U.S. Department of Labor Issues Additional Guidance for States on Lost Wages Assistance Program

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued additional guidance to address questions raised by states about the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program authorized by the Presidential Memorandum, Authorizing the Other Needs Assistance Program for Major Disaster Declarations Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019, issued on August 8, 2020.

LWA is administered by states and territories through a grant agreement with FEMA. FEMA does not administer these payments directly to individuals; the states and territories will distribute the funds through their unemployment insurance systems, as a supplemental payment. This guidance responds to questions received from states about the LWA program and the answers were developed in coordination with FEMA.

“In addition to multiple joint calls DOL and FEMA have hosted with State UI Directors and State Administrators, this guidance will continue to clarify the process for states to take advantage of the Lost Wages Assistance benefit,” said Assistant Secretary John Pallasch.

FEMA has also produced a Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions page to provide answers to questions that states may have. States should direct inquiries regarding LWA to fema-ihphelpdesk@fema.dhs.gov. States may direct inquiries regarding the intersection of LWA with unemployment benefit programs to covid-19@dol.gov.

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.