If all goes well, President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion Coronavirus relief bill would provide another round of federal stimulus checks to millions of Americans. The $1.9 trillion stimulus bill includes various provisions such as the $1,400 third stimulus check, $400 unemployment weekly bonus checks, and many more.
In this post, we will tell you about the various provisions included in the $1.9 trillion stimulus package and who qualifies for the third round of stimulus checks.
More About The New Stimulus Package
Recently, the House of Representatives approved President Joe Biden’s much-awaited $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. The concerned leaders are working on the legislation so that the bill comes into effect before the supplemental benefits expire mid-March.
The new stimulus bill provides a $1,400 direct payment to the Americans. It also includes the following provisions.
- Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour
- Provide $30 billion in support for landlords and renters
- Increase the Child Tax Credit (for dependents) from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17
- Extend the payment relief for federally guaranteed mortgages, foreclosures, and the moratorium on evictions until September
- Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to nearly $1,500 from a max of $530. This would raise the income limit to around $21,000 from $16,000 and allow those over age 65 to claim the credit for 2021
- Increase the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to a max of 50% from a max of 35% of qualifying child care expenses
- Increase weekly Unemployment Insurance benefit amounts under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program from $300 to $400 and extend benefits under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program through September
Who Qualifies For $1,400 Payment?
The third stimulus check would keep the income limit the same for the first and second checks. But because the third checks are expected to max out at $1,400 — $200 more than the first round, some people who didn’t qualify for previous stimulus checks can hope to get a small amount this time.
Here’s the income limit to be eligible for the full amount under the third stimulus bill based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
| Type of taxpayer |
Full $1,400 per person maximum (based on AGI) |
Not eligible (based on AGI) |
| Singles |
Less than $75,000 |
$100,000 or more |
| Head of household |
Less than $112,500 |
$150,000 or more |
| Married couple filing jointly |
Less than $150,000 |
$200,000 or more |
Dependents over age 16 who were not eligible for the first and second checks may qualify for the third check. That is, college students, older adult relatives, and people with certain disabilities may receive a check as part of the household total. Similarly, those who file jointly and earn $198,000 may get $112, and heads of household earning $137,000 may get $486.
Note that the above-listed eligibility criteria may or may not vary when the bill is signed by President Joe Biden and is rolled out to the citizens.
When Will You Get A $1,400 Check?
“We hope to have this all done by the end of February,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Feb. 11. “Certainly on the president’s desk in time to offset the March 14 deadline where some unemployment benefits would expire.”
Below are the hypothetical dates for rolling out payments for two situations: if a bill becomes a law before March 14, 2021, or if it slips a week due to negotiations and the timeline to create the bill.
| Stimulus check passes Congress |
Friday, March 12 |
Monday, March 22 |
| Stimulus bill signed into law |
Sunday, March 14 |
Tuesday, March 23 |
| First direct deposit check sent |
Week of March 22 |
Week of March 29 |
| First paper checks sent |
Week of March 29 |
Week of April 5 |
| First EIP cards sent |
Week of April 5 |
Week of April 12 |
| Claims for missing stimulus money open |
May 3 |
May 3 |
Also, note that payment by different methods may begin to show up at different times. Payments through Direct Deposit may arrive faster but check, or debit card may take a longer time.
How Will You Receive The Third Stimulus Check?
You may receive the $1,400 stimulus checks by direct deposit with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you don’t have direct deposit with the IRS, you may receive a check or debit card in the mail.
Why File Your Taxes At The Earliest?
The IRS started accepting tax returns on February 12, 2021, with the filing window closing on April 15, 2021. That means the agency may start rolling out $1,400 stimulus checks in the middle of tax season. If you don’t file your 2020 tax return before the new bill is passed, the agency will rely on your 2019 tax return to calculate your stimulus amount, and the 2019 return might reflect your loss in any income in 2020 or a new child.
But by filing for a 2020 tax return sooner, you may be able to claim the extra money on Form 1040s through the Recovery Rebate Credit or an adjustment between what you got from the IRS versus what you are entitled to.
Closing Thoughts
The provisions included in the new stimulus package may change over the period. Let’s wait and see if the leaders modify the provisions or make changes to the eligibility requirements to qualify for the $1,400 direct payment when passing the new bill.
As the pandemic-induced economic downturn continues to affect the Wisconsinites, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has announced extended unemployment benefits in the state. This post will tell you who qualifies for the extended unemployment benefits in Wisconsin and how to apply for the program.
More About The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?
On Wednesday, December 2, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced that the residents could begin applying for the Extended Benefits (EB). The Department could trigger EB because the state’s unemployment rate had reached its threshold level. Under the Extended Benefits program, the residents can receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) for an additional 13 weeks.
The first payable week under this program is retroactive to the week ending May 23, 2020, or the first week after a claimant has exhausted all their benefits received through the regular and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. The last payable week is the week ending November 2020.
Who Qualifies For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?
One should meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for the extended unemployment benefits in Wisconsin. They include:
- Should exhaust all benefits received through the regular unemployment program
- Should exhaust benefits received through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program
- Shouldn’t qualify for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program
How To Apply For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?
Individuals who have run out of regular unemployment benefits or PEUC will have to apply with the Department. Wisconsin extended unemployment benefits application can be found in the “Important Messages” section of the claimant portal dashboard.
