Unemployment benefits to increase for new claims

The maximum unemployment benefit for new claims will increase from $255 to $265 after July 5, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees announced today in a written release.

The increase is the second of two that were enacted by the Alabama Legislature in 2008.

All claimants are also receiving an additional $25 a week, which is part of the Federal Stimulus package. The additional $25 is expected to continue through the end of 2009.

Surtees stressed only claims filed on or after July 5 will be eligible for the $10 increase.

Unemployed Alabamians can file for unemployment compensation benefits in two ways: either by phone at 1-866-234-5382, or online at http://www.dir.alabama.gov.