The End of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Future Extensions, Retroactive and Claim Back Payment Issues

Note: The PUA program ended on September 6, 2021. While retroactive payments were made (see sections below) for several months following this date, no new or further pandemic related benefits were paid.

Currently, only traditional state unemployment benefits are available to unemployed claimants.

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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program overview

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was put in place primarily for those out-of-work Americans who are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits and are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jobless workers covered under the PUA program were generally self-employed (e.g. independent contractors, freelancers or gig economy workers) who did not contribute taxes towards regular state unemployment (1099 wages).

While the PUA program was federally funded, including the most recent extension until September 6th, via the various stimulus bills passed over the last 18 months, it was administered at the State level under Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines.

That is why the implementation of the program has varied on a state-by-state basis and claimants faced hurdles and delays in getting timely payments.

You can jump to the relevant extension section via the links below for further information on each extension, including FAQs around the evolution of the program and dealing with payment issues.

PUA Program Has Ended – Any Chance of an Extension?

The PUA program has now ended and all coverage ceased after Labor Day (September 6, 2021), which means the final benefits will be paid for the week ending September 4th or 5th, 2021 in most states. Some states had ended PUA benefits earlier per the update below.

While there were discussions going on to extend pandemic unemployment benefits, especially in the light of the Delta COVID-19 variant and its potential to hamper economic growth, the Biden administration confirmed that they will not be pushing for further federally funded extensions and instead want states to use already allocated stimulus funding to expand or extend state unemployment programs.

After the expiry of the PUA program only traditional state unemployment benefits will be available for eligible claimants as discussed in the sections below. Based on current state unemployment rules, many PUA claimants would be excluded unless eligibility rules are adjusted.

Further even claimants with active PUA balances or weeks left to claim after September 6th won’t be paid out as the funding approval for the entire PUA benefits ends after that date.

This includes the supplementary $300 weekly boost that was paid under the FPUC program.

Several States Ending Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Early

Following recent job reports that showed a shortage of workers to fill open positions, many states have ended one or more of the federally funded pandemic unemployment programs; up to 10 weeks earlier than planned in order to incentivize workers to return to work. This includes the PUA program and associated $300 FPUC extra weekly payment.

The argument is that these generous UI benefits deter lower income workers (who make less than $15 p/hour) from returning to work. Opponents argue that the reason people are not going back to work is due to fears around getting COVID and/or child care and schooling restrictions. You can see more on which states are ending the PUA and $300 FPUC here and this recent YouTube video on this topic.

States will still be obligated to pay active unemployment claims up to the early termination date in their state (mid June to mid-July in most states). This includes any missing or retroactive payments. New claims for these federal programs won’t be accepted after this date and instead claimants will have to rely on the pre-pandemic state unemployment programs in place.

While a few states are not specifically ending their participation in the PUA program early (Florida, Ohio etc), the majority are as you can see in the table below. This unfortunately will hit PUA claimants (e.g. freelancers, gig workers) the hardest since they don’t qualify for traditional state unemployment.

There are pushes at a federal level and state lawsuits to try and address this, but unfortunately states are well within their rights to terminate this programs with 30 days notice to the US Department of Labor.

States Ending Unemployment EarlyPrograms EndingTermination Date
Alabama$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Alaska$300 FPUCJune 12th, 2021
Arizona$300 FPUCJuly 10th, 2021
Arkansas$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Florida$300 FPUCJune 26th, 2021
Georgia$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Idaho$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Indiana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021* (Legal Challenge)
Iowa$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Louisiana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 31st, 2021
Maryland$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 3rd, 2021* (Legal Challenge; Still paying)
Mississippi$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Missouri$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Montana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Nebraska$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
New Hampshire$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
North Dakota$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Ohio$300 FPUCJune 26th, 2021
Oklahoma$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
South Carolina$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 30th, 2021
South Dakota$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Tennessee$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 3rd, 2021
Texas$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Utah$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
West Virginia$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Wyoming$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021

Biden Stimulus (American Rescue Plan) PUA Extensions to September 6th, 2021

The PUA program, designed for freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors or those that generally don’t qualify for regular state unemployment has been extended by another 29 weeks (though only covers 25 actual weeks) under the Biden Stimulus Plan (ARP) that has been passed into law.

Under the enhanced unemployment funding extensions the total number of covered weeks in the PUA program will increase to 79. This does not include extra weeks some states provided for residents under this program and would be reduced by any weeks of regular UC and EB that the individual receives during the coverage period. You can see an overview of the federal extensions to date, including PUA, in the diagram below.

The minimum PUA payment is still 50% of a states average weekly benefit amount and limited to the state’s maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA). Another change to the earlier PUA extension (discussed below) is that that the 4-week phaseout period for active claimants has been removed. So all benefits will end by September 6th, even if claimants have a claim balance remaining.

Those who had regular/W2 jobs could technically qualify for the PUA program, but would need to first use up their allocation of regular state unemployment, extended benefits and enhanced unemployment benefits under the PEUC program.

2020 to 2021 Enhanced Unemployment Program Extensions – PUA, PEUC and FPUC (click image to expand)

Do I need to reapply or submit a new claim to get the PUA extension?

This will depend on a state by state basis and if you had exhausted your balance prior to the start of the extension coverage period (on or before March 14th in this case). For most active claimants or those with remaining weeks there should be no need to file a new claim. For those with a lapse in benefits who were getting PUA in the past, a new claim or action to reopen your existing claim could be required. But state unemployment agencies are required to notify on actions required once they update their systems for the extended weeks.


PUA Extensions under $900 billion CAA COVID relief stimulus package

The $900 billion COVID relief stimulus package, under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA) included funding for extending pandemic unemployment programs (PUA, PEUC) and providing supplementary FPUC unemployment benefits at $300 per week for millions of unemployed or underemployed Americans. The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued final guidelines for state unemployment agencies on payments and eligibility (as done with the original program) and any delayed payments will be retroactively reimbursed.

For the PUA program specifically, which was due to expire on December 26th, 2020 (originally funded under the CARES act), there is now funding for an extra 11 weeks. This now means that the PUA program would provide a base total of 50 weeks of coverage. Some states have additional weeks on top of this as part of state extended benefit programs (per earlier updates below). For those with remaining weeks, they will continue to be have their balances carried forward until they hit the new 50 week maximum. They will have until the week ending April 10th, 2021 to claim unemployment benefits under the extended PUA program.

How long is the PUA extension for?

After March 14, 2021, new claimants will no longer be permitted to apply for PUA benefits, but eligible individuals who have a PUA claim balance (or remaining weeks) as of March 14th, 2021 will continue to receive benefits until the week beginning April 5, 2021 until their claim balance is exhausted. Weekly certification will be required. Note however that the $300 extra weekly FPUC won’t be payable during the PUA phase out period (March 14th to April 5th). See which states are paying the extra $300 unemployment to PUA recipients.