Individuals who have exhausted benefits but are no longer claiming them will be notified of EB eligibility through the mail.
How Much Benefits Will You Receive Under The Extended Benefits Program?
You will receive the same amount as you receive through the regular unemployment program. The maximum unemployment benefits in Wisconsin $370, and the minimum is $54.
Will You Receive Extended Benefits If You Are Recently Unemployed?
No, you will not receive Extended Benefits if you have lost your job recently. However, you can apply for a regular Unemployment Insurance program.
Note that to qualify for regular unemployment benefits in Wisconsin, you must meet several eligibility criteria. Some of them include:
- You are fully or partially unemployed through no fault of your own
- Your weekly earnings are reduced
- You have worked for minimum numbers of hours
- You have earned minimum wages
Normally, the Department requires you to meet work search requirements as well. But this requirement is currently waived off due to the pandemic.
Documents Required
You will have to provide several details while applying for the Wisconsin unemployment benefits. They include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your employers’ name
- Your Social Security Number
- Your phone number and email address
- Your employers’ contact information
- Alien Registration Number, if you are a non-U.S. citizen
Applying For Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits
You can apply for Wisconsin unemployment benefits in 6 simple steps.
Step 1– Visit my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov
Step 2 – Carefully read the terms and conditions
Step 3 – Generate a username and password
Step 4 – Login to your account
Step 5 – Fill the application
Step 6 – Submit the application
The Department will review your application and mail you the amount of benefits you will receive. If you do not qualify, the Department will send a notice indicating why your claim was rejected. However, if you believe that you are eligible for benefits, you can file an unemployment appeal.
Note that you do not qualify for the regular unemployment benefits if you are a gig-worker or self-employed. However, you may be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program announced under the CARES Act. The program provides benefits up to 39 weeks and is scheduled to end on December 26, 2020.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides benefits for those who otherwise do not qualify for benefits like the self-employed, independent contractors, and gig-workers.
Final Words
With the Extended Benefits, you can now collect benefits for a total of 52 weeks in Wisconsin. If you are staying in Wisconsin, and have exhausted all your benefits, quickly file an initial application, collect your payments and meet your basic needs.
As regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) begins to expire for more than 1.4 million New Jerseyans, the state Legislature has passed a new bill that allows more unemployed people to receive extended unemployment benefits in New Jersey. So, who qualifies for the Extended Benefits in New Jersey under the new bill? Know it here!
The Extended Unemployment Benefits In New Jersey
The state Department Of Labor (DOL) had announced extended unemployment benefits in New Jersey in July 2020. The extension was possible because the state had reached high unemployment periods. According to the Department, high unemployment periods are those times when the unemployment rate of the state reaches 8% for the most recent 3 months. The state’s unemployment rate is 15.3% in April, 15.2% in May, and 16.8% in June.
Under the Extended Benefits (EB) program, the unemployed New Jerseyans will be able to claim benefits for an additional 20 weeks, provided they have exhausted benefits received through the regular 26 weeks of benefits and extra 13 weeks of the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.
The cost of the Extended Benefits (EB) is equally split between the federal government and the state unemployment trust fund.
Who Qualifies For The Extended Benefits In New Jersey?
To qualify for the 20 weeks New Jersey unemployment extension, you should meet several eligibility requirements. They include:
- You must be fully or partially unemployed through no fault of your own
- You must exhaust all benefits received through the regular state unemployment benefits and PEUC program
- You must not qualify for any other unemployment benefits in another state or territory
- You must have worked for at least 20 base weeks, or your wages are 40 times your Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) on your original unemployment claim
- You must have earned 4 times your WBR in your subsequent employment if you were terminated for misconduct or refused to accept or apply for suitable work and were disqualified on your original unemployment claim
- You must apply and accept a suitable work
Note –
1. If you are an out of state resident and are claiming EB against the State of New Jersey, you can receive benefits only for 2 weeks unless you are defined as a commuter under the Unemployment Compensation Law of New Jersey or the state in which you are residing in also has an EB.
2. Under EB law, suitable work means any job which is within your physical and mental capabilities. If you have the physical and mental capabilities of performing the job, the work will be suitable for you, provided the following criteria are met.
- Your gross average pay for the offered job exceeds your WBR
- You pay exceeds or equals the minimum wage of $11.00 an hour
- The job is listed with Workforce New Jersey or was offered in writing
Who Cannot Collect Extended Benefits In New Jersey?
If you don’t meet the above-mentioned New Jersey unemployment extension eligibility criteria, you will not qualify for the extended benefits. You will also be ineligible to collect benefits for additional 20 weeks if you meet any of the following metrics.
- You qualify for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
- You have refused to apply for or accept suitable work unless you have subsequent employment in which you worked for a minimum 4 weeks and earned a minimum 4 times your Weekly Benefit Rate.
- You haven’t reported or accepted a Workforce New Jersey job referral.
How To Apply For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In New Jersey?
You need not reapply for the Extended Benefits in New Jersey if you are already claiming and receiving benefits. You will automatically be enrolled in the state-issued benefits program when the PEUC benefits end. The Department will send you a mail if you qualify for the program. Note that due to the high volume of unemployment claims, the mail may be sometimes delayed.
However, if you are not claiming regular benefits, you must first file a claim. Below, we will tell you how to file for unemployment benefits in New Jersey.
