. We must show them how important this vote is to so many, and that it is unacceptable for them to go home for the holidays without making sure that unemployed workers and their families have the safety net they deserve. So please make your s NOW, and forward this action alert to your friends and family, asking them to make their voices heard as well. We appreciate all your hard work and effort, and apologize for the amount of emails you have received in the last couple of days. < Your Friends at Unemployedworkers.org, Andy, Andriette, Tiphany, Rick, Christine, George, Maurice, Debbie and Judy

how does this differ from the latest 14 wk... extension. Is what you posted in addition to that and/or in lieu of it?

This extends the deadline into 2010 from 12/31/09 for EUC and Cobra

oh, the deadline, not the number of weeks you... ...can collect?

exactly it's not a NEW tier of extensions per se

When do they leave for the holidays? I was just told that I have to cancel my COBRA (full-price now) in order to apply for a discounted coverage. If I cancel it, I can't get it back!

the 18th is the last day I think though they CAN do a Saturday vote