State implements new federal jobless benefits

From staff reports

The state Department of Labor & Industry is implementing new federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The COVID-19 relief package temporarily provides an additional $600 per week, makes self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits and extends jobless compensation benefits for an additional 13 weeks.

The federal benefits are in addition to Pennsylvania’s regular unemployment benefit.

The benefits will provide an additional $600 per week beginning the week ending April 4 through the week ending July 25.

Eligible claimants who filed biweekly claims for the week ending April 4 and who received their regular UC payment should see the additional money Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a department news release.

For other eligible claimants who have not yet received a regular UC payment, they will receive the extra $600 the week after receiving their first UC payment, the release said.

The $600 is paid separately from the biweekly UC benefit, and residents do not need to apply.