How To Apply For New Jersey Unemployment Benefits?
If you don’t have a UI account, you must first register by visiting https://www.myunemployment.nj.gov. While registering, you will be asked to submit several documents. Some of them include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your mail ID and phone number
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your employers’ address
- Your employers’ names
- Your Alien Registration Number, if you are a non-U.S. citizen
If you already have an account, login using your credentials, and file an unemployment claim. You can also apply by calling your nearest Reemployment Call Center.
Note that you can file a claim online only if:
- All of your employment in the last 18 months was in New Jersey
- You reside within the United States
- You did not serve in the military in the last 18 months
- You were not a maritime employee in the last 18 months
- You were not a federal government employee in the last 18 months
Upon applying, the Department will review your application and send an approval mail. It is important that you apply for benefits every 2 weeks to receive continued payment.
Final Words
The new bill is a boon to New Jerseyans who are on the verge of losing federal benefits the next month. The bill would not only allow more claimants to receive benefits and meet their basic needs but also allow the Department to easily determine the eligibility and process the applications.
Hawaii is one of the states worst affected by the pandemic-induced economic downturn. As per the report of the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Hawaii was as high as 15.1% in September. As the unemployment plight continues to worsen, officials have announced the extended unemployment benefits in Hawaii.
More About Extended Unemployment Benefits In Hawaii
On October 26, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced the launch of the Extended Unemployment Insurance benefits for the second time. Earlier, the Department had extended benefits for 13 weeks under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.
Anne Eustaquio, Director, DLIR stated, “The Extended Benefits program provides a much-needed safety net for Hawaii claimants who have exhausted their current benefits and are still dealing with the long-term effects of unemployment due to COVID-19.”
The new extension, made through the Federal-State Extended Benefits program, adds 13 weeks to the state’s regular 26 weeks coverage limit and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. That means, the residents can receive Hawaii unemployment benefits for up to 52 weeks.
Who Qualifies For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Hawaii?
To qualify for the Hawaii extended unemployment benefits you must meet certain eligibility requirements. They include:
- You must be unemployed or underemployed through no fault of your own for more than 26 weeks
- You must be able and available for work
- You must have exhausted all benefits received through the regular unemployment and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program
How To Apply For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Hawaii?
You will not receive payments through the extended benefits automatically. The Department will notify you if you qualify for the program through the mail. Once you receive the mail, you must apply for benefits online.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the extended benefits in Hawaii.
Step 1: Login To Your UI Account
First, log into your existing UI account and click the link beneath the EB20 announcement.
Step 2: Answer The Pre-qualification Questions
The application includes several pre-qualification questions that you must answer. Some of the questions included are as follows.
- Did you file an unemployment claim in Hawaii?
- Did you apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?
- Were you employed or did you work in the last 18 months in any other state?
- Did you apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits under any other federal program or in another state?
Step 3: Answer The Eligibility Review Questions
Next, answer the eligibility review questions. As the name suggests, these questions will help the Department to determine your eligibility. Some of the eligibility review questions included are as follows.
- What was your rate of pay?
- How many days did you work?
- Are you able to take up a full-time job?
- Are you in any kind of business or self-employed?
- Are you willing to work for the same number of days?
- What type of work did you take upon your previous job?
- Have you worked for an educational institution within the last 18 months?
Step 4: Submit The Application
Review the entire application and then click “I agree” and “Submit” to complete your application.
Note – You won’t receive the benefits immediately after submitting your application. The Department will take 14 business days to review your application and will then process the payments.
How Many Benefits Will You Receive Through The Extended Benefits Program?
Through Hawaii extended benefits program you will receive the same weekly amount as what you get under the regular unemployment benefits program.
Are Extended Benefits In Hawaii Taxable?
Yes, extended benefits in Hawaii are taxable as these benefits are considered as taxable income and not stimulus payments. To know about the tax rate, visit https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/tax-rate-schedule-and-weekly-benefit-amount/.
Will You Qualify For The Hawaii Extended Benefits If You Are Recently Unemployed?
You won’t qualify for extended benefits in Hawaii if you have lost your job recently. However, you may qualify for the regular unemployment benefits if you meet certain qualifying criteria. Some of the eligibility requirements include:
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own
- You must be able, available, and willing to work
- You must be actively looking for a suitable job
- You must have worked for a minimum number of hours as defined by the state
- You must have earned a minimum wage as defined by the state
Note that you won’t be eligible for the regular unemployment benefits in Hawaii if you are self-employed or a gig-worker. However, you can qualify and receive benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was created in March 2020, under the CARES Act. The program provides benefits for the self-employed, independent contractors, and gig-workers for up to 39 weeks. To know more about the PUA program in Hawaii, visit https://labor.hawaii.gov/pua/.
What To Do If Regular Unemployment Benefits Are Exhausted?
If you have exhausted your regular unemployment benefits, you can apply for the PEUC program. This program provides benefits for additional 13 weeks to qualified people. PEUC was created under the CARES Act in March 2020.
Closing Words
The state Department is witnessing a huge number of unemployment claims, due to which the payment process is being delayed. If you qualify for the extended benefits or regular unemployment but have received benefits, don’t panic and be patient. The state will give you the entitled payment. Meanwhile, look for a suitable job in Hawaii or another state to meet your end needs.