Do I need to reapply or submit a new claim to get the PUA extension?

This will depend on a state by state basis and if you had exhausted your balance prior to December 27th, 2020 (when the extension coverage period started). State UI agencies are rolling out the extended PUA coverage and need to incorporate new documentation and fraud prevention measures (see section below) to enable people to claim benefits under the the extended PUA program.

PUA recipients with active claims (remaining weeks/balance) as of or after December 27th. These group of claimants who had not used their 39 week balance at the start of the extended coverage period are already are already seeing the 11 week extension reflected in their UI accounts (including the extra $300 payment) and in several states can continue certifying and receive weekly payments.

There may be a one to two week lapse in payments as state UI agency update systems but your account should automatically reflect the 11 week extension to the PUA program. Even if payments have not started, you should continue your weekly of biweekly certification (where possible) if you continue to be fully or partially unemployed. Payments will be retroactively made

New applicants or those whose PUA claims have been exhausted prior to or including the week ending December 26th, 2020 may need to reapply or reactivate their claim if they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work after December 27, 2020 because of COVID-19. State UI agencies are all implementing the new PUA program extensions based on DOL guidelines based on how their systems/programs can handle the extension and inclusion of new PUA program requirements.

This has meant ongoing delays and limited transparency in payments for many who fall into this bucket of claimants (and it is the large majority of jobless workers). However state UI agencies are mandated to notify claimants if they qualify for the new PUA extension and instructions on how to reopen or refile their claim to enable them to certify to get their UI payments, including the $300 FPUC weekly payment. Please monitory your email, text messages and online UI portal for next steps and instructions. I will continue to post updates as well.

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New PUA Fraud Prevention and Documentation Requirements

To address the significant fraud associated with the PUA program (due to it’s expansive eligibility and antiquated state UI systems that could not support new program rules) the new stimulus bill included some additional measures to tighten up eligibility and claimant verification. This includes the following provisions that are required to be in place by January 31st, 2020:

  • New applicants will have 21 days to submit documentation substantiating their employment, self-employment, or planned commencement of employment/self-employment. 
  • Individuals already receiving PUA benefits (continuing claimants) must provide documentation within 90 days
  • States must implement procedures to validate the identity of claimants and to ensure timely payments. 
  • Employers will be able to report instances to local state UI agencies in which a former employee refuses to return to work or refuses to accept an offer of suitable work without good cause (which renders the individual ineligible for unemployment benefits).

See this video for a summary on these requirements and why they are the underlying cause of significant delays for people to claim or continue getting PUA benefits under the extended coverage period.

$100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation

Another new provision to address gaps with some of the original PUA rules is for those who got a mix of self employment and age income. Individuals who received at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income during 2019 now will receive an additional $100 weekly benefit, in addition to the benefit amounts they otherwise would be entitled to receive from regular state unemployment. 

Previously, such individuals were not eligible for unemployment benefits if they received some regular state unemployment benefits for traditional employment, and regular state law benefits did not consider self-employment in calculating the benefit amounts. The new federally-funded “mixed earner” benefit is in addition to the $300 supplementary FPUC weekly benefit under FPUC.

Backdating of PUA claims – Limitations introduced

Under the COVID relief legislation a new limitation on backdating PUA claims was passed for new applications after December 27th, 2020. Initial or new applications for PUA after December 27, 2020 may not be backdated earlier than December 1, 2020 – which would cover benefits for the week ending December 6th, 2020 in most states. This does not affect existing applications which will be subject to the 2020 CARES act provisions.

The back dating of claims was extended under the Biden ARPA bill which limited had a date of March 14th for back dating of new claims filed after March 11th, 2021.

What if I worked in multiple states, where do I file for PUA?

The DOL has clarified that a self-employed individual must file with the state where he or she was working at the time of becoming unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of an approved COVID-19 related reason. If an individual worked in more than one state at this time, the individual may file in any of those states. So go for the state where you can get the largest weekly benefit (note that the minimum PUA benefit payment is 50% of the states regular UI maximum).

New DOL guidance that expands PUA eligibility to three additional categories of workers:

  • Jobless workers receiving unemployment benefits who had their continued regular unemployment benefits’ claims denied after they refused to work or accept an offer of work at a worksite not in compliance with coronavirus health and safety standards.
  • Workers laid off, or who have had their work hours reduced as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • School employees working without a contract or reasonable assurance of continued employment who face reduced paychecks and no assurance of continued pay when schools are closed due to coronavirus.

Original 2020 PUA program funded under CARES Stimulus Bill

(some items superseded or update by 2021 extensions above)

The PUA program funded under the CARES act provided up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020. To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note – PUA benefits have been extended in some states like New York, California and Georgia by 7 weeks, as part of extensions to state level extended benefit programs. Further those who were getting PUA payments in August and September will have automatically qualified for the now expired $300 Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) unemployment benefits program. Most states have now gotten approval and have paid out the 6 weeks of funding available for this program (see full LWA state tracker), including retroactive payments,

While PUA is open to all unemployed Americans, it was mainly intended as a way to provide unemployment benefits for those who were working and are now out of work and were generally self-employed (e.g. independent contractors or gig economy workers) and did not contribute taxes towards regular unemployment. Those who had regular/W2 jobs are eligible for enhanced unemployment benefits under the PEUC program. Further details on program differences below.

Will My PUA Benefits End in December Even if I Have a Balance or Weeks Left to Claim

Unfortunately yes. The program’s federal funding has a hard stop at the end of the year (December 26th in most states). So even if you have a balance or weeks of benefits left after year end, and millions of unemployed workers will be in this boat, you won’t be getting these payments in 2021 unless Congress extends unemployment benefits. Extended state benefits may however be available in states where unemployment rates are higher than pre-specified thresholds (see below for further details). See this video on some recent PUA updates and back payments.

Delays in PUA program payments: State unemployment agencies and labor departments have experienced many challenges in rolling out the PUA program but all are now processing applications and payments for individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation prior to new provision in the CARES stimulus bill.

This group of workers however may have a hard time officially proving their wages during the applicable 2019-20 wage based period, in which case their weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on whichever is higher – the record of wages already on file or the minimum PUA weekly benefit amount for the state.

How to Apply for PUA

To apply for unemployment benefits using the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) extension provision approved under the CARES act you need to apply via your regular state’s unemployment agency. Many states have dedicated website links and call numbers when it comes to PUA benefits.

States have mandated that you must first apply for regular UI before becoming eligible for PUA. This is baesd on federal law which only allows PUA to be paid to claimants when benefits are exhausted or if you were deemed not eligible for them – which will be the case for gig and contract workers. While it is a cause of concern for many unemployed Americans making new claims, it is the way their systems are designed to handle the new PUA coverage and provisions.

