Payment Delays, Identity Verification and Certification Issues with Enhanced Unemployment Programs – PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC and $100 Extra MEUC Payment

[Updated following approval of 2021 UI program extensions under $900 COVID stimulus package] With the 2021 extension of PUA and PEUC, along with an extra $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC for 11 weeks, many states are updating their systems to process these changes. This means delays and potential lapses in benefits for those who automatically qualify for these extensions. You can see the 2021 UI state tracker of the new supplementary payments, including updated state UI resource pages for the latest information.

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[Nov 2020 – Updated state payout dates and FAQs] The table below shows which states have now officially enrolled in the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) unemployment benefits program. Whether state UI agencies add the extra $100 weekly payment on top of the $300 per week base amount or just count existing unemployment benefits towards this $100 will vary state to state. The table also shows actual and estimated dates claimants can expect their first weekly unemployment payment, if eligible. I’ll continue to update the table as more states sign-up for the program.

Approved states will only get a maximum of 6 weeks of funding (weeks covering August 1st to September 5th) for the LWA program per recent FEMA guidance to state labor and unemployment agencies that have already made several weeks of payments. Several states which started making the $300 payments earlier than other states have already been notified that their LWA funding allotment has run out and no additional funding will be provided. The maximum benefit in most states is $300 p/week or $1800 if you qualify for all weeks, as shown in the table below.

The good news however is that even if the state you live in takes several more weeks to roll out this program and start paying claims, payments will be retroactive to the beginning of August (week of July 26th to August 1st), the first week when this program was in place. So if you were eligible for the first three weeks you will at a minimum get $900 from this program in your first payment. Subsequent payments will come in following weeks based on FEMA funding approval and state processing timelines.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

Based on some repeated questions in the comment section below I have received here are answers to help those who may have similar questions:

$600 FPUC vs $300 to $400 LWA – $99 Qualification difference

Many people have been asking if they qualified for the $600 FPUC payment prior to its expiry at the end of July, would they qualify for the current LWA payment? Sadly the answer may be no, because the $600 FPUC payment only had a requirement that the claimant be eligible to get at least $1 of regular state UI. The LWA unemployment benefit on the other hand (per above) requires claimants to be getting at least $100 of UI benefits (on a pre-tax basis). This $99 difference is a pretty significant difference in many states with low unemployment insurance benefits and in many cases the $100 threshold may eliminate part time workers or those furloughed from their jobs with partial incomes. Not however in some high unemployment benefit states like New York, the minimum unemployment payment for eligible claimants is $104. So everyone receiving UI benefits in that state will qualify for LWA.

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Question – Do I need to certify again for the LWA payment?

In most states if you are already on PUA, you would have already certified your job loss or loss of income was due to COVID related reasons. The PUA qualification threshold for this requirement was higher than LWA. However if you are starting a new claim or were getting over $100 in existing UI benefits from other programs you will need to certify (one time only) for the LWA program. You will generally receive an email, letter or notification in your UI portal to do this certification. If not then check your state UI website. If you don’t do this or do it late, you may miss out on your retroactive LWA payments if funding for the program has run out in your state.

Question – Why I am being asked for identify verification to get my payment?

Because of the rapid and inconsistent roll-out of the LWA program many states are seeing a sharp rise in fraudulent claims for these payments. As a result several states (e.g. SC) are implementing additional verification checks before making payments. This is delaying payments to eligible claimants by 2 to 3 weeks in several states. If your payment is delayed or you have only got your first batch of payments, then you will need to contact your state UI agency (or check UI portal) to ensure your remaining payments have not been held up due to additional fraud verification delays.

Question –  I’m listed as DUA for my unemployment. Will I get the 300 dollars (under LWA) or don’t I qualify for under DUA?

Answer – This depends on how you got your Disaster unemployment assistance (DUA). If your DUA benefits qualification was not related to the Pandemic, e.g due to natural disasters (flood, hurricane) that impacted your employment, then you won’t be eligible for LWA. However Individuals receiving DUA benefits because their employment was impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for LWA. Note some state unemployment agencies (e.g Texas and Oklahoma) are sometimes referring to DUA as PUA, in which case under PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) you would qualify for the $300 to $400 LWA payment.

Question – I am just below the $100 threshold ($90 to $99), can I still get this payment?

Gina asked, “I receive $97 a week in unemployment benefit in California. Will I get the extra $300? Just $3 short!”

Technically no. You must be getting at least $100 (pre-tax) in weekly benefits from the following qualified unemployment programs below to get the extra $300 to $400 LWA payment. However several states like California and New York are temporarily raising their state minimum unemployment benefit to put claimants in their states above the $100 limit so they qualify for LWA. You will need to check with your state unemployment agency to see if they will make this exception for you.

  • Unemployment compensation, including regular State Unemployment Compensation,
  • Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service members (UCX)
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • Extended Benefits (EB)
  • Short-Time Compensation (STC)
  • Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)
  • Payments under the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program

Question: Working part time or a few hours, will I qualify for LWA?  

This was Jonathan’s example: I qualify for weekly $117 PUA payments every week. This week I worked one day part time and will receive less than $100 from PUA. Will I still Receive the additional $300?

Answer: The LWA program’s $100 cutoff is based on a claimant’s benefit base rate, which is calculated before any
deductions or reductions. This includes supplementary job payments by working part time in a given week, which would reduce your normal UI benefit claim. Because LWA eligibility is based on what you are eligible for or your base rate, you can still qualify for the $300 LWA payment if your actual weekly payment (net of taxes and deductions) is less than $100.

Question: Do I have to reapply to get these benefits?