If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you can file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. After filing an initial unemployment claim, you must certify that you are fully or partially unemployed every week to stay eligible and continue to receive payments. This is done by filing a weekly unemployment claim.
The weekly unemployment claim, also known as weekly certification, verifies that you were unemployed during the week and qualify to receive payments, provided you meet state-defined eligible criteria.
How Are Weekly Unemployment Benefits Calculated?
Your weekly unemployment benefit amount is calculated based on the wages you earned in the base period. Normally, the base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters prior to your initial unemployment claim. You must have your state-required qualifying wages or total wages in the base period. The authorities will determine the total gross wages you earned during your base period and the wages you earned during each calendar quarter in that base period.
If you don’t have enough wages in the base period to qualify for the unemployment benefits program, the Department Of Labor will automatically consider your wages in the Alternate Base Period, which is usually the last four calendar quarters.
Also, if you think your benefit amount would be higher if you use your Alternate Base Period, you can request the Department Of Labor to consider your Alternate Base Period to calculate your weekly benefit amount.
How Much Weekly Benefits Can You Receive?
The weekly benefit amount depends on your wages earned in the base period or Alternate Base Period. If you live in California, you may receive a maximum of $450 benefits each week for up to 26 weeks. In Massachusetts, you may receive up to $1,234 (including the allowance for dependents), whereas, in Texas, you will get a maximum of $521 weekly benefits.
When Should You File A Weekly Unemployment Claim?
Unless specified, a “week” starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday. You must file your weekly unemployment claims after the week has ended, but before the next week begins. For instance, in Arizona, the first weekly unemployment claim must be filed on Sunday after applying the initial claim but no later than Friday by 6 P.M.
Note- When a state holiday is observed (on a Friday), the weekly claim filing system will not be functional. If the state holiday falls on Friday, file your weekly unemployment claim by 6 P.M. on Thursday.
In Washington, if you are filing a weekly claim anytime between Sunday 12:00 A.M, and Saturday 11:59 P.M. If you are filing by phone, use the automated system and apply anytime between Sunday 12 A.M. and Friday 4 P.M., unless Friday is a holiday.
Note- You must submit an unemployment claim every week, even under the following situations.
- You are uncertain if you qualify for the unemployment benefits
- You are appealing unemployment benefits
Many times, the first weekly unemployment claim will be counted as your waiting week. During this week, the Department Of Labor won’t pay you benefits. When your second and subsequent weekly claims trigger, the Department will begin rolling out your payments. However, if you had lost a job and served a waiting week within the past year, you need not serve another waiting week.
How To Claim Weekly Unemployment Benefits?
You can claim weekly unemployment benefits online. Some states also allow the claimants to file a claim by phone.
For instance, In New York, people can file a weekly claim online or by calling the representatives at toll-free number 888-581-5812. The authorities recommend the claimants to use the online system as it is more secure, convenient, and one may get their benefits payments faster.
Whereas in Texas, claimants should request benefits every two weeks on the scheduled day. When the claimant applies for benefits, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) sends the instructions on requesting a payment.
Texians can file a weekly claim online using the Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org 24 hours a day. To request payment, one will need a User ID and password. One can find more details regarding the password requirements by going to “Managing Your Benefits Password & PIN.”
People can also claim Texas weekly unemployment benefits by phone. One can Tele-Serv the automated telephone system at 800-558-8321 and Select Option 1. When opting for this process, one would require his or her Social Security number (SSN), and the four-digit PIN generated when one filed an initial unemployment claim.
States like Oklahoma want their citizens to file weekly claims online. One can file Oklahoma weekly claims by visiting https://oesc.ok.gov/.
Each state has a different claiming process. Therefore, determine the claiming approaches approved by your state’s Department Of Labor and choose the method that is faster and simpler.
How To Check The Status Of The Weekly Unemployment Claim?
If you have filed a claim and are waiting for updates regarding your payment, you can contact authorities at the Department Of Labor via email or phone and check the status. Alternatively, you can check the payment status through an online portal.
For instance, South Carolina claimants can check the status of the unemployment claim by visiting https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/manage-your-benefits.
Closing Thoughts
You must file for unemployment benefits every week, failing to which you will not receive payments for those weeks. If you have already missed your claim by a day or didn’t file a claim for a couple of weeks, reopen your unemployment claim.
Ever since the pandemic began, millions of North Carolinans have lost their jobs. According to the reports of the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES), about 2.49 million people filed for state and federal unemployment claims, and an estimated $8.2 billion benefits have been paid since mid-March. To help the unemployed meet their needs, the state is offering extra $50 benefits.
So, who qualifies for the Increased Benefit Amount in North Carolina? When can the claimants expect to receive the additional benefits? This article will break it down for you! But first, let’s understand what an Increase Benefit Amount (IBA) is.
What Is The Increased Benefit Amount In North Carolina?
On September 4, 2020, North Carolina passed House Bill 1105, Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0, and created a new extra unemployment program known as the Increased Benefit Amount. Under this program, the qualified claimants could receive a temporary $50 increase in their weekly benefit amount.
The IBA program would provide a $50 retroactive increase to the weekly unemployment benefits beginning with the benefit week that started on September 6 through no later than December 26, 2020.
Who Qualifies For Extra $50 Benefits In North Carolina?