So even though it may seem like the claim was denied in reality it just means that eligible claimants have been denied for standard unemployment benefits (in place prior to Coronavirus/COVID-19), but will likely qualify for the new PUA benefits. Unfortunately this makes the application process longer and could take a while for you to get your PUA claim approved.

The amount of PUA benefits are calculated based on your previously reported income and capped at the state’s maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA). PUA benefits may not be less than half of the state’s average weekly benefit amount as shown in the table below. Note – There are no minimum wage qualifying criteria for PUA.

Eligible recipients must certify for PUA benefits weekly like regular unemployment. Individuals receiving PUA will also still be eligible for other unemployment supplementary weekly payments (while available). Once they begin certifying for weekly benefits they will not have to take any additional steps, and will receive the weekly $600 payments along with their PUA benefits.

Below are some frequently asked questions and possible answers to common PUA questions I am seeing from readers on this site (see the comments below for more questions and answers).

Will my PUA claim be paid retroactively for back payments (including the $600 FPUC and $300 LWA)?

This varies across states, but generally if you were eligible for PUA in a given week that retroactive UI benefits are payable, you will get the relevant payment for other supplementary enhanced benefit programs. Backdated payments will be paid in one lump-sum one to two weeks after you are deemed eligible for benefits. Note that backdated payments will also include the $600 FPUC payment if you were eligible for PUA during the period the FPUC program was active.

How Long Does PUA Last in 2020?

For those who are eligible for regular benefits, they will get an additional 13 weeks on top of their state unemployment benefits. For those who don’t qualify for state unemployment they can get benefits for between 39 and 46 weeks until the end of 2020. At this stage unless Congress extends the PUA program via a new stimulus package, PUA benefit payments will end at the end of this year.

PUA Unemployment: Moved or worked in multiple states

Generally, you should file your claim in the state where you worked or received income. Or your state of primary residence if income has come from several states as may be common with people who qualify for PUA. If you moved states you will need to reapply in that state for PUA, based on the process they have (varies by state). When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses/location and dates of your former employment. This will allow them to make a determination of your partial benefit.

Right now state systems are not connected and rely on the wage income you provide so you need to be careful of PUA overpayment, which could mean having to pay or taxes or face repayment and penalties from one or more of the states you are in. The program is for 39 weeks to 46 weeks (depending on state) in total. You are not supposed to double dip across state lines and eventually will be flagged.

Based on some of the comments to this article, if you are having to apply for PUA across multiple states there is a good chance you will be flagged for a fraudulent claim. So be patient and prepared to go through a verification process based on the state UI agency guidelines.

Are PUA benefits taxable?

Yes, like all unemployment benefits PUA is considered taxable income and you may elect to have withholding taxes deducted from your payment (generally around 10%). You will receive Form 1099-G with form your state UI agency to file with your 2020 income taxes in 2021.

Note that the Biden administration, via the ARPA stimulus bill, got approved a $10,2000 unemployment income tax exclusion that is being paid out by the IRS as an additional refund.

Child Support or Dependent Payments Deductions

Child support obligations will be deducted from PUA, as they would with normal state unemployment. You can file an injured spouse form to mitigate this.

Why was my PUA claim denied?

Most PUA claims that do finally get processed by the state unemployment department/agency are being denied or rejected because the claimant is eligible for standard, state-funded unemployment insurance rather than federally funded PUA. Because the PUA application process and/or link is different to the regular state unemployment application process, it is highly recommended you apply for regular state unemployment first. Only if you are denied for regular state UI (and you will be notified that you are) should you then apply for PUA.

Other reasons PUA claims are being denied are due to ongoing “glitches” in unemployment filing systems/websites that have required a lot more updates to support the new PUA provisions.

Fraud checks or additional document verification where many UI applications are being flagged has also been cited as a big reason for PUA delays/rejections. This is not surprising since may gig workers and contractors don’t have standard unemployment documentation and so require extra verification and fraud checks. If you are caught up in a fraud check, please ensure to provide the required information to your state agency (who will contact you) to keep your claim processing moving forward.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit payment delays

Other than being flagged for Fraud, many readers are reporting PUA application processing and payment delays if you have multiple people using your address for UC, PUA, EB, etc. Or if you moved, bills in other people’s names, etc is causing delays. 

I cannot get ahold of anyone when I call for help.

Despite dedicated phone lines for PUA claims many readers are reporting it is nearly impossible to get a hold of a live person to speak to at their state UI agency regarding their unemployment claim. You can see the comments below for some ideas to try, but generally will take a lot of patience and calling in “off” hours to get through. Because of the pandemic and record high call volumes, you may need to try alternative methods like social media or going via your state congressional leaders to try and expedite your claim.

PUA vs PEUC and State Extended Benefits (EB)

The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and State Extended Benefits (EB) programs are different to the PUA program and claimants cannot continue in the PEUC or EB programs if they are deemed eligible for PUA. The PEUC is essentially an extension of regular state unemployment (funded under the CARES act) and allows for up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of regular unemployment benefits. EB are an extension of UI benefits that occurs when a state meets the unemployment rate threshold for a designated period. For most states this provides up to 20 weeks of additional benefits.

Please note, if you had received UC or EB benefits and then apply for PUA, any week of regular UC benefits or any week of state extended benefits (EB) collected since February 2, 2020 will be deducted from the weeks of PUA you are eligible for. 

State
(Click State For Details)
PUA State Contact NumberPaying Original 39 weeks (CARES)?Paying 11-Week 2021 Extension?
AlabamaY
AlaskaY
ArizonaYY
ArkansasY
California1-800-300-5616YY
ColoradoY
ConnecticutY
DelawareYY
District of ColumbiaYY
FloridaY
GeorgiaY
HawaiiY
IdahoY
Illinois1-800-244-5631Y
IndianaYY
IowaY
KansasY
KentuckyY
LouisianaY
MaineY
MarylandYY
MassachusettsYY
MichiganYY
MinnesotaY
MississippiY
MissouriY
MontanaY
NebraskaY
NevadaY
New HampshireY
New JerseyNorth Jersey: 201-601-4100
Central Jersey: 732-761-2020
Southern Jersey: 856-507-2340
Y
New MexicoYY
New York1-833-491-0632
1-833-324-0366 (to certify)
Y
North CarolinaYY
North DakotaY
Ohio1-877-644-6562Y
OklahomaY
OregonY
Pennsylvania1-855-284-8545Y
Puerto RicoY
Rhode IslandYY
South CarolinaY
South DakotaY
TennesseeY
Texas1-800-939-6631Y
UtahY
VermontYY
Virginia1-866-832-2363 YY
WashingtonY
West VirginiaY
WisconsinY
WyomingY
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849 thoughts on “The End of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Future Extensions, Retroactive and Claim Back Payment Issues”

  1. Hi..!
    I got denied from regular UI but they send me PUA it’s been 2 weeks after o complete my PUA.i am certifying my weekly claim.but still don’t know what’s going on.but I received a letter of denial from regular UI but next day they send me online PUA forms which o completed.soo what’s that mean ?

