The Iowa Workforce Development has begun to reactivate approximately 16,000 Iowans who may be eligible for additional Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits since a deadline extension was passed by Congress.

“Iowans have continued to struggle with the affects of the national recession,” stated Director Elisabeth Buck. “By extending the deadline for receiving EUC benefits to November 30th, Iowans will have the economic safety net in place while they seek new employment opportunities.”

The Worker Assistance Act of 2009 is designed to lessen the effects of unemployment during difficult economic times. The additional 47 weeks of benefits that Iowans may be eligible for are paid by the federal government and do not effect Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund solvency.

Eligible Iowans will begin seeing benefits paid as early as July 29th. In accordance with the federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits program, to receive additional benefits, an individual must have exhausted their regular benefits before the program expires on November 30th.

For additional information on the program, go to www.iowaworkforce.org/news/