Answer: It will depend on your state. In most states you won’t have to reapply and will be notified via mail or your UI portal around your eligibility and payment date for these benefits (will be on your claim balance). You may have to self certify that your unemployment or partial unemployment is due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (which is a very general criteria that almost anyone can use). Payments will be made retroactive to August 1st for the weeks you have certified and qualified ($100 threshold) for this payment.

Question Are LWA payments subject to federal income tax?

Answer: Yes. LWA is subject to federal income tax and will have been communicated to you by your state UI agency at the time of filing or certification

Question: Can LWA UI payments be withheld or offset for Child Support or Past Debt payments?

Answer: According to DOL guidance, Offsets of LWA payments other than for tax withholding are not permitted by state agencies. This includes child support debts.

Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) State Payment Date and Status

StateLWA StatusStart DateMax WeeksWeekly Amount
AlabamaPaidSep 6th6$300
AlaskaPaidNov 6th
(see estimate details)
6$300
ArizonaPaidAug 17th6$300
ArkansasPaidSep 12 (up to Oct 2nd)6$300
CaliforniaPaidSep 7th (Phase 1)
Sep 15th (Phase 2)
6$300
ColoradoPaidFrom Sep 18th
(in batches)
6$300
ConnecticutPaidSep 17th5$300
DelawarePaidSep 18th6$300
District of ColumbiaPaidFrom Sep 28th
(in batches)
6$300
FloridaPaidSep 8th4$300
GeorgiaPaidSep 12th6$300
HawaiiPaidSep 23rd
(see schedule)
6$300
IdahoPaidSep 12th6$300
IllinoisPaidSep 8th6$300
IndianaPaidWeek of Sep 21st6$300
IowaPaidSep 9th6$300
KansasPaidFrom Oct 6th
(see schedule/details)
6$300
KentuckyPaidSep 15th6$400
LouisianaPaidAug 27th6$300
MainePaidSep 12th6$300
MarylandPaidSep 12th (schedule)6$300
MassachusettsPaidSep 7th6$300
MichiganPaidSep 10th6$300
MinnesotaPaidSep 4th6$300
MississippiPaidSep 10th6$300
MissouriPaidAug 23rd6$300
MontanaPaidAug 30th6$400
NebraskaPaidSep 18th (First 3 weeks)
From Sep 20th (remaining payments)
6$300
NevadaPaying 5th and 6th weeksFrom Oct 20th (First 3 weeks)
From Nov 11 (Last 3 weeks)
(see DETR updates)
6$300
New HampshirePaidSep 12th6$300
New JerseyPaidFrom Oct 22nd
(see more details)
6$300
New MexicoPaidSep 10th6$300
New YorkPaidSep 14th6$300
North CarolinaPaidSep 6th (4 weeks)
Sep 16th (2 weeks)
6$300
North DakotaPaidSep 17th6$300
OhioPaidFrom Sep 14th (on PUA)
From Sep 20th (others)
6$300
OklahomaPaidSep 23rd6$300
OregonPaidOctober 2nd6$300
PennsylvaniaPaidSep 17th (first 3 wk batch)
Sep 24th (second 3wk batch)
6$300
Rhode IslandPaidSep 6th6$300
South CarolinaPaidSep 25th
(7 to 14 days processing)
6$300
South DakotaNo PaymentDid not enroll6-
TennesseePaidAug 30th6$300
TexasPaidAug 23rd6$300
UtahPaidSep 9th to Sep 23rd
(paying in batches)
6$300
VermontPaidWeek of Sep 14th6$300
VirginiaPaidOct 19th
(see payout details)
6$300
WashingtonPaidSep 22nd6$300
West VirginiaPaidSep 16th6$400

WisconsinPaidFrom Oct 22nd6$300
WyomingPaidSep 13th6$300

Payment Start date is when the state actually started processing LWA payments OR is the estimated date of the first payment processing based on available information. Note: Due to bank processing delays, it can take 2 to 4 days after the noted dates for benefits to hit your bank account or debit card. Please see links to more information in the table or your state UI website for specific payment status. If you find any mistakes or have updates, please leave a comment below and I will update table to help others.

Also it is highly likely that the $44 billion funding for the LWA program via FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund will run out well before the December end date, unless Congress agrees on funding for an extension. States were initially only approved for 3 weeks and will have to keep requesting funding approval from FEMA on weekly basis. Some experts are saying benefits will only last 4 to 6 weeks, so states that have signed up early will likely get the most benefit payments. Further if your payments stop, it is likely due to states running out of federal funding.

Note however that should Congress pass another stimulus bill with enhanced unemployment benefits funding (e.g. FPUC extension), the LWA program will terminate immediately per program guidelines.

Note – States must apply via FEMA (by September 10th, 2020) to get access to unemployment funding for the LWA. Once FEMA reviews and approves the state’s grant application, the State Unemployment Insurance agency will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and FEMA to program, implement, and distribute LWA funds once they update their systems to support program requirements such as claimant eligibility. States will be the ones administering the program and making payouts. The LWA state payment tracker table above shows which states are currently approved and the estimated week payments will begin. You should check your states unemployment website and UI portal for exact payout dates


[Aug 15th update] With Congress unable to reach an agreement on a new stimulus bill and no impending legal challenge, it looks like Trumps executive order to extend and replace the existing extra weekly unemployment benefit (FPUC, or $600 weekly payment) may actually be implemented following guidance by the Department of Labor (DOL) on the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program. The following are key guidelines issued by the DOL:

The LWA program will provide eligible claimants in state administered unemployment Insurance (UI) programs up to $400 per week additional UI benefits, starting with weeks of unemployment on or after Aug. 1, 2020, and ending Dec. 27, 2020 at the latest. This means that payments will be retroactive to August 1st, even though the program has been implemented after that.

