Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate rose from 9.8 to 10.2 percent in October 2009.
Unemployment Benefits
The money you receive from your state when you’re unemployed – used to last for a maximum of 26 weeks. Since times are tough, states have increased the maximum. Some states send you a check for up to 49 weeks; others, like Florida and California, have extended benefits up to 79 weeks. That’s a year and a half!
How long can you collect unemployment in your state? Find out with this new map from CNN.com:
Unfortunately, unemployment is only a fraction of your previous salary, and benefits usually won’t pay all the bills. Make sure you start your job search long before your benefits are supposed to run out!
- Massachusetts – Benefit last 72 weeks**
- California – Benefits last 79 weeks**
- Florida – Benefits last 79 weeks**
* The number of weeks paid out changes based on triggers set off by state unemployment rates. The data is current through June 25, 2009.
** Eligiblity depends on how long you worked and how much you made prior to becoming unemployed. Not every filer receives the maximum number of weeks available.