New requirements for long-term unemployment benefits to kick in

As part of new federal requirements, about 500,000 Californians receiving long-term unemployment benefits will soon have to appear in person at local job centers to show they are actively looking for work.

The requirements are the result of the unemployment benefit extension President Obama signed in February.

To continue receiving federal extension benefits, those who are unemployed must now document their work search efforts, which must include contacts with at least three employers per week.

They must also upload or update their resume with the state’s on-line job board, CalJOBS.

The state’s Employment Development Division estimates that about 650,000 Californians will qualify for federal extension benefits between March and the end of the year. About 20% of those who do not live near a state job center, known as One-Stop Career Centers, will not be required to appear in person to provide proof of their job search.

Those affected by the federal requirements will be receiving notices in coming weeks; some received packets last week.

An estimated 1.1 million Californians receive unemployment benefits. An additional 720,000 have exhausted all of their available benefits, according to the state agency.

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