Unemployment Insurance - COVID-19 Resources
Members-Only COVID-19 Resources
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State Information
This page was last updated on Monday July 12, 2021 at 10:50am
As a result of the spread of COVID-19, state agencies handling unemployment insurance are faced with a new set of extraordinary challenges including implementation of new federal programs and an unprecedented volume of claims.
This web page highlights information provided by states on how they are dealing with unemployment insurance issues related to the impact of COVID-19 on their daily operations. The tabs above link to other useful resources from the public and private sectors.
The three links below (Center for Disease Control and Prevention-CDC, Johns Hopkins-JH and World Health Organization-WHO) contain the most accurate and up-to-date information about the virus.
- CDC is responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak
- Johns Hopkins: COVID-19 Global Map
- World Health Organization coronavirus outbreak
State Information
- Alabama
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- Webpage: Unemployment insurance and COVID-19: Claimant and Employer Resources & News Releases
- News Release: Alabama Career Center Locations will Close to Public - Going to Virtual Services - 3/17/20
- News Release: Employer Charges for COVID-19 Related Claims Waived: Employers Urged to File Claims on Behalf of Employees - 3/20/20
- FAQ: Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance -
- Release detailing changes to UC for coronavirus (see FAQs above) -
- News Release: Governor Kay Ivey Announces End of Participation in All Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Programs - 5/10/21
- Alaska
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- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19: Program Information and FAQ
- Announcement: Alaska Job Center Events Postponed and Office Closure
- News Release: Labor commissioner anticipates increase in UI - includes filing information - 3/17/20
- News Release: Alaska joins other states ending participation in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation - 5/14/21
- Arkansas
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- FAQ - Employers: Common Questions and Answers for Employers Regarding the Unemployment Insurance Program and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- FAQ - Workers: Common Questions and Answers for Workers Regarding the Unemployment Insurance Program and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Notice to Individuals Inquiring About the Availability of Unemployment Insurance Benefits As A Result of the COVID19 Pandemic
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19: Information on UI, PUA, FPUC, MEUC
- News Release: Arkansas to Opt Out of Federal Supplemental Unemployment Program, Governor Hutchinson Announces - 5/7/21
- Arizona
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- News Release: DES Announces Expansion of Shared Work Program to Support Employers, Employees - 5/4/20
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19: Benefit Program Information and FAQ
- Webpage: COVID-19 State Resources: Information for Job Seekers and Employers
- Webpage: COVID-19 State Resources: Unemployment Insurance, Shared Work Program, Reemployment Services, Childcare. Business Resources, Rental Assistance Program, Developmental Disabilities
- News Release: Governor Ducey Announces “Arizona Back To Work” - Ends Federal Pandemic Compensation - 5/13/21
- Return to Work Benefit: Back to Work Program - 5/13/21
- California
- Colorado
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- Webpage: UI Daily Dashboard: Information on the UI Program, Metrics, Upcoming Events
- News Article: Coronavirus Efforts Under State Of Emergency - 3/10/20
- News Release: Governor declares state of emergency - 3/10/20
- UI System Improvements (adding call center staff, new “last name” online filing and updated web site content) -
- Return to Work Benefit: Governor Jared Polis, CDLE Announce the Colorado Jumpstart Incentive - 5/19/21
- Connecticut
- Delaware
-
- News Release: Delaware Department of Labor Expands Unemployment Benefits to Workers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic - 3/17/20
- Division of Unemployment Insurance Frequently Regarding the Potential Impact of the Coronavirus -
- Department of Labor COVID-19 Response Center -
- The Delaware Department of Labor Offices will remain open, but we are suspending public access to all of our office buildings until further notice. -
- District of Columbia
-
- News Release: Bowser Administration Announces UI Benefit Flexibilities with the Passage of COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 - 3/18/20
- Legislation - Act 23-247: DC Expands Unemployment Insurance Protections to Address COVID-19 - 3/17/20
- Announcement: DOES Operating Status during COVID-19 emergency
- Webpage: District COVID-19 Resources
- Supplemental State Benefit: District of Columbia Local Stimulus Payment
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) Portal: Program Information & Application
- Florida
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- Resource Guide: Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance) and COVID-19
- News Release: Governor issues executive order declaring public health emergency - 3/6/20
- News Article: State employee travel restrictions - 3/12/20
