CARES Act Update

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). That law includes several changes

that may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits. These changes include:

•  $600/week additional compensation for people receiving unemployment benefits. This program is known as Federal

            Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

• A new benefit program for workers who are unemployed as a result of COVID-19 who are NOT eligible for regular

           unemployment benefits. This program is known as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

• An extension of unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks for existing UI claimants and claimants who currently have a

           current benefit year, however they have exhausted benefits. This program is known as Pandemic Emergency Unemployment

           Compensation (PEUC).

The state is currently working to implement these programs authorized under the CARES Act. In order to implement some of these

programs and modify our systems, they need detailed guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Please note that if you are

found eligible to receive benefits through State UI, PEUC, or PUA, you will receive retroactive payments for the weekly additional

compensation of $600, FPUC, provided by the federal government for all eligible weeks. The first week for which you can receive the

additional $600 is for week ending April 4th.

For additional guidance, visit dew.sc.gov.