New HampshireUnemployment benefits could last 26 weeks when claims rise
People could receive up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, with the limit rising to 26 weeks when weekly statewide claims exceed 4,000 for three straight weeks.
What it does
People could receive benefits for up to 20 weeks in a benefit year. The limit would rise to 26 weeks after statewide claims exceed 4,000 a week for three straight weeks.
The state employment department would track weekly claims and update public notices, information materials, and online systems when the maximum benefit weeks change.
Argument forWhen claims stay high, eligible people could receive benefits for up to six more weeks while seeking work.
Argument againstDuring lower-claim periods, people who are still out of work could lose benefits sooner because the maximum would be 20 weeks.
More detail
People may qualify for up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, with the limit rising to 26 weeks when statewide claims pass the stated threshold. The maximum applies to unemployment benefits in a benefit year. The 26-week limit applies after weekly claims exceed 4,000 for three consecutive weeks. The limit returns to 20 weeks after claims are 4,000 or fewer for three consecutive weeks. Each change in the maximum begins the week after its three-week claims trigger is met.
The Department of Employment Security must monitor weekly claims and notify the public when the maximum benefit weeks change. The department must update public notices, informational materials, and online systems about the maximum eligible benefit weeks. The duty applies whenever the maximum number of eligible benefit weeks changes.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 14Executive Session: 10/14/2026 10:00 am GP 229Latest
- Oct 14Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation 10/14/2026 (Vote 14-0; )
- Sep 1Full Committee Work Session: 10/13/2026 10:00 am GP 229
- Mar 5Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 26
- Feb 24Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 02/10/2026 (Vote 19-0; CC) HC 9 P. 20
- Feb 5Executive Session: 02/10/2026 10:00 am GP 159
- Jan 29Subcommittee Work Session: 02/04/2026 11:00 am GP 153
- Jan 27Subcommittee Work Session: 01/29/2026 11:00 am GP 153
- Jan 15Subcommittee Work Session: 01/22/2026 11:00 am GP 228
- Jan 14==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 01/20/2026 10:00 am GP 159
- Jan 8Public Hearing: 01/13/2026 02:45 pm GP 159
- 2025
- Dec 17Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services HJ 1 P. 35Introduced
Economy & Jobs