Workers Should Avoid Private Companies Charging to File Jobless Claims
At least one private company is trying to charge unemployed workers $12.95 to process claims for unemployment insurance benefits that the workers can file for free through the Idaho Department of Labor.
The department's Web site - http://labor.idaho.gov - is Idaho's only official source of information about unemployment insurance benefits - both regular benefits and extended benefits. Unemployed Idaho workers should go to http://labor.idaho.gov/iw to apply online for benefits. There is no charge to use this site. Other sites may look official, but they are not.
"People need to steer clear of Web sites that appear to offer legitimate applications for unemployment insurance benefits when, in fact, they do not," Benefits Bureau Chief Roger Holmes said. "Using an unofficial site will not only cost money that doesn't need to be spent but could also delay benefits."
The Department of Labor offers a full range of employment services from job fairs to resume preparation and job interviewing techniques at each of its 25 local offices throughout the state.
Idaho law provides a weekly benefit to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and have sufficient earnings in the previous 15 months. The benefit up to $364 a week runs for up to 26 weeks as long as the claimant is actively looking for work.
In addition, a new federal law provides jobless workers who have already exhausted their regular benefits with extended benefits up to half the amount they had been receiving. Idled workers whose benefit year ended on or after May 5, 2007, have exhausted their benefits and are still out of work are eligible for the extension. To qualify, they must be able, available and actively seeking full-time work - the same requirements for collecting regular unemployment benefits.
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
Bredesen Requests Federal Farm Assistance For 9 More Counties
Governor Phil Bredesen has requested a federal designation of agricultural disaster for nine more counties to help Tennessee farmers who have suffered crop and livestock losses as a result of persistent drought conditions.
"A disaster designation for these counties will be important ....
26 Global Leaders Sign Agreement to Partner on Climate Action Declaration will Inform and Advance Negotiations for Next Global Agreement on Climate Ch
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined 26 global leaders from six countries to sign a declaration acknowledging the threats of global warming on natural resources and economic prosperity, and calling on states and provinces to build and strengthen cooperative efforts to implement ....
