More than 9,000 qualify for new jobless benefits

By Cy Ryan

Monday, Nov. 24, 2008 | 9:24 a.m.

CARSON CITY – More than 9,000 laid off Nevada workers will qualify for extended unemployment benefits under the federal legislation signed by President Bush on Friday.

The extension will give these workers an additional 13 weeks of benefits as the holiday season approaches.

David Schmidt, an economist for the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, says 9,327 workers have exhausted their 13 weeks extended benefits and will now be eligible under the law approved last by the House in October and by the Senate on Thursday.

The department reported last week that the jobless rate in October statewide reached 7.6 percent, the highest it has been since May 1985. There were an estimated 105,300 people out of work.

Those who lose their jobs can collect up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. Congress in June granted a 13 week extension due to the downturn in the economy. This is the second extension.

The legislation would extend benefits for seven weeks for those whose eligibility has expired. In states where the unemployment rate is higher than 6 percent, the jobless person would be entitled to an additional 13 weeks.

Nevada’s rate has exceeded the national average every month since mid 2007.

Clark County’s jobless rate last month was 7.5 percent, equaling the record high set in June 1992. There were a reported 76,400 persons out of work in Southern Nevada.

Schmidt said an estimated 10,000 jobless are now receiving the first extension of the benefits.

Mae Flennoy, public information officer for the department, said the average weekly check is $293.

The department has predicted Nevada’s jobless rate will exceed 8 percent next year.