6. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation

As the pandemic started, there were a lot of uncertainties. Due to the sudden imposition of lockdown measures, many companies had to lay off their employees as they were going bankrupt.

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6.7% of people slipped into unemployment, and it was close to the daunting numbers of unemployment during the time of the Great Depression.

Because of these conditions, the US government had to take measures to help people meet their daily expenses and move forward in their lives. Hence, the government formed different programs offering financial aid to the unemployed.

These programs come under the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the 2021 American Rescue Plan. In this article, we will look into the different unemployment compensations offered by the US government. Most importantly, we will focus on the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or FPUA program.

What is Unemployment Compensation?

The US government provides unemployment benefits to those who have lost their jobs because of layoffs or retrenchment. It is a way to help them stay financially stable until they find their next job.

However, the criteria associated with these procedures vary from one state to another. And while providing these compensations or applying for them, the government looks into different factors. They include whether you are actively looking for a new job or not. They will also focus on your employment history before providing you with unemployment insurance.

Both the federal and the state governments have the right to decide who to receive unemployment compensation. They provide them based on the payroll taxes facilitated by different employers and other government funds.

During high unemployment, the government can facilitate these compensations for up to 26 weeks. However, depending on the state, there are situations where they offer these funds for 13 weeks or even 30 weeks. Also, the government, after analyzing the condition, can provide extensions.

What is Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation?

As part of the CARES initiative, the US government formed three financial initiatives to help the unemployed during the pandemic. They are as follows:

1. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program or FPUC

2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program or PUA

3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program or PEUC

Along with the CARES Act, the government also allocated funds to the American Rescue Plan, a $2 trillion package. The FPUC, also known as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program, received funding from the CARES act and the American Rescue Plan. Here, the authorities allocated emergency funds as a flat amount. However, the FPUC scheme ended on September 6, 2021. When it comes to PUA, the scheme ended on the same date as FPUC.

Who Can Get Help, and How Much Can They Get?

In simple terms, the programs started as part of the COVID financial aid were for all the unemployed people in the US. However, there are different criteria based on which the government facilitated these funds to the unemployed people. They include:

1. For FPUC, it is for all those who receive unemployment insurance. It includes regular unemployment compensation, partial unemployment compensation, etc. However, these requirements vary from one state to another.

2. When it comes to PUC, it was for all self-employed people, independent contractors, freelancers, etc.,

3. Third, the government gave the PEUC funds to all those who received FPUC and PUC. It is an extension offered for 13 weeks to help the unemployed after they have exhausted the FPUC and PUC.

These are the eligibility criteria set by the government for these three programs. When it comes to the amount they received for FPUC, it is $600 per week till July 31, 2020. After that, through the American Rescue Plan, the government provided $300 to unemployed citizens. However, this initiative expired on September 6, 2021.

How to Apply for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation?

Depending on your state of residence, the method of application can change. In most places, you can opt for online filing of these compensations. Before applying, you have to file for regular benefits as part of the unemployment insurance program. Here's how to do that:

1. You have to visit the CareerOneStop website, which is a DOL platform. Here, you have to continue with the application for unemployment insurance.

2. Next, fill in your basic details, including your address, telephone number, social service number, etc.,

3. You also have to provide your employer's and your employment details. It includes your date of employment, earnings for the past 18 months, etc.,

While applying, you must ensure that you do this in your state of employment. You might stay in Alaska but used to work in New Jersey. You have to apply in New Jersey and not Alaska.

Here are the steps involved in applying for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation:

1. You have to fill in the details of your unemployment insurance.

2. You need to facilitate your social security number and other relevant information about your previous employment. However, while uploading, cross-checking the details is essential as the guidelines can vary from one state to another.

3. After completing the form, your state would have issued funds or refunds.

However, as of now, the FPUC program has expired. Along with FPUC, other COVID-19-related programs have also ended. If you face unemployment now, it is best to register for unemployment insurance.

What are the Special Conditions Associated with the Application?

Here are some special conditions associated with the application of FPUC:

1. The authorities offered employment benefits when the employer was closed temporarily because of the pandemic.

2. They provided it when there was a risk of infection, and the concerned employee had to leave their job to take care of their family or homeschool their child.

3. They gave it to employees during isolation and while they were trying to go back to work after the pandemic.

4. Consider a business that offers reemployment to an employee after being laid off with the same benefits and pay scale, and the employee rejects it. Then, the person could lose their employment compensation.

These are the special conditions associated with the FPUC and the guidelines for filing one.