U.S. Labor Department announces release of $275.2 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to New York

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $275,161,405 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of New York. New York qualified for these funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by making it easier for unemployed workers seeking part-time employment and those unemployed for family-related reasons to be eligible for benefits.

"New York previously received part of its share of UI modernization funds for its longstanding policy of enabling individuals with recent work experience to obtain the assistance they deserve when they lose their jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased to announce that New York has made additional updates to its UI program to better meet the needs of the 21st century workforce. Enabling part-time workers and workers who are unemployed for compelling family reasons to be eligible for benefits broadens the economic safety net for jobless workers and their families."

The New York Department of Labor can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.

The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. New York's most recently approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/. Other approved applications can also be found at this site.