To qualify for the Increased Benefit Amount in North Carolina, you must be receiving unemployment benefits through any of the state or federal unemployment programs. Also, you must have filed your initial claim before a specific date.
1. You Are Receiving Benefits Through The State Unemployment Benefits Program
If you are receiving benefits through the regular Unemployment Insurance program during the weeks of the IBA program, then as per the new state law, you will be eligible for the extra $50 benefit amount. You will receive the extra benefits regardless of when you filed your initial unemployment claim before or after September 6, 2020.
2. You Are Receiving Benefits Under The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
If you are receiving benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, you can receive the extra $50 unemployment benefits. However, note that you will qualify for the IBA program only if you have filed your unemployment claim on or after September 6, 2020. If you have filed your claim before September 6, 2020, you will not qualify for the $50 Increased Benefit Amount.
Note – You may receive the extra $50, or your weekly benefit amount will be increased to the federally-set minimum for the PUA program, whichever is higher.
3. You Are Receiving Benefits Under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program
If you are receiving benefits through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and your weekly amount under the state unemployment program is not increased, then according to the U.S. DOL, you will not qualify for the $50 Increased Benefit Amount. This condition holds good if you are receiving Extended Benefits (EB) or Trade Readjustment Allowance.
When Can You Expect To Receive The Extra $50 Benefits?
The North Carolina Division of Employment Security began rolling out payments for the $50 under the Increased Weekly Benefit Amount program on October 17, 2020, and you can soon expect to receive the payments.
How To Apply For The Increased Benefit Amount In North Carolina?
You need not apply or submit a separate application to receive extra unemployment benefits under the IBA program and will automatically receive the amount.
What To Do If You Have Lost Your Job Recently?
If you are unemployed recently, you can apply for the regular Unemployment Insurance benefits program. It is important to note that you must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for the unemployment program. Some of them include:
- You should have lost job through no fault of your own
- You should be able, available, and be ready to work
- You should earn minimum wages in your base period
You can file an unemployment claim by creating an account by visiting https://fed.des.nc.gov/ofis/citizen/pages/public/SelfRegStart.aspx. While applying for North Carolina unemployment benefits, you should submit several documents.
Documents Required
Documents or information required while filing for unemployment benefits in North Carolina include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Reason for your separation from your employers
- Names and addresses of your employers
- Contact details of your employers
- Your bank account number and routing number and account number (if you want the payments to be directly deposited into your account
- Start and end dates of the employment
- Details regarding vacation or severance pay (if any)
- Details concerning your retirement pay, if any (gross monthly amount along with proof)
- If you are a non-citizen, submit your Alien Registration Number and date of expiration from your Employment Authorization Document
- If you were a federal employee, provide your SF-8 form, SF-50 form, pay stub(s), or W-2
- If you were former military personnel, submit your DD214, Member 4 Copy
If your claim is denied, but you believe that you are entitled to receive benefits, you can file an unemployment appeal.
Filing An Unemployment Appeal
You can file your appeal online by logging into your account on the DES website. You can also mail the appeal to des.public.appeals@nccommerce.com or fax to 919-857-1296 or by postal mail to DES Appeals, P.O. Box 27967, Raleigh, NC 27611-7967.
Note –
1) Appeals sent by fax, mail, or postal mail will take longer to process.
2) Due to the high volume of mails being received, the Department may take several weeks to review your mail.
Final words
The DES is taking extra steps to roll out payments to help the unemployed North Carolinans meet their primary needs during the crisis. If you have any queries regarding the unemployment benefits program (be it an extra $50 or regular benefits), contact authorities at DES.
Virginia received Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval on August 26 to provide $300 additional weekly benefits under the Lost Wages Assistance program. However, due to various reasons, the state delayed in rolling out the payments. So when can the unemployed expect to receive the extra $300 unemployment benefits in Virginia? This article will break it for you!
But before that, let’s learn more about the Lost Wages Assistance in Virginia.
Lost Wages Assistance in Virginia
The unemployed Virginians had expected to receive their extra $300 weekly unemployment benefits on September 30. Though the people would receive these benefits for a limited time, the amount would help people pay first-of-the-month bills and home rent. But without notice, the Virginia Employment Commission changed the benefits distribution date to October 15.
Joyce Fogg, the VEC spokeswoman, stated, “The timing was due to a programming error, and the agency still hoped to distribute the benefits before October 15.” Fogg further added, “LWA has different eligibility standards and required them to work with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, which they are not used to doing.”
“Our staff was working hard to try to get it to happen earlier, and it just didn’t sync. The programs didn’t mesh together,” stated Fogg.
After their original distribution plan failed, the VEC spokeswoman told 8News that the Department hoped to roll out the funds before October 15. However, the VEC website notified that the qualified could expect to receive payments beginning October 15.
According to Joyce Fogg, the Department faced several challenges that prompted the second delay in rolling out payments. She said, “Monday was a federal bank holiday, and, on Tuesday, a damaged fiber optic cable outside of the Virginia Information Technologies Agency caused several state websites to shut down for most of the workday.”
“When your computer system is down, no checks get run, no money gets released, no money gets transferred,” stated the VEC spokeswoman.
When Can You Expect To Receive Extra $300 Unemployment Benefits In Virginia?
