(DEED) is reminding Minnesotans receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits
that the $600 additional payment authorized by the CARES Act, known as the
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is scheduled to end later
this month.
Unless the program is extended by the federal government, the last week that
FPUC may be paid in Minnesota is the week ending July 25, 2020. Applicants can
begin to request this week of benefits between Sunday, July 26 and Friday, July
31.
The end of the additional $600 FPUC payment does not impact applicant
eligibility. Minnesotans who remain eligible for regular UI benefits or
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will continue to receive their regular
payments each week after that – but benefit payments will no longer include the
additional $600 FPUC payment.
“This additional weekly payment has provided critical support to hundreds of
thousands of Minnesotans whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “We know that this continues to
be an exceptionally difficult time, and the loss of the additional $600 will
only make life more challenging for families across our state. DEED and our
state agency partners are focused on connecting Minnesotans to available state
and community services and resources in the weeks and months to come.”
There are many state resources and additional supports available to Minnesotans
during this time of great need, according to Minnesota Department of Human
Services (DHS) Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.
“COVID-19 has created challenges and uncertainties for everyone, and we’re here
to help,” Harpstead said. “People who are unemployed or struggling should know
that they may be able to receive low-cost health insurance, help buying
groceries, help with child care costs and more.”
State and community resources include:
CareerForce connects people who need work with the employers who need them now.
Many companies in Minnesota are currently hiring, and CareerForce has provide a
list of the Top 30 in-demand jobs right now. DEED staff and workforce
development partners throughout the state offer services including:
identification of transferable skills for in-demand careers; counselor-approved
training and education for Minnesotans eligible for Dislocated Worker services;
assistance with job search strategy, resume writing, interview preparation and
more. CareerForce also helps connect employers with workers who have the skills
their businesses need right now. CareerForce services are available at no cost
to customers online, over the phone and in person by appointment.
Support for basic needs: Minnesotans who are concerned about making ends meet
are encouraged to learn more about food support, economic assistance, child
care, health care and other programs they may be eligible for on the DHS
website: https://mn.gov/dhs/. Log onto ApplyMN, which helps Minnesotans apply
for multiple programs.
Emergency assistance. Minnesotans in need of emergency assistance should
contact the county human services or tribal agency where they live.
Minnesota’s UI program has also compiled a list of many other resources that
may be helpful depending on a family’s needs, including information about
community services and financial assistance, food, health care, housing,
transportation, tax services and veterans’ services.
Visit uimn.org/gethelp or mn.gov/covid19/gethelp for more information.
Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for
people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at
651-259-7161.