Clinton OKs Extension of Jobless Benefits

A million jobless Americans are due to get an extension of their unemployment benefits under legislation that President Clinton signed Wednesday to provide $1.1 billion for long-term unemployed workers.

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program provides up to 13 weeks of extra jobless benefits for workers who have used up the basic six months of coverage. People from states with unemployment rates above 9% could get 13 extra weeks; all others could qualify for seven. Eligible are workers who used up the standard half-year of coverage between last Oct. 2 and next Feb. 5.

The legislation also requires that states set up a worker profile system to identify jobless workers “who have permanently lost their jobs and are likely to need re-employment services.”