Regional InformationNews and Updates
Indiana DWD Issues Q-and-A regarding Possible Extension of Unemployment Benefits by Congress
As of February 25, 2010, Indiana Department of Workforce Development officials believed there would be many potential changes to the unemployment insurance benefits system due to the possible expiration of the federal emergency unemployment compensation programs and State Extended Benefits.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions. Please note, however, these scenarios are subject to change should Congress extend these programs.
What does it mean when people refer to “tiers” or different extensions of unemployment?
There are currently six unemployment tiers:
1 -- Regular State Unemployment provides up to 26 weeks of benefits;
2 -- Federal Extension Tier #1 provides up to 20 weeks of benefits;
3 -- Federal Extension Tier #2 provides up to 14 weeks of benefits;
4 -- Federal Extension Tier #3 provides up to 13 weeks of benefits;
5 -- Federal Extension Tier #4 provides up to 6 weeks of benefits; and
6 -- State Extended Benefits provides up to 20 weeks of benefits.
When are the current federal extensions scheduled to expire?
According to federal law, the four federal extensions and State Extended Benefits are scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010. This means that no new claimants can enroll into these extensions after that date.
What happens to people collecting unemployment, if Congress does not extend the programs?
If Congress does not extend the current federal extensions and state extended benefits, claimants will be able to collect whatever weeks of benefits they have remaining on their current tier, but would not roll to the next tier of benefits. There is currently a bill in Congress to extend these programs.
What happens then?
Unknown until Congress passes an extension, the President signs it and the U.S. Department of Labor issues specific rules regarding any extension. However, if this occurs, DWD will communicate details of the extension as soon as receiving notice.
What should a person do who is about to lose their unemployment benefits?
Hoosiers concerned about losing their benefits and those looking to quickly return to the job market should consider taking a temporary position with the U.S. Census Bureau. There are thousands of Census positions currently available in Indiana. The jobs pay up to $15 per hour and offer 20-40 hours per week. Hoosiers interested in applying for a census job should visit:
http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/;
Hoosiers should visit DWD’s website for the latest updates on the federal extensions and potential Congressional action:
www.in.gov/dwd.
PWS Seeks Qualifications and Price Quote for Marketing and PR Services in Northeast Region
Responses are due March 1, 2010, to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Price Quote for Marketing and Public Relations Services, said Partners for Workforce Solutions (PWS), the regional operator of WorkOne Northeast (Economic Growth Region 3).
PWS seeks a contractor to provide marketing and public relations services that target young people ages 16 to 21 to raise their awareness of the necessity of achieving success in secondary and post-secondary education to spur, in turn, success in future employment and life experiences. In addi-tion, PWS directs the contractor to raise the awareness of young people to career opportunities in various industry clusters identified for growth in Northeast Indiana.
The services and products funded under this solicitation must be tied to the TOpS 2015 Talent Initiative already underway in Northeast Indiana.
For a copy of the Request for Qualifications and Price Quote, go to [+] RFQ DOCUMENT.
Regional Operator Issues RFP for WIA Out-of-School Youth Programs and Services
Proposals will be accepted through June 30, 2010, in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Out-of-School Youth Programs and Services, the WorkOne Northeast regional operator said.
Partners for Workforce Solutions, the Regional Operator of Region 3 in Northeast Indiana, seeks proposals from organizations and training institutions that could use funds under WIA to deliver training and other skill-building programs to out-of-school youth who meet federal income eligibility criteria.
For a copy of the Region 3 WIA Out-of-School Youth Programs and Services RFP, go to
[+] PROPOSAL.
For a copy of required attachments, go to [+] REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS.
JAG Indiana Puts Kids on Right Path;
Program is for High School Juniors and Seniors
Jobs for America's Graduates is a program for underprivileged high school juniors and seniors featuring a goal to give young people the guidance to take the next step, WANE reported in a story published Dec. 18, 2009. Go to WANE.com at http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/Local-WANE-JAG-Indiana-success.
Check Out ICC.com for Employment Assistance and Job-Hunting Resources
The state's robust web portal, Indiana Career Connect.com, contains a wealth of information and resources for Hoosier job seekers and employers. Check it out at ICC.com.
Department of Workforce Development Issues Guide
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has issued "Resource Guide for the Unemployed; Helpful Hints and Information for Unemployed Workers in Indiana." To access the report and download a PDF copy, go to RESOURCE GUIDE.
Indiana Career Connect
The State of Indiana's NO CHARGE service to benefit you!
Whether you are searching for a new career, seeking qualified job candidates, exploring skills training opportunities or looking for labor market information, Indiana Career Connect can help you! Log on to www.indianacareerconnect.com to begin your search today!