Per recent federal enhanced unemployment benefit programs guidelines, to quality for LWA benefits claimants must certify that they are unemployed or under unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) related reasons, and the state must confirm that the individual is receiving at least $100 of existing unemployment benefits under current benefit programs (which include state UI, PUA or PEUC). This is supposedly to prevent fraud from people who were claiming this payment with minimal UI benefits.

LWA will be funded through a joint federal-state agreement that requires states to contribute 25% ($100) of the benefit payment with the remainder (75%, or $300) coming from the federal government. States can use their own budgets or the emergency Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) they received under the CARES Act to cover their portion of the enhanced LWA UI payment, however this is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the state administration.

More importantly under DOL guidance, states may count funds that are already used to provide regular state UI payments toward the state match. If this is the case then the revised extra FPUC weekly UI amount would only be $300, the federally funded amount.

Because Trump’s executive order cannot allocate new federal funding, the LWA program may end earlier than Dec. 27 (highly likely) if FEMA expends $44 billion or the balance of the Disaster Relief Fund decreases to $25 billion. Congress would then have to approve additional funding.

There are still several questions around how and when states can implement this. While the DOL guidelines will provide more clarity it will likely take weeks for states to update their unemployment systems and roll-out the updated guidelines.

Source: DOL (LWA program), FEMA LWA guidelines

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467 thoughts on “Payment Delays, Identity Verification and Certification Issues with Enhanced Unemployment Programs – PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC and $100 Extra MEUC Payment”

  1. I’m listed as DUA but I was told
    That because it was
    Due to
    Covid-19 I still qualify for the 300
    I I received one payment back dating 8/1/2020 but I haven’t gotten anything else I have to certify for my benefits on the 13th does that mean that I’ll get the rest of the money then or do I just get the 300 from 8/1/2020 And that’s it? I’m so confused on all of this stuff.
    From California

    Reply
    • Hi Megan,
      According to the EDD “You are not eligible for LWA payments if you are receiving Disaster Unemployment Assistance, State Special School Benefits, or a Training Extension.”

      I would contact EDD, to see if you should have applied for PUA (info here: https://savingtoinvest.com/the-first-step-to-receive-pandemic-unemployment-assistance-pua-is-to-apply-and-to-be-denied-for-regular-state-unemployment-benefits/) if you are an independent contractor or self-employed. There is a great deal of overlap between the two programs.

      If you are a business – partnership, C or S-corporation, or other entity there may be other options for you here: https://covid19.ca.gov/business-and-employers/

      Reply
      • Hi Teresa
        Well now I’m confused because I have received a $300 payment for 8/1/2020
        I received and message from edd stating that it was a payment from LWA. So does that mean I’m only getting one $300 payment or will I receive the full 3 to 5 weeks of the LWA? I wish I know how to send a screenshot of the message I received but it is stating that the $300 payment is a back payment for 8/1/2020 from the Lost Wages Assistance program.. So again my question is will I be receiving the receiving the $300 back payments or do I just get the one $300 payment from August 1st 2020? One more thing I keep reading that if I applied for the disaster unemployment assistance due to the COVID-19 then I am eligible for the LWA program.. am I reading that wrong?

        Reply
  2. Hi Andy,

    Do you know of any news as to when Kentucky will be paid LWA? The date has changed again and I can’t find any news online. Any info would be helpful!

    Reply
    • Hi James,
      I’m in Kentucky and have been searching everywhere to find any kind of information on this. I stumbled on this today and was hoping to get some answers. It is so confusing, some friends have recieved several depoisits and like you and myself we can’t even get an answer. I’m not holding my breath while waiting. It is so aggravating that some have and other haven’t. Doesn’t make sense to me… I’ll continue to wait and hope for a depoist soon.

      Reply
  3. I qualify for $107 weekly benefits in Louisiana. I received $900 retro-pay last week but my state says I would also receive the $107 along with it. Now this week I only received $107 and not the $407. Anyone have any theories?

    Reply
  4. Hi i live in California i am only working 20 hours a week part time , my WBA amount is 366 once i put in my hours work i only get about $50 dls a week . what is it base on ? do i still qualify for the $300 dls or do i have to find a second job. ?

    Reply
    • Hi Tan,

      Eligibility is based on WBA and whether the participant is eligible for benefits that week. It looks like a no – but I would contact the CA’s Employment Development Department for clarification.

      Reply
  5. We live in Illinois. The IDES website says payments are scheduled to begin the week of September 6th, this week. My wife has been off since May and only got her regular 362 dollar deposit. There may be some misinformation between the date on IDES website and the info you have. She qualifies, but has not received any extra LWA as of yet.

    Reply
  6. Why am I not receiving LWA payments in California if my DUA claim was related to COVID-19 pandemic reasons that impacted my business? Is there further or different guidelines for each state or is my state’s dysfunctional bureaucratic UI department simply not qualifying me correctly for the programs? Is it something I should appeal?

    Reply
  7. I have a question, im unemployed through Illinois and i get 104 after taxes every two week will i get the 300 a week payment

    Reply
  8. I live in New Jersey and I’m collecting PUA because I wasn’t working pre Covid. Do I qualify for the extra $300 a week?

    Reply
  9. In PA you have to certify by answering two questions and the first is, “Are you unemployed?” (present tense) For those who have gone back to work, but would qualify for some of the August weeks retroactively, how can/should you answer this? I am unable to find any guidance on this. Thanks!

    Reply
  10. Is the $300 based on what you are eligible to receive per week or what you actually received for a particular week week? And, if I was unemployed the week ending August 1st but I’m back to work now, is the payment retroactive or am I not eligible because I am back to work?

    Reply
  11. California EDD said LWA payments would start today September 7. i filed my claim yesterday and did not receive the additional $300. i meet all qualifications. what do i do?