    Reply
  2. Hi, I didn’t have my seasonal job to return to bc of Covid. I was also placed out of my on-campus job (I’m a student). I recently started working ~2 weeks ago, early July (40 weeks, 10/hr, abt ~360$/week). There were months where I wasn’t working/receiving pay bc of covid, am I entitled to the 600/week for the months that I didn’t work?

    Reply
  3. My situation is in March I applied for regular unemployment because they said I had an open claim then I finally got denied due to job separation in June and the director of unemployment said to file for Pua I would be excepted it’s been five weeks now I got approved for Pua but no money coming in still says pending does anybody know how long it takes for them to verify my identity.it is so hard I don’t know what to do anymore

    Reply
  4. I live in Texas I got approved for my benefits in late May but been off work since April 20. I haven’t received any back pay I’ve only received benefits for June so far. How do check on status of my back pay for last 10days of April and all of May?

    Reply
  5. AFTER PAYMENT SAYS THAT ITS APPROVED HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR YHE PAYMENT TO BE DEPOSIT IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

    Reply
  6. I live in Florida and applied 4/9 when CONNECt system was down on mobile website yet my application date is when I applied for PUA after finally being deemed ineligible for state Unemployment . How do I get retroactive benefits and my date changed.

    Reply
  7. Hi, I applied for UI in late April, I was denied last week but was given a link to apply for PUA, I turned in the 2019 tax return, now on my UI page it shows that I was paid today through direct deposit. First question is does it take a few days from the date it shows paid to actually hit my account. Second question is since it is showing all this and the paid date does that mean I was approved. It says claim information, than a breakdown, weeks claimed then it shows I was paid today but was not yet. A previous post said that Ga is no longer participating in direct deposit as I opted for that but the site has it listed as direct deposit. Thank you for your time.

    Reply
  8. Pua emailed me May 24th that I could apply for pua since I was denied for UC and I did! Few weeks later I started getting paid and there was an option to backdate your weeks which I filed for since I was out of job since April and it said, we will consider! Website stopped me for being able to file my weekly claim for a week and then let me backdate the week I missed but not since April which I was unemployed! Will I be able to get all the weeks I missed?

    Reply
    • Try logging in and clicking Payment Request. Then answer the questions and Submit. Then, log totally out and log back in and click Payment Request again. Keep doing that until you’re caught up

      Reply
  9. I Was Approved For NY PUA On 03/09/2020, But Received My Approval Letter On 05/29/2020 Stating I’ll Be Receiving $208/wk. I’ve Only Received The One-Time Payment Of $600. Can Anyone Tell Me Who I Can Call Or Speak With To Find Out Why I Haven’t Received Any Of My Payments Yet?

    Reply
  10. 1st time i didnt receive my PUA i filed for last week (end june 1st wk of july) and they skipped me like wtf how and why they never paid me and i was spending money thinking itll be replaced thats foul

    Reply
  11. I don’t even know if writing anything on here is going to help me but I’m desperate. I’ve been receiving PUA (live in PA) I got a big lumpsum a few months ago via direct deposit. Then all the fraud stuff started and I started receiving checks. The last check I received was for the week ending 5/31. I then saw that everyone would be getting a debit card but just to wait for it and continue filing. So that’s what I did. I have not been paid in 6 weeks. My mother recieved her checks late but then recieved her debit card right away and has been getting paid every week on it. On July 1st while filing for my weekly benefits I changed my payment from direct deposit to debit card thinking maybe that would get one sent to me. It says 7-10 buisness days which Wednesday will be 10 days. Today I found out I could find out if a card was assigned to me on the reliant my website. When I went on it says no card has been issued. I have searched and searched for numbers to call, online chats anything I can do to speak to someone and get help and every number I call says not available. Finally I found an email address and sent and email today but I have no clue if it’s to the right people or how long it will even take to get an answer. I just had a baby and have a three year old and am a single mother (which I’m sure I’m not the only one) I just don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know if anyone has any suggestions for me if so I greatly appreciate it

    Reply
    • I’m having the same problem I’m from Philadelphia and I received my lump sum I got the debit card my last payment was 6/27 I tried to file week ending july 4 and yesterday both saying 0.00 but 195 I dont know if I should keep filing or stop cause this is stressful

      Reply
      • me 2 they skipped right over my last payment and never gave it to me 1st time they ever did that im heated to

        Reply
        • That’s personal but if u want u can contact me at 484 213 3850 an we go from there if u serious I’m trying figure it out but dont want to f something up more feel me

        • What does if my back payments are all certified for 07/20/2020 but that came and backpayments were deposit in my debit card only my current certified week was then my backdated payments date got changed to 07/27/2020

        • Ben this Michael I can’t screen shoot I tried to upload so u can see if u have any contact info or any information contact me 484 213 3850

      • Hi micheal I filed the week of the 4th of July it’s been 4 weeks mine says still in progress have you found out anything please let me know I’m in shavertown pa this week will be my 5th week of filing with no pay

        Reply
        • I tried calling the numbers its busy I’m not understanding I think I did something in I messed it up so my payment stop I keep filing I’m about to stop it’s not making no sense if it saying the same thing over every week if u have any information u can contact me 484 213 3850

    • Firstly, really sorry to hear about your predicament. I have a specific page for PA UI issues, but to answer your question from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, you can email [email protected] for help with your debit card. But here are some

      Denied Claimants = No new debit card
      Claimants with out of state wages = No debit card until wages are received and an eligible financial determination is issued
      Claimants with unverified identities = need to wait for verification before a financial determination is issued for a debit card to be issued
      Claimants with a matching home and business address = need to wait for manual processing by staff for a debit card to be issued
      Claimants with completely out-of-state wages in the base year = need to wait for manual processing by staff for a debit card to be issued
      Claimants who have had direct deposit payments within the last 12 months = No debit card

      Reply
      • Andy u giving out the email etc no communication no so ever like I’m try to figure out do I still keep claiming if its saying this that I’m confused seriously like am I’m get the 600 owe to me from July when claim till now its saying 0.00 in progress I left the email to the uc pua I didn’t claim under uc pua I did but its saying monetarily ineligible but went back to my normal situation when I was receiving the 600 so from 0.00 in progress what do I do

        Reply
  12. I finally got my pua claim going, I filed my weekly today and checked and it says DUA receiver early. Why did it change from PUA to DUA and no weekly payment? Anyone else have this problem?

    Reply
  13. I filed for UI and I knew I was going to be denied bc my hours were cut from 50 hrs a week to 20 hours a week from lack of business and I am a bartender. A lot of us left to search for better jobs. After I received my letter stating I was denied I did not see a link for PUA. I went to Ga website and I couldn’t apply because it says Eligibility is pending determination. I thought the decision was already determined because I received the letter stating I was denied. What determination is pending now? I am confused.