The VEC began processing and distributing payments on October 16 under the Lost Wages Assistance program. The Commission said the payments would reach people’s bank accounts or debit cards from October 19. Amounts to qualified claimants will be paid retroactively to August 1 for 6 weeks. That is, qualified Virginians can get up to $1800 in total.
Who Qualifies For Extra $300 Weekly Unemployment Benefits In Virginia?
Unlike $600 weekly benefits, not everyone who is unemployed can receive $300 additional weekly benefits. To qualify, you should meet certain eligibility requirements.
They include:
- You are receiving a minimum of $100 weekly benefits through the regular unemployment or any federal program
- You have self-certified that you lost your job due to the direct result of the pandemic
Note– If you don’t self-certify that you have lost your job due to the pandemic before October 15, you will not qualify for the $300 due to FEMA funding guidelines.
How To Apply For Additional $300 Unemployment Benefits In Virginia?
You need not submit a separate request or application for LWA. All you have to do is self-certify that you are fully or partially unemployed due to the pandemic’s direct result.
What To Do If You Don’t Qualify For $300 Extra Weekly Unemployment Benefits?
If you don’t qualify for the LWA program, you can continue to apply for the regular unemployment benefits program and receive benefits.
You can receive benefits under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, provided you have exhausted all your benefits received through the regular unemployment program.
The PEUC program offers unemployment benefits for additional 13 weeks. You must file a separate application to receive PEUC benefits. Note that you must submit a separate application to receive PEUC benefits in Virginia.
If you have exhausted your PEUC benefits, you can apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. PUA was created under the CARES Act to provide benefits to the self-employed, gig-workers, etc. who otherwise did not qualify for UI benefits. This program provides benefits for 30 weeks.
Note– If you are receiving unemployment benefits due to the pandemic, you must continue to certify every week to receive benefits. This holds good even for the PUA program.
Can You Receive $300 Extra Benefits If You Have Lost Your Job Recently?
No, you can receive $300 additional weekly benefits if you have lost your job recently. The benefits are provided depending on your unemployment status in August 2020.
However, you can apply for the regular Virginia unemployment benefits program. To be eligible for this program, you must meet specific criteria such as:
- Unemployed through no fault of your own
- Available, able, and ready to take up a job
- Have earned minimum wages in your base period
The Commission will review your application and send you a notice of approval or disqualification. If you are denied unemployment benefits, you can file an appeal.
Final Words
The VEC is receiving a high volume of Unemployment Insurance benefits claims since mid-March. But due to its lack of staff, the Commission had significant delays in processing payments and receiving incoming calls. The VEC has hired additional staff and has updated its claims processing systems, it encourages new claimants to file a claim online.
Unemployment benefits, popularly known as Reemployment Assistance in Florida, are given to people who are unemployed through no fault of their own and meet state-defined eligibility requirements. However, ever since the Coronavirus pandemic spread across Florida, the state made several changes to the eligibility requirements. In this detailed article, we will guide you through every little detail pertaining to unemployment benefits in Florida.
Unemployment Benefits In Florida During The Pandemic
Millions of Americans lost their job as a direct result of the pandemic. To help the unemployed meet their needs during the crisis, President Donald Trump announced The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act included several provisions like extended benefits, unemployment benefits for those who otherwise did not qualify for benefits, etc.
After consulting and receiving guidelines from the U.S. Department Of Labor (DOL), the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) began implementing various unemployment benefits in Florida.
The unemployment benefits programs implemented in the state under the CARES Act are as follows:
1. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
PUA is aimed at providing benefits to unemployed gig workers, independent contractors, self-employed, and others who do not qualify for regular benefits. Under this program, you can receive benefits for up to 39 weeks. The program is expected to end in December 2020.
2. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
Under this program, those who qualified for Reemployment Assistance and PUA received $600 additional weekly unemployment benefits. This program expired on July 25 and was replaced by $300 extra weekly benefits.
3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
PEUC program provides unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks. To qualify for this program, you must exhaust the benefits received through the Reemployment Assistance program. The program is expected to end in December 2020.
Note – You are required to renew your PUA or PEUC applications every new quarter. To know more about it visit the DEO website.
Who Qualifies For Unemployment Benefits In Florida During The Pandemic?
Generally, to qualify for regular Florida unemployment benefits, you should meet work search requirements apart from being unemployed through no fault of your own. However, due to the pandemic, the DEO has waived the work search and online work registration requirements until December 2020.
Though these eligibility criteria have been waived, you may still see the requirement pop-up when certifying your weeks. In such a situation, enter “COVID19” in the field to get past the work search requirement.
Extended Unemployment Benefits In Florida
Recently the DEO announced that if the unemployment rate exceeds 5% in the third quarter, it will roll out benefits for extended weeks. The extended benefit weeks would come into effect in January 2021. The Department further added that it calculates the state’s number of weeks for Reemployment Assistance based on the recent third calendar year quarter’s average unemployment rate.
DEO is said to add six weeks of extended weeks in December 2020. Generally, Florida provides 12 weeks of unemployment benefits. With extended benefits, the duration is capped at a total of 23 weeks.
Who Qualifies For Extended Unemployment Benefits In Florida?
To qualify for the extended unemployment benefits, you must exhaust your payment received through Reemployment Assistance and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. If you have already exhausted your FEUC benefits, you can apply for the PUA program since extended benefits have not rolled out yet.