    Reply
  12. We are in Pennsylvania. My wife receives PUA but when she filed her weekly claim this morning, there was no requirement to certify eligibility for LWA, whereas when I filed my biweekly claim for regular UC, I had to do/was able to do that. And on her Claim Summary page there is no mention of the additional $300, just her regular amount, whereas when she was receiving the earlier $600, that was always listed. PUA qualifies for LWA, so what’s happening re LWA under PUA in PA?

    Reply
  13. good information here, thank you all. i scrolled through, many comments and questions, to see if GA was mentioned, but I didn’t see a post. i receive $47 a week now from being off from work since March due to Covid. So how do i find out if GA will add in the $100 benefit? (and if they do, I am then considered as getting $147 a week or still just $47 and won’t qualifiy?) I have been unemployed since March, and have not been called back to work yet. So the only unemployment i am now receiving, is $47 a week. This is because they calculated from 2018-2019 and I was a college student in 2018 and graduated in may of 2019. i started my first job in July, 2019. so because i was not making very much money, and only worked a few months at my job, it came to $47 a week. I was fortunate to get the Pandemic $600 (504 after taxes) a week. but we all know that is over with! so i’m trying to live on $47 a week with all the bills besides my college bills. I’m assuming i will not receive any additional monies since i’m below the required $100. but if GA puts in the $100, will i then? thank you for any help.

    Reply
  14. I am in Michigan where max benefit amount is $362, I received this until I maxed out of my weeks (unemployed since Oct. 2019) So, I am not currently “receiving” benefits but my benefit year has not come yet. Do you think I will get LWA? or is anyone in the same situation and have knowledge? Thanks in Advance.

    Reply
  15. I draw $81 a week in Arkansas…I don’t qualify for the extra which to me is UNFAIR I wonder if Arkansas is going to raise it to $100 so we can all get it

    Reply
    • I agree with you Teresa Im in same boat as you I dont think its fair either I hope they do raise it because pymts are gonna start going out on the 13th next week we should at least be able to get back pay if anything

      Reply
    • I agree with you. I’m in the same boat. This is complete bs. So unfair. So I guess now in our country we are being penalized because we don’t make enough money. Typical trump antics. Our president has never in his Privileged life had to struggle. He cares not one iota about poor struggling women

      Reply
        • what?? Trump implemented the restriction of the$100 threshold in the first place.
          I’m at $98 -two dollars away.. I just hope the new stimulus bill gets rid of this requirement!

    • Technically no. You must be getting at least $100 (pre-tax) in weekly benefits from qualified unemployment programs to get the extra $300 to $400 LWA payment. However several states like California, New York are temporarily raising their state minimum unemployment payouts to put claimants in their states above the $100 limit so they qualify for LWA. You will need to check with your state unemployment agency to see if they will make this exception for you.

      I have updated the article to add more details.

      Reply
      • Thanks for your reply, I am in California and can’t find any articles that mention that California, New York are temporarily raising their state minimum unemployment payouts to put claimants in their states above the $100 limit so they qualify. Had California raised its minimum?!

        Reply
      • do they go back retroactive to your amount per week you were making in July or to the amount per week you are making now. per week under PUA I was making 238.00. Now I had to switch to regular unemployment and I am making 56.00 per week

        Reply
      • I read a few articles that Kentucky is raising the minimum to 100, so every one qualify for it. Do you happen to know if this is true.

        Reply
  16. This is so unfair! I’m a single mother and am only getting 91$ a week from the state RIGHT NOW TO TAKE CARE OF A CHILD and now you want to disqualify me because you pay me less!? I’m so discussed with our system, yet again

    Reply
    • Several states like California, New York are temporarily raising their state minimum unemployment payouts to put claimants in their states above the $100 limit so they qualify for LWA. You will need to check with your state unemployment agency to see if they will make this exception for you.

      Reply
      • Are you sure that California is temporarily raising their state minimum unemployment payouts to put claimants in their states above the $100 limit so they qualify for LWA

        Reply
    • I agree completely. I only draw 81 per week and now I’m disqualified because I’m poorer than other people. So I’m just tossed aside because I do not make enough money. Omg. This is ridiculous

      Reply
  17. I really feel as though that is unfair that we have to receive $100 and unemployment are Pua benefits in order to receive the rest of your pay in the $300 compensation due to the fact that determination is based off of them rounding up numbers and I was placed at the lower end and wasn’t able to receive the max are over $100 in benefits which I will peeled but I mean I feel as though I worked hard and I’m unemployed due to covid so therefore I feel like I need to receive my compensation as well

    Reply
  18. I’m with you on that I live in South Carolina a low budged state I receive 97 on my unemployment I have four young kids. I was currently a teacher aid so know school is closed I’m a stay at home mom with low income. To me it’s not right an unequal. what about us we are in need as well. I think the states should take this in consideration for those whom are out of work due to covid that is under the 100. The states should add a little to make it happen for them specially to feed there family. I had to move out my home and live with moms that’s to much in one house. The governors needs our votes well as we need there help.

    Reply
  19. I make 106 out once a week but get paid 46 because of child support. IM on unemployment in Mississippi. Will I get the 300

    Reply
    • The LWA program’s $100 cutoff is based on a claimant’s benefit base rate, which is calculated before any deductions or reductions. This includes supplementary job payments by working part time in a given week, which would reduce your normal UI benefit claim. Because LWA eligibility is based on what you are eligible for or your base rate, you can still qualify for the $300 LWA payment if your actual weekly payment (net of taxes and deductions) is less than $100.

      Reply
  20. Shelley Zumwalt, interim executive director of Oklahoma OESC said “We’re operating in a compressed timeline with the understanding people across our state need help; and while many other states are estimating implementation to take up to 10 weeks, we are anticipating implementation within our system in four-to-five weeks.”