    Reply
    • Oh so have you drew any PUA at all? Because if it says pending approval of payment you have to wait on them to determine if they think ur eligible i guess

      Reply
      • I can’t even file for pua. After I was denied ui I never received the link to apply for pua. I go to my portal and all it is saying. Eligibility is pending determination. They denied me ui. So what determination?

        Reply
        • I have gotten some PUA but I am in Florida and it is terrible trying to get any type of unemployment assistance. If you are in Florida I will be happy to explain the million steps it took to get started

      • I just certified for the firdt time Tuesday for this week and one i missed. I recieved my regular benifits 2 days later for both weeks. I wanted to know when the pua 600 is usually deposited. And will they email me when they do send it?

        Reply
  14. I’m receiving the pua I’m from Philadelphia an not as I’m claiming its saying 0.00 payout frm the 4 till now I was receiving my payment and received the lum sum now what do I still file

    Reply
      • So am I’m going to get the money paid to me if not what’s the point of keep filing if the benefits aren’t going to be paid to me

        Reply
        • Are i in active lay status? How many weeks PUA have u drawn it then rollevers over to PEUC

        • The last day I filed was June 27 I received the 600 plus the 175 it was saying monetarily ineligible I look it up but it was a new claim under the pua like I didn’t receive a pin cause I didn’t file regular unemployment so when I just filed today for the ending 4 and today its saying 195 0.00 payment in progress so what do I do

        • I wish I could show u cause u saying I’m get paid but what its saying is 0.00 in progress I filed before an it told me my payment the number tax withheld its saying 0.00 in the payment its doesn’t say 540 plus 175 on both of my new claims that what I’m trying to explain to u me keep filing and I’m not getting a payment you said it a rollover it probably a glitch so jus wait and see what happened

        • First ofd its Sunday Night And The System Is Updating Check Back Tomorrow And See What It Says Then….Why Didnt U File Last Week?

        • I did that’s what I told u I did for the ending week july 4 and the end week of today the ending week of the 4 is still in progress when I was getting my payment I was getting the 540 and the 175 now its saying 0.00 on both weeks I’m wait till tomorrow

  15. My first 2 weeks was sent to a wrong bank account number my 3 rd week was sent to right account number the first 2 weeks say paid but never received keep calling the pandemic unemployment number and waiting for hours and no luck need a pay center pandemic unemployment benefits phone number for Ohio if someone knows it please can I have it because this calling all numbers and waiting for a least a hour is really making me mad thank you

    Reply
  16. Georgia here – I received a denial of benefits letter for PUA. Denial reason stated on the letter was “I am eligible to receive compensation from another state or federal program.” I’m not sure what that means.
    I received a call from someone in the tax department a few days before the denial letter, asking about my Social Security which I receive. Initially, I think I made an error in filing for PUA FIRST instead of Regular UI. I’m a self employed secretary. I was also asked (via email), why I answered “No” to the question – are you looking for work. I answered NO because we were under lockdown. I am going to file an Appeal, but wanted to make sure that is the right step to take.

    Reply
    • Hii, im in the same position, they denied me, i dont know why, all my company is getting the 600 hundred, less i and other partner, but is so weird, cause every tuesday they send me a statement, saying $0 and, in my profile i have 7 payments but in cero :/, is too sad for both

      Reply
      • I’m in the same situation far as that I was getting the 600 plus the 175 somehow I filed and its saying in progress 195 is my payout but its saying 0.00 now for two payment i suppose to receive I’m trying to figure still file or leave it alone it’s crazy u can’t call nobody to get help the 600 ends this month but it say u still will re6 the 600 no matter what but is seem like that’s a lie

        Reply
        • I’m in a similar situation. I live in Louisiana and have been receiving PUA every week since April with no issues. I always received my pay the same day I filed or on Wednesday. This Tuesday, I filed my weekly claim and as of today, it’s still “In Progress.” How convenient to wait until the final $600 payment to stall like this. We can’t talk to anyone due to the high call volume. I’m hoping this is a system issue.

  17. I have had transaction numbers for all of my back pay weeks since 6/17, I recieved my debit card last Thursday with 2 weeks issued. I also received last weeks pay yesterday. But no back pay. Shouldn’t I have recieved those first. I am in pa.

    Reply
    • According to PA gov site, “Approved claimants should get lump sum payments within 1 week of filing. Weekly certifications MUST be filed every week to continue receiving payments….. Individuals can file backdated claims for previous eligible weeks now and the first payment will arrive within one week or less. PUA claimants can file their weekly certification and payment will arrive within three business days.

      So yes you should have gotten your payment, assuming you certified and not issues with your claim.

      If you have certified and no payment you need to contact them. Currently, questions about your claims should be emailed to [email protected]. You should expect to receive a response within 7 days. This email address is for PUA questions only and more likely to get a response than calling.

      Also see the PA dedicated UI page I have setup – https://savingtoinvest.com/pennsylvania-pa-department-of-labor-and-industry-additional-600-fpuc-and-pua-benefits/

      Reply
      • Im certified my back payments and benefit payment date said 07/20/2020 I got my card on the 18 but I only got my current certified week payments then I checked payment date on my backpay it changed to 07/27/2020 so will my lump sum be deposited then but why did date change

        Reply
      • I received My PUA approval letter a couple weeks ago and I received my card 2 weeks after that and I never got paid. I am still waiting to be paid from March. I filed July 12 and it is now August how long does it take to get The benefits on your card?

        Reply
    • i am having the same issue in az. i have 13 weeks back pay i have trans numbers and had a pay date. now my pay daes keep changing its so stupid. then u cant even get a hold of anyone cause the call center hangs up on after sitting on the phone for hours. i dont know what to think or do.

      Reply
      • Mine has changed also I’m only getting my current certified week back pay was on 07/20/2020 at first then the next day it changed to 07/27/2020

        Reply
  18. I recently filed for ui i recieved 2 weeks of ui and 600 included of pua. Was wondering if i would qualify for a retro since ive been unemployed since januarary. Could i backdate all the way to nanuary and recieve all those weeks of backpay?

    Reply
    • i live in New jersey . I applied for UI in first week of June 2020 .
      I had been unemployed since march 2020 but i did not filed for UI claim before .
      Also I had got a very minimal payment from my employer for $1000 in April month that was my old dues from February that was paid in April to me .
      As my WBR was zero from nj state as my base year was very low so my claim was ineligible, still they put me on PUA claim and I started getting my pua from the week of 6/6/20 onwards $600 plus the state minimum.
      I have 2 questions
      1)How do i get my lost weeks of PUA claims filled to my portal for months of April and May, so i can claim those as well. I had put my last employment in my online application as being March but they started my claim dates from June i.e. the date when i filed my UI claim .
      2)can i get my dependent claim as well for my child added to my pua claim , if my state calim is ineligible and i am getting minimum amount as marked for PUA claim in NJ, can they still add my dependent to it to increase the same or not . Shall i fill out my dependent application or not .

