U.S. Department of Labor Provides Additional Guidance to States On the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today published a series of responses to specific inquiries and questions raised by states regarding the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. Section 2104 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes the FPUC program, and provides an additional $600 weekly payment boost to certain eligible individuals who are receiving other qualifying benefits. Today’s guidance provides states with answers to important questions they may have about FPUC and provides further administrative guidance about the program.

“With all 50 states and two territories already providing this important benefit to eligible claimants, we hope today’s guidance assists these states and territories in continuing to faithfully execute this program during this challenging time,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John P. Pallasch. “The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to stand behind states as they administer this and other vital CARES Act programs, and today’s guidance is yet another example of our ongoing commitment.”

FPUC allows states to provide an additional $600 per week benefit to individuals who are collecting regular Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members. The FPUC benefit also applies to Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Extended Benefits, Short­Time Compensation, Trade Readjustment Allowances, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and payments under the Self-Employment Assistance program. The CARES Act fully funds FPUC benefit payments.

DOL encourages states to contact the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) for technical assistance on coronavirus-related issues.  Inquiries may be sent to covid-19@dol.gov, with a copy also sent to the appropriate ETA Regional Office. 

For further information about the coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.