Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers

Unemployment Benefits Under the CARES Act

Written by Rick Labian | Apr 17, 2020 12:07:17 PM

1 minute read

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides federal funding to expand the availability of unemployment insurance for COVID-19. Virtually all types of workers, even those who otherwise would not qualify for unemployment, may receive payments for up to 39 weeks under certain circumstances.

The Cares Act also provides funding to states to waive any waiting week requirements for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits (during the pandemic). Individuals receiving UI benefits for weeks of unemployment ending before July 31, 2020, will receive an additional $600 for each of those weeks.

Employers may want to become familiar with the expanded benefits available under the CARES Act and advise any of their workers who may qualify for them to apply through their state’s UI agency. Employers may also want to monitor the Department of Labor’s website and applicable state websites for guidance on how the benefits will be administered.

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This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.