      Reply
      • To get backdated, you must call them. Took me 2 attempts and 35 mins. On hold. After speaking a nice helpful woman, she told me she would forward on the back pay date. They may contact you regarding the backdate within 10 business days and continue to file weekly regularly. Hope this helps.

        Reply
  19. I live in Nevada regular UI did not qualify or so they said filed PUA no problem but it is in prosses and i hear some people have been waiting months in process then i get a letter in the mail from regular UI saying i can appeal thats nuts , I really dont think they know whats going on or how to apply the UI PUA laws and I KNOW they are short handed wish me luck.

    Reply
  20. My claim was accepted through pa pua , i received my debit card 2 days ago and onky 2 weeks of payments were issued. I have 13 weeks back pay due. Wouldnt thst have been issued at that time also.. i am very worried. Please help.

    Reply
    • How long from the time you applied to the time you received payment? I’m a little worried because I’ve applied and I’ve received the card however, none of the claims has been paid out.

      Reply
  21. my business started 1/5/2020, which provides maintenances to businesses that have plants that need to be cared for. however due to shut downs my services are temporarily halted. I’ve gone from $4000 monthly to almost 0. do I qualify for PUA?

    Reply
    • Yes. But to qualify for PuA your loss of income must be tied to the CoVid crisis or inline with your state unemployment agency requirements. The eligibility rules are quite open so make sure you select or answer accordingly to get PUA

      Reply
  22. Does anyone know if they have extended the $600 or will extend it past the July 31 deadline? Remember they have shut down more stuff & phases have been dropped even in FL for Corona re-openings. I am assuming they gave the $600 a week till July 31 thinking it would be over. Any word if they will extend it? Also my wife who was self employed didnt qualify for FL but got an email today that she qualified for Gov’t PUA. ITs less than FL, but 600 week will be Retro’d? She has been out of work since March. IS that True? Meaning she should get an avg of 2400 for March, April May an June in 1 lump sum retro besides the PUA $ and 600 week for July? Sorry for asking 2 questions. Thanks

    Reply
    • Don, they have not extended the $600…yet. The Senate decided to go on recess (I believe until 7/20). smh. Perfect timing for those of us biting our nails not know wth we’re going to do when we lose that $2400/month! If you Google it (if $600 unemployment has been extended), it will show you different ideas that are SUPPOSEDLY on the table. VERY IMPORTANT…Google ‘sign petition to extended $600 unemployment.’ I signed 2-3 days ago and there were almost 1.5 million at that time. Fingers crossed!
      And yes, your wife should definitely get retro going back to March. Good Luck!

      Reply
  23. Kentucky here. I am an independent contractor and 2/1/2020 lost all income due to COVID-19. I tried every day to call every number I could find, emailed every address, but never got guidance on what the procedures were going to be insofar as PUA was concerned. In KY, you have to be denied regular UI benefits before you can be considered eligible for PUA. Didn’t get to file my UI claim until 4/23/2020. There were not many references to PUA that I could research the proper steps to take while I was waiting for my UI claim to be denied. So, I waited. After a few weeks, I found a letter directed to PUA claimants instructing them/us to self-certify our loss of employment due to COVID-19, for the weeks of January 27 thru May 9 2020. So, I went ahead and submitted these documents. No one from the UI office would call me back or email me, nothing. It wasn’t until I emailed Governor Andy Beshear and requested his help in the matter. Within a week my claim status changed from UI to PUA and a worker called me to say she was gonna get me paid, but that I had “missed some weeks requesting my benefits”. She emailed me 4 pay cards but they were only for the weeks of 4/25/2020 thru 6/13/20 (8 weeks of benefits). On my Account Summary page it says my “effective date” is January 27, 2020, so shouldn’t I have been paid for the weeks of 2/8/20 thru 4/18/20 – since I had already sent the self-certification documents in that covered those weeks? I have, once again, emailed the DOL, Gov. Beshear, along with many others, just trying to get answers. Gov. Beshear publically stated Kentuckians would be paid retroactive benefits even though they were late filing their claim. Help!!! Any suggestions?

    Reply
  24. I live in Mississippi, but worked out of state in 2019. I was informed that I should file in last state I worked in 2019, which was Alaska. I filed for regular unemployment and was denied. I6/, then filed a PUA claim showing the income I received in Alaska, Virginia and Texas. I have received a payment of 133.00 per week and also the 600.00 per week from 4/5/2020 thru 6/20/2020. I received a message today from State of Alaska that due to me working in others states that could not receive further payments. This is very confusing. All income from the other states was provided
    making this a multi state claim. Would it not be fraud to file in each state? It was my understanding that the other states were contacted to obtain the unemployment amount. So now, what do I do?? I am supposed to get the 600.00 per week through July 25, 2020 according to my determination letter. Who I can I contact that understands about multi state claim? Also, I didn’t even receive half of the maximum PUA allowed by the State of Alaska. Therefore, I am now assuming that the other states were not even considered. I need some clarification of how this is supposed to work. I spent the day attempting to talk with someone in Alaska without success.

    Reply
  25. i live in new mexico i applied for PUA i just got through i only have got payed for 2 weeks but doesnt show back dated weeks and been out of work since march 23 how could i get retroactive pay been calling and it just been busy.. any help

    Reply
  26. The pua weekly certification has yes or no questions that I answered for a total of 14 retroactive weeks. they sent me a message that my claims were pending because I answered no to the covid-19 questions. Like, Are you unable to work because you have to take care of a family member who has it?. Or, are you unable to work because you have been exposed to the virus? Am I suppose to answer yes to these questions or am I interpreting them wrong

    Reply
  27. I am in NC. I applied for UI on 3/22. It was in pending status until today. The notice says that I will receive $132.00 per week. I don’t understand. I am self employed and made over $100K yearly before the pandemic. I also would like to know if I will receive the $600/weekly. Where can I go to find out.

    Reply
    • Im self employed and make about half of what you do and they are saying $132 for me also. I don’t know if mine it approved yet though. I sure hope we get the extra $600. How do you know when it is approved?

      Reply
    • UI is not your wages, it’s a portion. That’s where the $600 a week comes in. UI & PUA are both eligible for the Cares Act supplement until 7/25.

      Reply
    • UI is not your wages, it’s a portion. That’s where the $600 a week comes in. UI & PUA are both eligible for the Cares Act supplement until 7/25.

      Reply
    • It is confusing because I’ve read that self employed get the flat rate of $176 weekly; but I’ve also read that if you submit ur 2019 tax return, they will base ur weekly benefit on ur previous years income.The Department of Labor for Kentucky is probably your best place to go. They issue guidance to KCC on how to interpret the CARES Act in regards to UI and PUA benefits. Hope you have better luck than I have.

