State Extended Benefits Program Ending For Those On Unemployment

A program helping unemployed Oklahomans who are struggling during the pandemic is ending in a few days.

The labor department says Oklahoma is no longer eligible for the program.

Some people relying on the State Extended Benefits program said they don't know where they'll turn once it ends.

State leaders also said due to a low number of unemployment claims, their hands are tied.

For the first time in decades, the state’s extended benefits program went into effect during the summer. It provides up to 13 weeks of funds for people who have exhausted their regular unemployment and CARES Act benefits.

Oklahoma Employment Security Commission director Shelley Zumwalt said the federal department of labor told them the program will end this Saturday because Oklahoma is no longer eligible.

"This means after Dec. 12, no SEB (State Extended Benefits) payments will be distributed regardless of whether you've exhausted SEB or not," Zumwalt said.

The OESC said the program is triggered by average unemployment claim numbers.

Their last unemployment report says continued claims were down by 20 percent in late November.

"I know this is not information any of you want to receive before the holidays," Zumwalt said. "I can't control the end date of this program."

The news comes at a terrible time for many Oklahomans like Mark Welch.

Welch said he and his wife filed for unemployment for the first time this year and were counting on the SEB program.

"There is a good chance without help we will lose our house, Jeep, motorcycle, and have no place to live in just a few months,” Welch said.

Carrie Collier also said she's been counting on the SEB program after losing her job of 20-plus years in March.

"Receiving the information was shocking, and my already severe stress levels and fear of losing everything increased to a level I cannot even explain,” Collier said.

CARES Act funding programs are also set to expire on Dec. 26, unless federal legislators choose to extend it.

The last benefit week the SEB program will pay out is this week. You can file for the week of benefits starting the following Sunday (Dec. 13).