Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that it has provided more than $24 million in direct deposit payments to Vermonters through the newly created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
At his Wednesday press briefing, Governor Phil Scott said 8,500 claims were filled and back-dated as needed to the beginning of the month.
"This is much-needed money getting into the hands of Vermonters," Scott said.
He said there is more to do in this regard as there are 9,500 people in the system. This is a new federal system set up for the self-employed, contract workers and sole proprietors who otherwise would not be part of the regular Unemployment Insurance system. It was established by Congress as part of the CARES act to get money to the many self-employed who were also left without work in whole or in part because of COVID-19.
“In a month’s time the Department, with the help of the Agency of Digital Services and the Tax Department, has created the infrastructure to implement a brand new program to get Vermonters unemployment assistance during the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19,” said Interim Commissioner Michael Harrington. “This has been a complex process, and we are aware there is more work to be done, and we will continue to work hard to get all eligible Vermonters their much-needed benefits.”
Harrington said the biggest issues in the program are that many people may have been entered into the regular UI system or who may have some regular earnings. Those filers generally are being sent into the new PUA system. They will also get at least some state unemployment insurance plus the added payment from the federal government up to $600. The final amount is determined by how much income the filer is still getting.
PUA is a new program that was authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The Department began accepting applications for the PUA program on Wednesday, April 22. The program provides benefits to those previously not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, including the self-employed and independent contractors.
Anyone who has been separated from their job, had their hours reduced or cannot work due to the COVID-19 pandemic can find more information about PUA at labor.vermont.gov/PUA.
Source: Vermont Department of Labor 4.29.2020