      Reply
    • Im having this same problem in Arkansas. I applied for regular unemployment and got my notice of monetary determination from them based on 2019 income and it stated 451$ would be my weekly benefit. I ultimately was denied regular and applied for PUA at same time ( Mid May) knowing I would be denied regular. Now I’m approved for PUA but only for 132$ plus the 600$. I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be 451$ as was determined by regular unemployment. I’ve already been paid the 732$ for 6 retro weeks but it should have been 1051$. Not sure if that will ever be corrected.

      Reply
      • I quit my job Jan 19th and was sick until end of February. Diagnosed with pneumonia hacking cough etc. before the said Covid here. I applied in March for UA and was denied because I quit 9 days before the said Covid-was here Jan 27th so applied for pua did it all right said pending but I received in June to payments of 743. Than nothing called for days and was told that my date on when effected was to early? I said well after I was better started to care for elderly parents anyways denied appealed both regular and pua which was a joke and still denied so I appealed again with all my documents and made to wait again for denial at this point was in month August. Finally said screw it. And never got the same answer twice when calling and waiting hours on hours on hold. Just praying they don’t ask for those first two payments

        Reply
  28. I live in Illinois and I have now exhausted my UI and the 13 weeks of extended PEUC. My benefits were connected to a full time job were I was laid off a year ago. I then worked part-time from an employer in 2019 making only $2300 and received a W-2. I have a self-employed gig as art instructor. In 2019, I made only $4034. Both of my part-time and gig jobs are now gone because of COVID-19. Am I eligible for PUA? It says the minimum for consideration is $1600. I read that I may be able to receive PUA if I have exhausted my IU and the PEUC.
    I still can’t find a decent job and now my side income is gone due to COVID. help!

    Reply
  29. I was denied regular unemployment. Never received a letter in mail or a link to file PUA. I live in
    ALABAMA.

    Reply
    • Search (PUA & your state) PUA Alabama & you should find the link for your state to begin filing. Payment is retroactive but you have to file each week individually so you want to start before the 39th week :)

      Reply
    • you may not receive a link. Go to Apply for pandemic Unemployment on your government website for the state of Alabama and file there. you should have no issues. Click on Apply for pandemic unemployment.

      Reply
    • I live in Texas and I finally was able to get online to file. I received my first payment on June 26th for 2 weeks and I just received another payment for 2 weeks, but NO BACK PAY!!!!
      My last day of work was March 20th and I put that on my application, but I still didn’t get my back pay, can’t get through to anyone on the phone (Monday I called over 400 times) and I have read where other states can go online and certify that back dates but that option is not available here in Texas. All that to ask “Will I get my back pay?”

      Reply
    • I was denied regular ui and PUA in alabama was told the audijactor can either allow or not allow pua and they didnt allow me mine i already knew i was gonna be denied regular ui because i hadnt met the requalification from my last claim they told me to file PUA i did got a letter approved pending final approval filed 13 weeks to be told they disqualified me indefinitely i didnt knw u could be denied PUA is it true that u can and they arent even giving me a option to appeal it..

      Reply
  30. go the the check my claim status option click on it and type ss and pin then scroll to bottom where it says request weekly pua thats where you have to certify all dates to receive money i had the same issue they did not tell me that it was different from regular certification then you will receive all checks at one time you have to put each date every say since unemployment began for you

    Reply
  31. I live in NC and applied for UI back on March 27 and was denied and told to wait until the PUA system was available on April 27. I applied for PUA then (4/27) and my status has been pending since. Each week I check my status, update my weekly certification, and talk with a state PUA rep. They say the only thing I can do is wait since I have provided all the necessary documentation. Does this seem typical? Anyone else in NC waiting this long?

    Reply
    • In NC and other states, the processing of valid PUA claims seems to be taking much longer than anticipated. The good news is that you should get your benefit paid retroactively when it is finally processed.

      Reply
    • I applied on 3/22 and I too was pending for all of that time. I received notice today that I am approved.

      Reply
    • I live in nc. I filed for ui and was denied. Applied for pua in june. Status says pending resolution. Has been that way since June 15. Rep said my back date claim for 19 weeks was approved, just waiting for them to validate my eligibility. What would make me ineligible?

      Reply
    • I have been having the same problem and I live in nc I applied for ui benefits and was denied back in march and was never told to apply for pua and than found out that I should have a long time ago lady with unemployment helped me she did my claim for pua on July first and she backed dated it for me to march was told that if there was no issues that I should receive something with in 14 days I call and get told that iam still pending and when I ask if there is any issues they say no everything looks fine so if there is no issues than why have I not received anything yet and what is taking so long and I see that there is a lot of people with the same problem and I think unemployment should give us answers or tell me if I have done anything wrong if they need more documents or does anyone have any ideas on how to help speed the process

      Reply
      • I applied on june 20th and still have yet to get anything. I live in ohio but its now been 8 weeks. I just talked to someone and yet again keep getting told next week. They have told me two weeks then i called back three weeks later they said next week then called again two weeks and was told next week and called today and was told next week again. Mind you i have to pay my house and taxes by friday. So looks like im going to now be homeless with four kids! Thanks to ohio for keep blowing me off…

        Reply
  32. can i apply for pandiemic unemployment . if i have applied for ssi and is pending approval i have no other income

    Reply
    • You can apply, but you will need to provide evidence of income in the past year and you must NOT be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

      Reply
  33. I applied for pua in PA. I was approved and the websites says funds were paid out on 06/15/2020. I set up direct deposit. The funds aren’t in my account. I called the bank in which PA administers debit card. The bank says no debit card has been issued to me yet. So where is my money. Can anyone give me an idea

    Reply
    • How long was the process in PA from the time you applied to 6/15 when the website said funds were paid. I applied recently and was trying to get an idea of the timeframe. Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      • I applied on July 12th and was approved they did have issues listed on the website but now they are clear and sent me a card two weeks ago. I am still waiting to get paid and it’s almost a month. Also I call the US number and jts always busy
        How can I get through to them? Pa here.

        Reply
    • Hi you will receive a check first probably for around $11,000 if you put all the weeks through going back to March when the pandemic first hit. But yes you should receive a check any day.

      Reply
    • Same Boat. I filled 6/18/2020 Direct Deposit. Waited for response, told to change to Debit Card Option, PUA no longer doing DD for safety measures, that was appox. a wk later 6/29/2020. Still nothing yet. This info was passed on to me by other people who got theirs. Funny thing about it, I filled mine weeks before them.

