Month: January 2003

The Dow dropped 165 points today to 7945, hitting a three-month low (again).

Wall Street took no comfort from news that gross domestic product in the fourth quarter grew at a measly 0.7 percent rate, a number that was lower than the market’s modest expectations of a 0.9 percent advance. Separately, some 397,000 people filed for the first time last week to get unemployment benefits, 12,000 more than economists had expected and dangerously close to the 400,000 level that indicates a weakening labor market. […]

At first, I was a bit confused about the 400,000 threshold for “a weakening labor market”. However, I suppose that’s just an indicator with a generally accepted crossing-point.

I’ve discovered that my regular unemployment benefits have just ended (receiving a check for just $13 was my first clue). However I can now apply for Federal Extended Unemployment Benefits (TEUC).

The paragraph on my statement about benefits-ending directed me to call my local unemployment tele-center to apply. I’ve been trying to get through to them, but so far I’ve either encountered busy signals or wait-times of around 45 minutes.

Anyhow, to anyone that’s applied for Extended Benefits before, is there a lot of paperwork involved? And, do I have to qualify for this level of benefits, or is it just a matter of sending in the forms?

Update 01/29: I called them today and applied right over the phone — the process was pleasantly straightforward.