HARRISBURG – Unemployed Pennsylvanians will receive more cash under a new benefit structure, according the state’s labor and industry secretary.
The extra funds replace the expired $600 CARES assistance benefits. The new program, called Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), is funded by FEMA.
Individuals who apply and qualify will begin receiving their payments as early as Monday, September 14, 2020.
.@PALaborIndustry Secretary @JerryOleksiak says residents will receive an extra $300 in unemployment benefits. pic.twitter.com/JZx0Oaz170
— Newstalk1037fm (@Newstalk1037fm) September 6, 2020
How do I apply for LWA?
Most people will need to visit www.uc.pa.gov/cert to certify your unemployment is related to COVID disruptions.
Once there, log in using your PIN as if you’re filing a biweekly claim, choose “Complete LWA Certification” fill out the form. You’ll only need to do this once, per L&I.
However, if you’re already getting PUA or Shared Work benefits, you don’t have to apply at all — the extra benefits should automatically start showing up as soon as Sept. 14. (Shared Work employers do have to provide certification.)
When will LWA benefits be distributed?
Pennsylvanians who apply and qualify for the benefits should begin getting the extra payments in mid-September, with Monday, Sept. 14, being the earliest possible date, according to the state.
For all who qualify, payments will be made retroactively for all weeks started Aug. 1, 2020.
If you’re still waiting on some benefits from August, your LWA boosts will supposedly kick in after those go out, lagging by a week (assuming you apply and are approved).