    Reply
    • In most states, eligible claimants currently receiving benefits do not need to take any action because they will add LWA to their weekly benefit payment retroactive to the dates they are eligible. (i.e Commonwealth of Mass will automatically add LWA to eligible claimants currently receiving benefits)

      Reply
  21. I have been reading these answers and they are so contradicting and so confusing I’ve seen several people say that they make below $100 and one person will be told that they qualify in one person will be told they don’t qualify from what I am seeing is if your base rate is less than $100 are you saying for example if you make $75 on unemployment every week if your state puts that hundred-dollar boost in will that put you above the hundred dollar limit will that make people eligible if the state puts in that hundred dollars which is up to our governor I read in the comments yes it does and then and other comments people was told no just want to clarify this in the state of North Carolina if our governor puts forward $100 and we only make $50 a week every week on unemployment but the state is going to throw in that extra $100 will that make you eligible to receive some kind of extra unemployment these answers that I have been reading is very confusing and everybody’s question was the same but the answers were different every one of them asked if they only made $50 a week or $70 a week would they qualify and they were told no but then in some of the answers they were told yes if the state puts in $100 in a person makes well below a 100 say 52, state throws in 100 what i am hearing there is 300 lwa and 100 from your state. So is that state unemployment that can be added? To make you eligible for some kind of a boost. North carolina has like 45,000 people drawing below 100 this is very important to so may of us. so can you clarify what I am trying to ask here thank you

    Reply
      • Thanks for the update. Confirmed via Missouri DOL – “Missouri has begun processing payments to unemployed workers under the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. The state began processing the $300 federal supplemental payments [on August 26th] to eligible individuals. As the Division of Employment Security (DES) will be processing retroactive payments separately due to the volume, eligible individuals should not expect to receive all their retroactive payments on the same day. The first retroactive payment should be issued by the end of the week, while the other retroactive payments should be received by the end of next week. Payments may appear in UInteract up to 24 hours before the payment is released to the bank. After the payment file is released to the bank, it may take up to 48 hours of processing time for the receiving bank to provide access to the funds. The DES was initially approved for three weeks of the LWA supplemental benefits by FEMA. The state has requested but has not yet received FEMA approval to pay the week ending August 22, 2020.

        Reply
    • The title of this article is bit confusing. However according the Executive Order anyone who is getting some amount of UA (PUA, PUC, UI, etc.) will qualify for the extra $300 or $400 depending on the states. For example;

      1- If you get $50 weekly then your state has to put another $50 to make up the $100 (which is 25% of $400) and apply the $300 from the LWA funds. So in this case you will be getting $350.

      2- If recipient is already getting $100 or more then state counts first $100 towards 25% requirement set by the “Executive order” and apply for $300 from the LWA funds. So in this case you will be getting only $300 additional.

      Reply
      • Okay so I have a question my unemployment benefits stop this week because I exceeded my funds I was recieving 104 now that had stop I applied for the PEUC an in waiting on a letter to see my approval but in that letter it stated that I was getting 50% of what I was getting from unemployment which is like 52$ will I be qualified for the extra 300? In in the state of Virginia

        Reply
      • I am really confused with this, I am from NC and only receive $67 so will the state add $33 to put me at $100 so I qualify for the LWA?

        Reply
        • No….Not all states are doing this. So far only New York is providing the temp increase to get to $100. Some states like MA already had a minimum UI threshold that puts claimants in their states above $100.

  22. MN, FL and HI have all been approved for the LWA program by FEMA:

    August 29, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Minnesota
    August 29, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Florida
    August 29, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Hawaii

    Reply
  23. I worked part time in Florida and was initially laid off and eventually the job ended due to COVID…My UI benefits were calculated by using some kind of formula whereby my weekly pay average of 175.00 was reduced to 88.00 per week for my WBA. Now with the minimum 100.00 a week WBA qualification for the LWA I am disqualified. This is totally unfair…Florida is the worst for collecting unemployment (it took me over 5 weeks to get it, not to mention hundreds of phone attempts) and also one of the lowest paid in the country. On top of this they have to create some kind of additional penalty for working part time by reducing the weekly benefit amount. I feel there should be some kind of petition to send to Governor DeSantis to compel him to make arrangements for those that are left out in the cold due to the archaic system Florida has. It is not a fault of President Trump and I believe one if not two other states are making plans to adjust their WBA for those that are under the 100.00 to make sure all their citizens are covered….What a nice thing to do. Apparently these Governors have family and a “heart” to realize that the ones getting less than 100.00 a week are just as much in need of assistance if not more and are willing to go the extra mile to help them…..DeSantis should be ashamed of himself, not only for not providing for us less fortunate but also in using delaying tactics to apply for the LWA for those that already do qualify…..Is there no help for us?

    Reply
    • “Compel” him ? Surely, you must be joking. If not, you’re ridiculous. How narcissistic. And no, most people who have their benefit reduced to under $100 ARE NOT in need of more help than the others. Their benefits are reduced BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING. It’s not a “penalty”, you schmuck. Why should someone who is working get the same amount that they were getting when not working ? That doesn’t make any sense.

      Reply
      • Did you not read my entire message…I AM NOT WORKING! That is why I am “just as much in need” as others! Your comments are offensive and not at all appreciated. You must be one of the “fortunate ones” who is not in need of assistance. I am a retired 75 year old woman and worked part time to make ends meet. My social security does not cover all my expenses….So now, being the first time in my entire work history that I am not getting enough income, I guess I will have to go without something, food?, medication?,electric? unless you would like to help contribute! I doubt it since you do not sound like the kind of person who can empathize for others…..I wish you luck my friend, one day you may need it more than myself….