      Reply
      • I have also been waiting on this debit card for over 2 weeks now. Did you ever receive the card. Does anyone know approx how long it should take from the time it says paid to the time the card will arrive?

        thanks
        Lisa

        Reply
        • Hi i don’t know which state you live in but for Pa the wait is 7-10 business days for the card. Also I’m not sure most people know but the USPS has a website where you can track your mail you just have to sign up. I literally get an email from them everyday with a Picture of the mail that will be delivered each day it’s great. And it’s a great way to keep track of your mail especially when waiting for something important

        • I filed June 26th in AZ after 23 days finally got a debit a card in the mail with $0 balance. Still waiting. No calls, emails or correspondence. Website still shows “in progress”

  34. I live in NY. I applied for PUA last Thursday. Since I’m self-employed I didn’t think I could do this. I have been out of work since March due to the pandemic. I received my payment for week ending 06/14/2020 along with the 600 dollars. I wasn’t able to certify for the weeks in between. When should I see the retroactive pay? According to their website my effective date is 03/16/2020. Will the 600 dollars also be retroactive? Thanks.

    Reply
  35. I am from Georgia and I filed a claim and received a claim # due to being laid off from two jobs because of the pandemic. They e-mailed instructions to report each week on Sunday like normal claim. I did this and have not heard from them since. I have called my claim center numerous times but can only leave a phone # and message. My call is never returned. I reported in for week ending 6/6/20 and still have not received my check. They said I would receive just one check then they would decide after that if I qualified for any more. That has been 1 – 1/2 weeks ago and I have not received my first check

    Reply
    • Per other comments on the GA page, looks like you are seeing the same issue many others are seeing. Be patient and your payments (if you certified and were eligible) will be paid.

      Reply
    • I am so sorry. There are so many in this situation. I have been laid off since 4/20 did not qualify for Unemployment. Finally found out how to apply for PUA was approved a month ago and have filed for back weeks to current and have received nothing, not even a notification of when if or how I will receive it. Georgia

      Reply
    • Historically, workers’ compensation provides benefits to individuals who are hurt on the job. Workers who take time off because of an injury remain employed, and thus are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits. Instead, income replacement comes from worker’s compensation, which typically covers two-thirds of a worker’s average income while they are out. Given the pandemic, however, some states are amending their current workers’ compensation statutes to create a presumption that certain workers who fall ill with Coronavirus contracted the disease at work. In certain cases, such as first responders, front line health care workers dealing with Covid-19 patients, and government employees who cannot do their jobs without interacting with large numbers of at-risk populations, this presumption makes sense.

      However if your WC was not related to COVID reasons then getting the PUA will be a challenge based on the above

      Reply
    • My application was approved on 6/1/2020, I have been completing the weekly work status. I have received the letter from The Virginina Employment Commission stating I would receive $158 weekly plus 1/2 of the $600 PUA
      As of today 6/17/2020 I have not received a payment. I have called every number that is listed and can never get through to a human being to ask why I have not received payments.

      What should I do, Please help I need the PUA payments.

      Reply
    • You need to file for each week beginning from the start of your unemployment or when you were unable to apply for employment. Once you file each weekly certification payment will be issued after threat. I would advise filing each week ASAP you should receive a debit card in the mail and the payments will be loaded to the card first with a lump sum then each week will be loaded your weekly benefit as well as the extra $600

      Reply
  36. Florida – I was furloughed on 4/23.. Immediately applied for unemployment benefits….still haven’t received UI or the weekly $600 from federal. I check on CONNECT…StillActive/approved. nobody has anwers to when I will receive my $275 weekly and my $600 owed to me since 4/23/2020.
    I’m drowning in bills, rent, car payment, etc…who can I reach out to Regarding the weekly $600 ????

    Reply
  37. My brother, an independent contractor in Illinois, applied for PUA on 6/2. How soon can he expect to get an approval or denial from PUA?

    Reply
  38. Is there a contact number or website or email for this 600 check issue. It seems mine have stopped. My Unemployment office has washed their hands and said they don’t handle the Cares Act portion. Also, don’t provide guidance as to who to direct inquiries

    Reply
  39. I have been filing unemployment since April 4th with regular UI put was not getting any payment but when I file for the PUA UI for Maryland I was seeing some payment put for May only. I just got my card and payments for the two weeks of May with out the extra $600 from Federal and none of my missing payments for April was not paid to me on my card. Where my missing payments for April and the also the extra $600 from federal as promised with this PUA UI program. If just frustrating and disappointing during this terrible pandemic.

    Reply
  40. I have been collecting PUA and FPUC since I registered on April 3rd and April 10th respectively, only finally getting the retroactive pay on May 8th. Now on May 19th, I received a message from my employer we are to reopen on May 19th. I got the OK to start on May 25th. Here’s my situation: I only work 5 days each week for 14.5 hours per week and collect partial Social Security. How will this affect my PUA and FPUC? I think I’ll be exempt from the PUA but will I still get the FPUC $600 or only part of that? I live in New York State.

    Reply
  41. In Delaware the PUA website is not even working yet in order to apply for the unemployment… has anybody heard when will this page be available?

    Reply
  42. My husband’s hours were reduced to 24 hours per week. We opened a CA UI-online account and submitted a claim. It came back as $0.00 benefit due to excessive earnings. My understanding is that he should qualify for PUA,however, There isn’t anywhere for him to apply, file a new claim or open a new claim. How would he apply for this? Additionally, not one documented phone number has live people to answer a question.

    Reply
  43. I am a single mom working as an substitute teacher I lost my job because school closed for the pandemic virus since march. I tried many times to apply for unemployment however I got through this week all I get is $150.00 per week not even the minimum and no additional $600,00 PUA what should I do? I have two children also,

    Reply
    • I am a substitute in PA who worked nearly every day, and I received PUA benefits. You should too, I encourage you to call and explain, keep calling.

      Reply
      • Not sure if this will help but i am relatives in michigan and Georgia , and Georgia has 2 systems the pua system to file a claim and the other system the regular to file a claim, maybe theirs is like Georgia, michigan added the pua with their regular system and its actually easier in michigan to file for the pua benefit very fast turnaround , hopefully that helps

        Reply
    • Please apply for TANF and the Pandemic Food Assistance Program. In Florida, the input is made by the school’s cafeteria personnel. The card will in the name of the older child, but the benefits will funded for both children if they are of school age and received free or reduced meals. If they are not of school age, you can apply for regular food assistance for the entire family.

      Reply
  44. I have been out of work since March 27, 2020 and I have not received any unemployment(PUA) or FPUC as of yet. I did receive notice that I should receive a payment this week. Will I be getting retro pay for the length of time that I didn’t receive benefits? If I find a job before I receive my retro pay, will I still qualify for it? Why is it that I’m receiving less than $600 for FPUC? I not complaining, however, I just want what is rightly owed to me so that I can pay the people that carried me and my family for so long as well as to obtain clarity on the situation.

    Reply
    • You should be getting retro pay and yes, if you get a job you still get pay for the time all the way up to when you get the job. Just stop certifying when you get the job.

      Reply

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