- Guide: Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) - How to Apply
- Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
- Georgia
-
- Webpage: COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Programs and Recent Legislation
- News Release: GDOL Public Service Announcement includes UI and job information
- News Release: GDOL Career Centers processing claims but temporarily closed to the public - 3/18/20
- News Release: Information for filing for unemployment, partial claims, and reemployment services - 3/27/20
- News Release: Governor Kemp, State Labor Commissioner Announce Economic Recovery Plan - Ends Federal Pandemic Unemployment Programs - 5/13/21
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
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- News Release: Payments begin for Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
- Webpage: COVID-19 State Resources - Idaho
- Webpage: COVID-19 Idaho Department of Labor Resources - Employers, Job Seekers, Claimants
- FAQ - Employer: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- FAQ - Claimant: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- News Release: Gov. Little ends Idaho’s participation in all federal pandemic unemployment compensation programs - 5/11/21
- Illinois
- Indiana
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- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance Program Information for Claimants and Employers
- Webpage: COVID-19 DWD Resources for Job Seekers and Employers
- Resource Guide: COVID-19 State Resources - Indiana
- Executive Order 20-05: Helping Hoosiers During COVID-19
- FAQ: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19 - 3/9/21
- DWD to host statewide unemployment insurance webinars for Hoosiers impacted by COVID -
- News Release: Indiana will end federal pandemic unemployment benefits - 5/17/21
- Iowa
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- Webpage: COVID-19 IWD Resources: Unemployment Insurance
- Podcast: Mission Employable Podcast - New Episodes Every Tuesday
- News Release: Lost Wages Assistance Program Payments -7/3/20
- News Release: IWD announces Guidance on Unemployment Benefits: Iowans Who Refuse to Return to Work Without Good Reason When Recalled Will Lose Eligibility to Unemployment Benefits - 4/27/20
- News Release: UI Tax Extension to Small Businesses - 3/23/20
- Governor Reynolds announces assistance for employees and employers affected by COVID-19 related layoffs -
- Gov. Reynolds announces unemployment insurance tax extension to assist small businesses -
- News Release: Iowa to end participation in federal unemployment benefit programs, citing strong labor market and recovering economy - 5/11/21
- Kansas
- Kentucky
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- FAQ: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- Governor Memorandum: Executive Branch employees protocols including telecommuting guidance -3/10/20
- Governor Memorandum: memo cancelling in person government services to the public - 3/17/20
- Press Release: Gov. Beshear Announces Return-to-Work Incentive - 6-24/21
- Return to Work Benefit: Back-to-Work Incentive Program Application
- Louisiana
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- Webpage: LWC Program Information for Job Seekers and Employers
- Webpage: COVID-19 Information by LWC Divisions: Unemployment Insurance, Workforce Development, Workers' Compensation, Medicaid
- Governors Proclamation 29-JBE-2020: Additional Measures for COVID-19
- Governors Proclamation 27-JBE-2020: Supplement Measures for COVID-19
- News Release: Unemployment Insurance information for Workers and Employers - 4/27/20
- Maine
-
- News Release: Maine Dept. of Labor Announces Shift to Online CareerCenter Services - 3/19/20
- News Release: Flexibility in UI System - 3/19/20
- FAQ: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- Resource Guide: Workers and Businesses on COVID-19
- Webpage: COVID-19 State Resources - Maine
- Return to Work Benefit: Back to Work Program - 6/14/21
- Maryland
-
- Legislation - SB1080: State of Emergency and Catastrophic Health Emergency - Prohibits an employer from terminating an employee solely on the basis that the employee has been required to be isolated or quarantined
- Webpage: Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning - includes information about local office services/availability
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance Program Information - UI, PUA, FPUC,PEUC,MEUC
- FAQ: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- Massachusetts
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- Legislation - S.2599: An Act authorizing waiver of the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- Webpage:Public Health Guidance & Directives - Businesses and employers about unemployment and return to work guidance
- Learn about Massachusetts COVID-19 Workforce Measures
- Status of AJCs
- Michigan
-
- News Release: Criminals attempting to illegally obtain benefits using stolen and falsified data - 5/27/20
- Webpage: COVID State Resources - Michigan - info for residents/communities, health care professionals, childcare and school administrators, employers and workers
- News Release: Governor Whitmer Expands Unemployment Benefits for Michigan Workers - 2/16/20
- Executive Order - 2020-10: Temporary Expansions of Unemployment Eligibility and Cost-sharing
- Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC): Program Information and Instructions to Apply
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
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- News Release: All Missouri Job Centers to suspend in-person services due to recommendations regarding COVID-19 - 3/19/20
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance Information for Businesses & Workers: Federal Legislation, Workers' Compensation, Discrimination
- Webpage: COVID-19 Resources - Information on Job Center Open Status
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC): Program Information and Instructions to Apply
- News Release: Governor Parsons announces Missouri to end all Federal Pandemic Related Unemployment Benefits - 5/11/21
- Montana
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- Law rule that would help with eligibility in COVID-19 situations -
- Governor Bullock Announces Emergency Rules to Streamline Unemployment Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19 -
- Webpage: COVID-19 Resources Guide for Employers and Employees
- Supplemental State Benefit: Montana Interim Pandemic Assistance Program
- News Release: MT to launch return to work bonuses, return to pre-pandemic unemployment programs to address workforce shortage - 5/4/21
- Return to Work Benefit: Return-to-Work Bonus Program - 5/4/21
- Nebraska
- Nevada
-
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19 - Information for Claimants and Employers
- News Release: Governor Sisolak Waives Work Search Requirement and Wait Period for Unemployment Insurance Benefits - 3/18/20
- News Release: Emergency Regulation to Protect Nevada Residents from Increased Medical and Prescription Costs related to COVID-19 - 3/5/20
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
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- Webpage: COVID-19 Resources for New Jersey Businesses
- News Release: All One-Stop Career Center Offices Closed through March 30 - 3/18/20
- News Release: In-Person Unemployment Services at One-Stops Suspended Due to COVID-19. Online benefit filing. - 3/16/20
- Webpage: Worker Benefits/Protections and COVID-19 - New Jersey
- COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available (English)
- COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available (Spanish)
- New Mexico
-
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19 - Information for Workers
- State Supplemental Benefit: New Mexico Worker Pandemic Benefit Payment
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC): Application Information - Acceptable Documentation Guide
- Return to Work Benefit: Return-to-Work Support Payments - 7/2/21
- New York
- North Carolina
-
- Webpage: Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19 -- includes Helpful Benefit Program Diagram
- Executive Order 118: Limiting Operations of Restaurants and Bars and Broadening Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Response to COVID-19
- Webpage: COVID-19 State Resource - North Carolina
- State Supplemental Benefit: North Carolina Increased Benefit Amount
- North Dakota
- Ohio
-
- Executive Order 2020-03D: Lifting Certain Unemployment Compensation Benefit Restrictions During an Emergency
- News Release: Common Number Provided for Reporting Mass Layoffs due to COVID-19 (Unemployment Benefits) - 3/16/20
- Resource Hub - Tool: Unemployment Insurance Benefits and COVID-19: Employee, Expanded Eligibility, and Employers
- Webpage: Pandemic Unemployment Program Updates: PUA, PEUC, FPUC, MEUC
- Ohio Nonprofit Reimbursing Relief Grants -
- News Release: Ohio stop participation in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Program - 5/13/21
- Oklahoma
-
- COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance FAQs & Important Messages
- OK Works/America's Job Centers providing virtual services and filing Unemployment Insurance claims during COVID-19
- Employer FAQs about Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19
- COVID-19 Message
- News Release: Executive Order 2021-15: Establishes Return to Work Incentive & Ends all federal benefits: Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) - 5/17/21
- Return to Work Benefit: Back to Work Incentive
- Oregon
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- Governor issues executive order to stay home
- WorkSource Oregon centers are making social distancing health recommendation adjustments to provide services to individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis while protecting customers, employees and the public.
- Sick days 101: What the law says for workers and employers
- COVID-19 Coronavirus Supplemental Resource Guide for Employees
- Scenarios & Benefits Available
- Related Business Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- Pennsylvania
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- Information for workers and employers
- Information for Pennsylvania employees impacted by COVID-19
- Webpage: Unemployment Compensation and Benefit Year End Date - Learn Next Steps - includes helpful flowchart
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC): Program Information and Instructions to Apply
- Tool: UC & Benefit Year Ending Date - Do you need to file a new application for regular Unemployment Compensation?
- News Release: New Unemployment System Now Online - 6/08/21
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
-
- Department of Employment and Workforce homepage including UI information.
