Why is Everyone on Unemployment Getting an Additional $600 During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Why is Everyone on Unemployment Getting an Additional $600 During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Published April 4, 2020
We have seen this question asked in several local groups “Why is everyone on unemployment getting an additional $600 during the COVID-19 pandemic even if they didn’t normally make that amount while working?”
It seems that the reason comes down to the antiquated IT systems in many to the unemployment offices across the country.
Below is the answer provided in the FAQ for the Provisions Related to Unemployment Compensation in the Take Responsibility for
Workers and Families Act:
Question: “Why are we providing flat benefits instead of adjusting the benefit to match each individual’s recent
wages?”
Answer: “Many state unemployment offices use antiquated IT systems and are currently understaffed and overwhelmed
with a flood of new claims. Although we provided funding for them to staff up and improve their systems, it
will take them time to hire and train new staff or make structural improvements. Using simplified eligibility
criteria and fixed benefit amounts will make it more feasible for state offices to process and pay claims quickly.”
Under this program, workers with reduced hours would also be eligible for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation in the amount of $300 or more per week.
Category 3 Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall Near Siesta Key, Florida Bringing Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Extreme Winds
Siesta Key, Florida - Hurricane Milton has made landfall as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, Florida, bringing with it life-threatening storm surges, extreme winds, and flash flooding over the central Florida peninsula. The storm's powerful winds...
Lake Charles US 171 Lane Closure Scheduled for October 17
Lake Charles, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) has announced that an alternating lane closure will take place on US 171 (Martin Luther King Highway) in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 17, 2024. The closure, scheduled...
Louisiana Single-Vehicle Crash on LA 48 in St. Charles Parish Results in Fatality
Saint Rose, Louisiana - A single-vehicle crash occurred early Wednesday morning on LA 48 (River Road) in St. Charles Parish, resulting in the death of 39-year-old Chantell Narcisse of Saint Rose, Louisiana. According to the Louisiana State Police, the incident...