On December 19th, Congress approved legislation to extend the eligibility dates for benefit extensions. As a result, individuals who exhaust regular unemployment benefits by February 21, 2010, or a tier of EUC by February 28, 2010, will be able to move to the next tier. New York State now provides 73 additional weeks of unemployment benefits, as well as the usual 26 weeks of regular benefits. These benefits may be claimed in the usual manner, and it is not necessary to file a new claim unless the individual is advised to do so. For more information visit the New York State Department of Labor website.