Note that the Department is setting up systems to roll out the extended benefits as early as possible. Once Extended Benefits, the Department will outreach the qualified to ensure they are receiving benefits through the program.
Latest Updates On Unemployment Benefits In The State
The Department of Economic Opportunity has clarified various aspects of the unemployment benefits in the state. Here, let’s have a look at a few among them.
1. Over Payment
If you have been overpaid, make sure you do not spend the extra money. This is because:
- The Department may ask you to return it
- The Department may deduct the amount from your future benefits to make up for the difference
Note that the DEO will contact you if it suspects overpayment.
2. Going Back To Work
If you have begun taking a job, you may continue to request benefits for the weeks you were unemployed. If there is a week that overlaps with the week that you took up a job, you must indicate that you have worked and earned wages during that week.
If you have taken up a full-time job or earned over $275 in gross wages during the overlapping week, then you will not qualify for benefits that week. However, if you have earned less than $275, you may qualify for benefits.
3. Backdating Unemployment Claims
The Department has announced backdating unemployment claims. To backdate your regular claim, call the authorities at 833-FL-APPLY (1–833–352- 7759). If you are a PUA beneficiary, you need not take any additional steps. You will be automatically backdated, depending on your total claim that shows when you were unemployed.
Note that the Department is said to conduct a fact-finding to cross-check if the date you requested is accurate when backdating claims. It is important to know that backdating regular claims may result in an overpayment which the Department will recover by deducting the amount from your PEUC.
Keep checking your mail and CONNECT inbox to ensure you do not miss updates from DEO.
4. Account Is Blocked
Your account may be blocked or put on hold if there are any identity verification issues. You can reach out to the authorities at the legislative office with your Claimant ID and request them to unlock your account.
Closing Thoughts
The Department of Economic Opportunity is going the extra mile to help unemployed Floridians meet their end needs during the crisis. Do not worry if you have not yet received benefits. The Department may take some time due to enormous applications, but it will certainly pay you, provided you qualify for it. If you have already exhausted benefits, then patiently wait for the extended benefits while searching for a job.
Florida is one of the states that received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer $300 additional unemployment benefits to the qualified residents. Though the state began paying benefits only on September 11, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity recently stated that Florida’s extra unemployment benefits will end sooner than expected.
In this post, we will help you understand why these benefits are coming to a sudden stop and lots more. Also, we will guide you through why regular unemployment benefits still can be very significant during during these trying times of the pandemic in the state.
Why Are Federal Covid-19 Benefits Coming To An End?
The emergency order signed by President Trump that assured to provide additional unemployment assistance is failing. The main cause for the extended benefits coming to an is because funds are drying up. According to the FDEO, extra unemployment benefits have been sent for the weeks closing August 1,8 and 15th. The last unemployment benefit payment will be made for the August 22nd week.
Due to the extra benefits reduction, Florida’s unemployment beneficiaries will only receive their regular $275 weekly benefits. The decrease in benefits will affect several of the state’s unemployed people who will face a hard time making ends meet.
Some of the other states in the country that are also going to see a stoppage of Federal Covid-19 benefits are as follows:
- Texas
- Iowa
- Montana
- Tennessee
- New Hampshire
Will The Senate Pass Another Unemployment Stimulus Check Anytime Soon?
The chances of another stimulus bill getting passed by the senate look difficult preceding the presidential elections. For both Democrats and Republicans to come together with mutual consent and pass a statement is an unlikely bet. This prediction is mainly because both the houses failed to come up with an extension for the $600 payment authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
However, if another bill gets passed by council leaders, it is a significant relief as the unemployed are still struggling in these difficult times. But the likelihood of another check getting passed anytime soon looks questionable, people must learn to cope with their regular benefits.
Will The Extra Benefits Coming To An End Have Any Negative Impact?
The extra benefits coming to an end make it tough to make ends meet for several state citizens. However, to look on the bright side of things regular unemployment benefits will continue. The next section guides you through why standard unemployment benefits in Florida are still so significant in these times.
Why Are Regular Unemployment Benefits Important For Floridians In These Difficult Times?
As per the latest labor department statistics, the state’s current unemployment rate stands at 11.3%. It has led to devastating job losses in leisure and hospitality vertical, professional and business services, theme parks, etc. To cope with this disruption in people’s lives, unemployment benefits can be a boon. Some of the advantages of unemployment benefits for the citizens of the state are as follows:
- A temporary relief to help you get by these challenging times until you find a job.
- Creates a sense of confidence among the unemployed, knowing that the state cares for its people. This helps you believe you can come out of these difficult times quicker and get your dream job.
- Along with the unemployment benefits that you receive, Florida’s unemployment office also set up job assistance programs and training camps to help you get a job ASAP.
- Helps you maintain the same standard of living temporarily that you and your family enjoyed when you had a job.
Do All Unemployed Floridians Qualify For Benefits?
Whether or not you qualify for benefits depends on several aspects set out by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. For an unemployed person to receive benefits it vital that certain criteria’s are met. The pointers mentioned below will guide you through what parameters are required to help you qualify for the program.
- To qualify for unemployment benefits in Florida, you must have lost your job due to no fault of your own.
- All claimants that want to receive help in the state must have earned a minimum amount in their base period. To know this exact amount you can check out our detailed page on Florida unemployment benefits.
