Maximum UI Benefit Increases

The maximum unemployment insurance benefit increased to $555 on Oct. 3, up from $537.

The new rate applies to claims filed for the benefit year starting on and after Oct. 3, 2010. Individuals who established a claim prior to the October 3 date and who have been collecting unemployment insurance benefits will be unaffected by the increase. The weekly dependency allowance for each dependent, at $15 with a maximum of $75, remains unchanged.

The revision of the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is based on average manufacturing wages for the year ending June 30, 2010. An increase is limited by law to $18 a year or 60% of the average weekly wage, whichever is less.

For the 12 months ending August 31, jobless benefits averaged $296 per week and claimants received an average 20.6 weeks of compensation. A year earlier, weekly benefit payments averaged $312 for an average of 18.6 weeks.

For more information regarding Employee Benefits, Payroll Services, and HR Administration please contact Total Team Solutions at 1-800-836-9678 ext. 11 or visit us at www.ttspro.com