        Reply
      • Goodness, Shannon, there’s no need to call names and be nasty. Are you really that miserable that you have to come to a site like this and be mean to people looking for help? Bless your heart, I hope you get help for that ailment of yours!

        Reply
    • I’m in the same boat with you except I’m in Tennessee….it’s very heart breaking I know!…and sooo unfair…I don’t even understand how this can even be happening!….HOW IS THIS HAPPENING???…what can we do?…I’ve emailed everyone that has their email available at the unemployment office…All we can do is hope & pray that SOMEBODY cares enough to see this as a issue and make changes to the system…good luck sweety,..I’ll be thinking of you

      Reply
    • This is Senate Republicans’ fault because House Democrats passed a plan several months ago to allow the extra $600 a week past July 31. But the Senate controlled by Republicans sat on it, and didn’t negotiate. Democrats were willing to reduce that to $400 or $300 but Senate said no. So Trump comes out with his order and looks like he saves the day, when in reality, it’s a big sham. We should have had an agreement on this in Congress back in June.

      Reply
  24. Could you tell me if it’s based on your WBA or the amount you receive each week? It’s a bit confusing to me. Thanks!

    Reply
  25. The President’s Executive Order states that ALL people who are unemployed due to Covid-19 are to be provided with enhance financial support (snip-it below). To me it appears that Section 3 is separate from Section 4 (and even Section 6 indicates the LWAP is described in section 4). Is this correct? Paragraph 3 does not say anything about eligible claimants or eligibility. If this is true then what are the individuals who are receiving less than $100 going to be receiving from the states, as their supplement?

    Per President Trump’s Executive Order in Section 3: “I am calling on States to use amounts allocated to them out of the CRF, or other State funding, to provide temporary enhanced financial support to those whose jobs or wages have been adversely affected by COVID-19. These funds, including those currently used to support State unemployment insurance programs, may be applied as the State’s cost share with Federal DRF funds. To ensure that those affected by a loss in wages due to COVID-19 continue to receive supplemental benefits for weeks of unemployment ending no later than December 27, 2020, States should also identify funds to be spent without a Federal match should the total DRF balance deplete to $25 billion.

    Reply
    • You have to read the whole thing; not just pick the parts you feel support your argument.
      Trump spells out the eligibility requirements clearly.

      (d) For purposes of this memorandum, the term “Eligible claimants” means claimants who:

      (i) receive, for the week lost wages assistance is sought, at least $100 per week of any of the following benefits:

      (A) Unemployment compensation, including Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex‑Service members (UCX), under section 8501 of title 5, United States Code;

      (B) Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), under section 2107 of the CARES Act;

      (C) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), under section 2102 of the CARES Act;

      (D) Extended Benefits (EB), under section 3304 of title 26, United States Code;

      (E) Short-Time Compensation (STC), under section 3306(v) of title 26, United States Code;

      (F) Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA), under sections 2291 through 2293 of title 19, United States Code; and

      (G) Payments under the Self-Employment Assistant (SEA) program, under section 3306(t) of title 26, United States Code; and

      (ii) provide self-certification that the claimant is unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

      Reply
  26. Hello Please excuse me I am a bit confused. I live in WV unfortunately my low paying job only qualified me for $33 per week in unemployment. Am I understanding correctly that since my Gov. is providing the $100 via WV that I will qualify for the extra $300

    Reply
    • No. The $33 you get is your WBA. Your WBA must be $100 in order to qualify. The $100 from the state (which is optional) is in addition to the $300 LWA, to make it a total of $400. Most states aren’t going to provide it anyway.

      Reply
  27. WY and OR approved for LWA program by FEMA. Expected payments in 2 to 3 weeks (estimated Sep 13th)

    August 28, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Wyoming
    August 28, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Oregon

    Reply
  28. I was listed as PUA for unemployment . Did it change because the the 600 end in July because now I’m listed as DUA . Do I need to call to see if I will be qualified. I got 106 for unemployment.

    Reply
      • Why do I keep getting told I am not Eligible to receive the LWA payments. I am so confused on all of this because I’m being told that I am not eligible but yeah I got a $300 payment stating that it was from the lost wages assistance program for August 1, 2020. My question is am I going to receive the 3 to 5 weeks back dated or am I only going to receive one LWA payment?

        Reply
  29. They have to come up with a strategy for expanding the eligibility for the extra $300 a week! I only get $75 a week in New Orleans LA and you can imagine that it doesn’t go very far! Thankfully I’m being allowed to temporarily stay back at home with my Dad and Stepmom while I look for work, but even so I have bills, as well as I want to be able to contribute towards the household cost of living! If I didn’t have this option I guess I would either be nomadic between friend’s couches or sleeping in my tiny car somewhere, which with $75 a week wouldn’t be comfortable in Louisiana summer while having to conserve gas! I want to work! I am a veterinary technician with years of experience, still, with all the competition for jobs and the complicated process of being hired today, it’s been very difficult not to lose hope. Don’t even get me started on the complete failure as Americans to provide our workers with fair and reasonable salaries. As a vet tech with almost 10 years of experience I look to start a job at approximately $10-$13 an hour. It’s a stressful, fast passed, emotionally and physically demanding position with long shifts spent on your feet for 35-45 hours a week. Even with the great work load that only allows someone to make $ 2,080 a month before taxes and without subtracting any insurance cost. With rent for a decent “studio” apartment being around $600-$1,000 in Greater New Orleans you can imagine how tight finances are with even this decent job. Add utilities, cell phone, food and transportation that’s around $750-$900 a month. So let’s say that your rent is $765, utilities are $200, phone is $100, car insurance and gas is $275, Internet is $90 and food is $250. That is $1680 total on around $1760 After taxes and I haven’t included any insurance, debt, dependents, relationship partners or lord forbid medications. As you can see, we have a seriously broken economic system in America today where everyday hard working people are forced to struggle and suffer under great financial strain everyday while the wealthy are only growing more and more wealthy! Then when something like this pandemic happens and jobs are lost at incredible rates for the regular working people, the wealthy elite in our government tell us that an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits is too great and it’s making people chose to not go back to work. I promise that in Louisiana, where the MAXIMUM State unemployment benefit is $247 a week that another $600 isn’t making anyone rich! Actually it is allowing the actual largest number of people in my state to just about squeeze by without suffering too horribly. Many of us do not get $247 a week form unemployment. So we’re not living on easy street with the stimulus money. But our congressmen and women, party excluded, felt that $600 a week was halting the economy and that we weren’t interested in getting back to work. So as the time ticked by and the expiration date crept closer and closer no assistance whatsoever was being implemented and only partisan bullshit was tossed about while we saw our the finances we were living on come to an end with absolutely nothing in place to keep millions of Americans from complete impoverishment, hunger, evictions and incredible suffering!