Now that you know the factors that help you receive benefits in the state, you should also be aware of the pointers that ensure you continue receiving benefits throughout the stipulated time frame. The next section will help you understand the primary factors required to continue receiving services in the state.
How Do You Make Sure You Continue Receiving Benefits?
If you have qualified for the state’s benefits, you must also ensure that you maintain your eligibility throughout the benefits weeks. You must follow specific guidelines set out by the department to confirm your eligibility continues. The pointers mentioned below will make sure you know what needs to get done to continue receiving benefits.
- You must be on the lookout for better opportunities throughout your benefits period
- You must maintain a record of the prospective employers that you contacted
- Make sure not to hide any earning that you received from any other sources
Unemployment benefits in these times can be a savior for you and your loved ones. You must follow specific rules set out by the state so that you continue receiving benefits. It is also of utmost importance that you understand how to apply for claims and other essential aspects of pertaining to unemployment. You can check all this out and lots more on our detailed guide of understanding unemployment benefits in Florida.
The Final Word
As a citizen of the country and state, it is of utmost importance that you try your very best to get a job quickly. This not only ensures that you can pay the bills on time but also makes sure you get the wheels of the economy moving swiftly.
New York is one of the states that received the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval to provide additional benefits to the unemployed residents. Though it received approval in August, the state has not begun paying out the benefits. If you are wondering when you can expect to collect the $300 unemployment benefits in New York, you have landed on the right page!
This article will tell you when the state will begin paying out the additional benefits and more.
When Can You Expect To Receive $300 Unemployment Benefits In New York?
Recently, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it would start giving out the extra $300 weekly benefits to unemployed residents beginning next week. The payment will be sent on a rolling basis under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. The payment will retroactively cover the weeks that ended on August 2, 9, and 16.
Who Qualifies For $300 Unemployment Benefits In New York?
To be eligible for the additional weekly benefits, you should meet the following eligibility criteria.
- You should be receiving or qualify for receiving a minimum of $100 weekly benefits through any of the following programs.
- Regular or traditional New York Unemployment Insurance (UI) Compensation
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Extended Benefits (EB) or any other federal programs
- You should self-certify that you are fully or partially unemployed as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Should You Apply For Additional Unemployment Benefits In New York?
According to the state’s Department Of Labor, if you are already receiving payment under the regular unemployment program and have certified that you lost your job due to the pandemic in your initial claim, you need not take any further action. The Department will send you an email or a text message notifying that you have pre-qualified for the additional benefits.
But if you have not certified, you must do it immediately, failing which you may not receive your additional benefits. You can certify through either online or by phone.
Note that you can certify starting Friday, September 11th. If you are certifying over the phone, call 833-491-0632, an automated phone system. But if you are certifying online, you should follow the instructions given in the secure DocuSign email that you received from DOL.
Note – You will receive payments starting next week, provided you have self-certified by 5 pm on September 15th.
How Long Will The Benefits Be Available In The State?
Funding under the LWA program will be available until December 2020 unless any of the following events occurs before the scheduled deadline.
- The $44 billion funds set aside for the LWA program is depleted.
- The balance of the federal Disaster Relief Fund falls below $25 billion.
- Congress replaces the LWA program.
What To Do If Your Extra Benefits Are Denied?
If your benefits are denied but you believe you qualify, you can file an unemployment appeal. Note that you must file within 30 days from the mailing date of the Determination Notice. Fill the appeal form attached to the Determination Notice and request a hearing with the Department. If the form is not attached, you can fill the online form on the Department’s website.
The Department will review your application and schedule an informal conference to attempt to resolve the matter. At the conference, you can present evidence and place your argument.
If you disagree with its decision, you can request a hearing with the Administrative Law Judge. During the hearing, you can present your testimony to support your argument. After inspecting the evidence. the Judge will give his or her decision.
If you are unhappy with the Administrative Law Judge’s decision, you can file an appeal to the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board (UIAB). Apply your appeal in writing, within 20 days of the Administrative Law Judge decision.
The UIAB will review your application and send you a Notice of Receipt of Appeal that explains how to submit a statement on appeal along with the Appeal Board case number. You must submit your statement within 7 days of the date of receiving the Notice of Receipt of Appeal.
You can request to review the hearing transcript before submitting your statement. If you wish to review, the authorities will send a written notice when the file is available.
The UIAB does not require any additional testimony. It relies on written statements and documents submitted as part of the appeal and evidence used at hearing with the Administrative Law Judge.
After listening to arguments and inspecting evidence, the UIAB will give its decision. If you disagree with it, you can file an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Third Judicial Department.
Note – Make sure you don’t miss the hearing. If there is an emergency and you are unable to attend the hearing, request a postponement.
How To Reschedule A Hearing?
If you wish to reschedule the hearing, write to the concerned authorities and request an adjournment while mentioning the same reason. If your request is denied, apply for a re-opening.
Can You Collect Extra Benefits If You Are Recently Unemployed?
You will receive $300 unemployment benefits based on your employment status in August 2020. If you have lost your job in September, you may not qualify for extra benefits but only the regular New York Unemployment Insurance program.
Final Words
The Department has begun emailing the qualified New Yorkers to inform them of their payment status. If you too are expecting the payment, keep an eye out for messages from DOL, and respond immediately if it requires any additional certification.
