What are unemployment extensions?

Unemployment extensions are continuations of unemployment benefit programs that extend past the regular maximum period of state unemployment insurance in the United States. Most states provide up to 26 weeks of unemployment insurance, so an unemployment extension covers time past this limit.

States provide extended unemployment benefits during periods of high unemployment in the state. The unemployment extensions a worker is eligible for depend upon his state and the date he lost his job. During the 2008 recession, the U.S. government approved emergency unemployment compensation extending to up to 99 weeks. This program, however, expired in 2013, according to About.com.