U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on Pandemic Emergency Unemployment to States

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has announced the publication of updated guidance, including FAQs, regarding the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Section 2107 of the CARES Act creates a temporary federal PEUC program that provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to an individual who has exhausted their regular unemployment compensation and provides funding to states for the program’s administration.

“Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation has provided valuable relief to American workers facing long term unemployment and who have exhausted their regular benefits,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John P. Pallasch. “The guidance issued today provides answers to questions the Department has received about PEUC and will allow states to more effectively administer this program.”

The cost of PEUC benefits is 100 percent federally funded. States may not charge employers for any PEUC benefits paid. Implementation costs and ongoing administrative costs are also 100 percent federally funded.