    Reply
    • I totally agree! After all …..these idiots who’s empowered to make these choices on our lives never stop getting payed the hi salaries that they receive! and they get them until they’re dead! And on top of it all the spouses get 10% of their salaries until they die but here they are juggling the few dollars that govern the lives of people who actually work and make up job earning incomes that provide the countries job market! $275.00 is ridiculous in the first place! it should be a minimum of 75% of the last salary..

      Reply
    • You make good points. The deck is stacked against most people. Rents are way too high. In Maryland you can’t find a decent studio apartment for under $1300 a month.

      Reply
  30. I live in Arizona. I qualify for weekly $117 PUA payments every week. This week I worked one day part time and will receive less than $100 from PUA. Will I still Receive the additional $300?

    Reply
    • Researched the answer and update article. The NY DOL FAQ confirmed my answer, which is:

      The LWA program’s $100 cutoff is based on a claimant’s benefit base rate, which is calculated before any
      deductions or reductions. This includes supplementary job payments by working part time in a given week, which would reduce your normal UI benefit claim. Because LWA eligibility is based on what you are eligible for or your base rate, you can still qualify for the $300 LWA payment if your actual weekly payment (net of taxes and deductions) is less than $100.

      So yes, you should get your LWA payment.

      Reply
  31. No. Disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) isn’t one of the eligible existing unemployment buckets you can use for the LWA $300 weekly payment. So you won’t qualify. Note – PUA would have qualified you, but not sure why you were changed to DUA

    Reply
  32. I need to know if I can get an extension on my unemployment I have exhausted my state unemployment benefits and my federal 13 week extension and I am still unemployed I live in KY I read that I would be enrolled to receive entended benefits when my benefits are exhausted is this true very worried if not how do I apply

    Reply
  33. I currently live in california i get 95 in ui claim are you saying that because of 5$ i wont get the 300 boost if thats the case what can i do in order to recieve the 300

    Reply
    • well that is about the dumbest thing i have ever heard of. im in the same spot, i am eligible for $205 a week . i have been working about 14 hours a week , so i am able to get $88 a week from state unemployment. so i will not get the extra $300 a week either. thats stupid. so i will make about $175 a week and thats it. ya sure people can live off $700 a month

      Reply
      • No, that’s not right Ryan. The extra $300 is based on your WBA BEFORE deductions, etc. If your WBA is $205, you’ll receive the additional $300 a week.

        Reply
      • The way I read it is you would get it if your WBA is above $100, even if working part-time makes your actual weekly payment go below $100.

        Reply
  34. Hey looking for the Andy guy that is answering everyone’s questions, I was receiving $120 PUA since the corona first started until This week and now it’s saying I’m on DUA will I still qualify for the 3-400 in Tennessee that they are retroacting??

    Reply
    • No. Disaster unemployment assistance (DUA) isn’t one of the eligible existing unemployment buckets you can use for the LWA $300 weekly payment. So you won’t qualify. Note – PUA would have qualified you, but not sure why you were changed to DUA

      Reply
      • I have see here in Oklahoma that if u are on a Dua claim and it’s related to covid19 and not a tornado,hurricane,flood anything other then covid19 and u make over 100 dollars u will receive the extra 30l dollars so I am thinking anyone’s claim that is Dua is the same Dua in Oklahoma is pua kind of the same thang if I can find where I read it at I will post it !

        Reply
      • This is what i found out for people on a Dua claim in Oklahoma!!!!!Question – I’m listed as DUA for my unemployment. Will I get the 300 dollars (under LWA) or don’t I qualify for under DUA?
        Answer – This depends on how you got your Disaster unemployment assistance (DUA). If your DUA benefits qualification was not related to the Pandemic, e.g due to a natural disaster like a flood, then you won’t be eligible for LWA. However Individuals receiving DUA benefits because their employment was impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for LWA. Note some state unemployment agencies (e.g Texas and Oklahoma) are sometimes referring to DUA as PUA, in which case under PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) you would qualify for DUA.

        LWA is not payable to individuals collecting Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) unrelated to the pandemic, i.e. a tropical storm, hurricane, or flood

        Reply
    • I think you were misinformd or either I don’t have the dates correct. The questions asked only give the time not the date of the question. If you were on PUA 08/1/2020, I was under the impression you would receive the extra $300. After your PUA benefits expired and you became eligible for DUA if I gave the correct abbreviation, you would no longer receive the extra $300.

      Reply
  35. VA and OH approved by FEMA today for LWA program. Assuming payments will start from week of Sep 13th! But Ohio was one of the worst states making original $600 FPUC payment so could see further delays.

