DWS News

March 21, 2003
Contact: Curt Stewart

Additional Benefits Available to Unemployment Insurance Claimants

Five more weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits will be made available to Utah claimants under legislation passed by the State Legislature. Governor Leavitt signed HB 19 that will provide additional benefits to individuals who have exhausted or will exhaust their entitlement to regular state benefits or Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC.) The benefits will be paid between June 1 and December 27, 2003.

According to Utah’s UI Director, Christopher Love, a special release of funds from a federal unemployment tax account will be used to pay for the benefits. Employer accounts will not be charged for the costs associated with these benefits.

Utah’s Employment Advisory Council felt strongly that both employers and workers should benefit from the federal distribution. Approximately one half of the money will remain in the state’s UI Trust Fund to reduce the impact of future employer tax increases and the remainder will be used to fund the additional benefits. "It is nice to have this opportunity to contribute to Utah’s economic recovery. One of the major purposes of unemployment benefits is to support the local economy with an infusion of "high velocity" dollars. These additional benefits will add an estimated $22 million to our economy. Each benefit dollar paid has a multiplier effect of about 2.5 times as goods and services are purchased in the community," Love said.

CLAIMS CENTER PHONE NUMBERS:

• Salt Lake and South Davis Counties 526-4400
• Weber and North Davis Counties 612-0877
• Utah County 375-4067
• Balance of State or Out of State 888-848-0688

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