- Access to statewide centers
- Employment workforce COVID-19 Resource Hub
- Employment questions related to COVID19
- News Release: South Carolina to Return to Pre-Pandemic Unemployment Program to Address Workforce Shortages - 5/6/21
- South Dakota
-
- CARES Act Benefits and Implementation
- Warning Against Unemployment Scams
- Unemployment Insurance Eligibility Requirements Loosened
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What does it mean for employers?
- Employers: Use SIDES for fast, secure online unemployment filing
- Labor Department Accepting Unemployment Claims from Workers Affected by COVID-19
- Governor release on statewide effort to prepare for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance Eligibility Determinations
- Labor Department Accepting Unemployment Claims from School Employees Affected by COVID-19 Closures
- Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Center Remains Open
- News Release: South Dakota to End Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits - 5/12/21
- Tennessee
-
- Governor's press release for Coronavirus Task Force 3/4/20
- Information about TN UI benefits and Coronavirus
- COVID-19 Resources for Employers, Employees and FAQs
- Tennessee Begins Paying FPUC Unemployment Benefits
- News Release: Gov. Lee ends all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs - pushes return to work, economic recovery - 5/11/21
- Texas
-
- Helping Texans Access UI System: Implementing Staggered Access Based on Area Code
- Chat Bot Launched for UI Claims
- Employers: Enrolling in Shared Work Program Provides an Alternative to Layoffs During COVID-19
- TVC Coronavirus Customer Service Policy (JVSG grant recipient in Texas)
- COVID-19 Resources Employers
- COVID-19 Resources Job Seekers
- News Release: Governor Abbott Announces End to Federal Pandemic-Related Unemployment Benefits - 5/17/21
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Utah
-
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program available to Utahns
- CARES FAQ
- Daily Rapid Response Virtual Workshops Launched
- Webpage to Navigate COVID-19 State Resources: Unemployment Insurance, Child Care, Other Assistance (food, rental, energy, medical), Refugee Services
- Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC): FAQ and Instructions to Apply
- News Release: Gov. Cox to end Pandemic Unemployment Payments - 5/12/21
- Vermont
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- CAREER RESOURCE CENTERS CLOSED TO PUBLIC, STILL OFFERING VIRTUAL SERVICES
- PRESS RELEASE: DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES ELECTRONIC OPTION, STAFF INCREASES FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - includes information about local offices
- Expanding Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Response to COVID-19
- COVID-19 FAQ
- Vermont Unemployment Insurance Homepage
- Vermont Short Term Supplemental Benefit
- Virginia
- Washington
-
- Employment Security Department Home page with links to resources
- Message from Commissioner LeVine on Demand for Agency's Services
- WorkSource career centers temporarily converting to all-virtual services
- Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs)
- Inslee announces support for workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19
- ESD COVID-19 Response: including link to emergency rules for unemployment insurance
- Employment Security Department COVID-19 Information
- Scenarios and benefits chart
- Resource list for businesses & workers impacted by COVID-19
- PASSED: WA HB 2965 - Concerning the State's Response to the Novel Coronavirus
- PASSED: WA HB 2739 - AN ACT Relating to Adjusting Certain Requirements of the Shared Leave Program and Declaring an Emergency
- West Virginia
-
- Workforce West Virginia reminds public of actions that can affect eligibility for unemployment benefits
- COVID 19 Resource Information
- Governor Jim Justice Issues Executive Order (waives waiting week, able, available and work search requirements and suspends in-person contact for UI
- News Release: WV to end participation in federal supplemental unemployment benefit program - 5/14/21
- Wisconsin
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- Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information
- COVID-19 Which Unemployment Program is for You?
- DWD Launches New Links in Spanish and Hmong Related DWD COVID-19 Information
- Employment & Training COVID-19 Public Information - job center status
- Emergency Order to the Department of Workforce Development Regarding Unemployment Insurance
- How to File for Benefits Online: Employees & Employers
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Offices Temporarily Close and Providing Virtual Services
- Department of Workforce Development Information for the Public including Unemployment and Employment and Training
- Department of Workforce Development Information for Partners including employers regarding unemployment insurance
- Wyoming
Travel Restrictions
Multiple states have implemented outbound and/or inbound travel restrictions for state staff and visitors to state agencies. These states include:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Does your state have more information to post here? Contact COVID@naswa.org