    August 26, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Ohio

    August 26, 2020: FEMA Announces Lost Wages Grant for Virginia

    Reply
    • Question:)
      I qualify for $189 a week but work two days a week now so I only get $94.50 a week. Would I receive the extra benefits?

      Reply
        • US Labor says it goes by qualifying amount before taxes and any other deductions like working a few days. Also says NY minimum UI is 104 a week in unemployment so all NY unemployment claimants will get 300

        • Thanks Apple, yes qualifying amount is the one to look at. I was reading it as his UI benefit had permanently dropped.

  36. How can the Dept. of Labor implement their own provisions that were not even part of the President’s Executive Order, e.g. the $100 threshold of unemployment benefit requirement, prior to receipt of LWA?

    Reply
  37. 100 dollars inorder to get the 300 i think this is some straight BS so people who really need the money gets nothing yes trump has to go government got so many things they keep coming up with 2 cut people short

    Reply
  38. I’m a Maryland resident. MD was one of the first 6 or 7 states to be approved by FEMA for $300 LWA. Why are we the latest as far as calendar date to recieve the benefits? It’s something like September 28th?

    Reply
    • I was approved for PUA assistance at 106$ in MS. My claim page is saying DUA now. I’m unemployed due to corona virus , do I qualify for the LWA program.

      Reply
  39. So the rest.of us gas to suffer. I have 2 children and i get 91.00 a week that dont do nothing. So Web just get cut out the loop

    Reply
    • I feel your pain and taking away from my happiness and my sleep at night do you know if its anything we can do or if this rule will change

      Reply
    • I was approved $158 weekly for pua benefits.. I was sent a debit card a week and a half ago with a 0 balance on it.. I check every day and I get 0 balance.. I activated the right way.. please help me of what to do or who I can call about.. thank u…

      Reply
      • Did you file for those weeks,in order for you to receive you have to file weekly, within 3 days your money should be available.

        Reply
  40. Why did Trump’s Executive Order change the qualifying rules -[from $1 to $100 a week]? This is not acceptable! To prevent fraud is not justifiable or a legitimate excuse. It’s cruel, unfair, discriminatory and a divisive action that will unnecessarily create increased human suffering and put substantially more people into greater financial hardship – onto those who really needed assistance and a helping hand the most.
    When a population is given no choice in the matter of a forced, economic shutdown, the institution[s] that imposed it have a responsibility to provide sufficient remedy and relief. Although, this may not have been the first time a Trump Law/Order has resulted in punishing the poor, subjugated and downtrodden; it’s really the failure of Congress – who had been negligent on this and should NOT have dropped the ball in the first place to reach a solution.
    Are there any Lawyers out there who believe this is a good case for a class action lawsuit?

    Reply
    • I agree. I do not commit fraud. I am a widowed senior citizen on a fixed income. I was laid off in March due to the virus. I returned one month later during the pandemic only to find the company filed bankruptcy the first of August. I was not allowed to file under the pandemic assistance (PUA) due to I had past history and qualified under regular unemployment (UI). Many of my
      co workers did not qualify due to being monetarily disqualified. They are 20 yr olds who live at home with parents and this is their first job or they worked 4 hours a week. The minimum benefit under PAU is $159.00 a week. They will get the benefit and I will not due to making $91.00 a week which is actually $82.00 after taxes are taken out. This is total BS. It is more than disheartening to know I will be evicted next. I am out looking for a job so the reasoning behind this is BS all over the place. The persons that get more money will again benefit. Huge FYI the corporation I worked for has been forgiven alot of its debt. The CEOS have gotten bonuses of over 1.5 million each. Also they are going to get away with not paying payroll taxes. I even ave to pay my taxes on $91.00 . TOTAL BS TRUMP wants me to fail. I have never ask or been given any financial aid….I have always worked. What can I do?

      Reply
      • why are you on here trolling. Hooray for you getting your LWA, but have some compassion and empathy for those who are not as fortunate. Take that Pro-Trump speak to his page or rally PLEASE. No one wants to hear your sarcastic replies Mr Pedro.

        Reply
    • Class action lawsuit?? What do u even make sense? Your lucky Trump even signed an executive order. No president has ever done that and now u want to sue him bc there weren’t enough funds in fema to pay everybody. Of course they are going to leave the lowest paying people out first, its common sense, bc it is based on what you earned in the past a certain percentage.. . If u never earned more than lets say $200 per wk and are now getting around $95 unemployment, how would that be fair to give u $300 per week when u never earned that to begin with???? So the people who made $75,000 per year and make $1,750 per week than could make a case that they are getting only maybe $500 per wk from their state unemployment should get at least another $1,200 per week just to equal their past income. If u always lived on $200 per wk that would mean u obviously do not work many hours per week or your working and earning money for other days and only claiming 1-2 days per week…

      Reply
      • I understand your point of view, but it really is not fair to anyone. Your hypothetical example of someone who normally earned 200.00 a week and is now reduced to 95.00 (a reduced rate for unemployment) normally would make sense but we are dealing with unusual circumstances wherein the job that they may have had before is now non existent (most jobs are due to COVID) and your comment about being able to live on 200.00 per week before “means you obviously do not work many hours per week or only claiming 1-2 days” does not wash with someone like me…I worked 4 -5 days per week working 20-22 hours and I needed this additional income to supplement my social security, otherwise I could not manage! Everyone today needs help…true some of us were getting more than we had earned before (600.00 extra!) but that was a blessing and any amount over the minimum unemployment now is still helpful for all of us! The majority of the unemployed are not being fraudulent or non appreciative and once this catastrophe is over we will all (hopefully) get back to normal and be able to make enough money on our own to live the life we are accustomed to…but for now, every little bit helps. I hope you can understand that. :)

        Reply

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