1) What is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation?
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC) provides additional unemployment assistance of $600 per week on top of other unemployment benefits that you are eligible to receive. FPUC will be automatically paid to you if you receive regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
2) When will I receive FPUC payments?
From the week ending April 4th, 2020 to the week ending July 25th, 2020, you will receive FPUC payments for each week that you are eligible for unemployment benefits. You will receive your FPUC payments at the same time as you receive your other unemployment compensation payments. The first FPUC payment that you receive will include any prior week of FPUC that you did not previously receive. For example, if you were eligible for regular UI benefits beginning the week ending April 4th, and you normally receive your benefits on Tuesday, then on Tuesday, April 21st, you will receive FPUC payments for April 4th, 11th, and 18th.
3) What unemployment programs are eligible for FPUC?
If you are eligible for any of the following programs, you will also automatically receive FPUC: • Regular unemployment insurance benefits; • Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers (UCX); • Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE); • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC); • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA); • Extended Benefits (EB); • Work Sharing Benefits; and • Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA).
4) I believe that I will be eligible for an unemployment benefit program such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for the self-employed and independent contractors, but I have not been able to apply because the MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Division is not yet able to accept my application. Will I receive FPUC as well?
If you are eligible for an unemployment benefit program and have not been able to apply yet, your claim will be effective from the earliest date that you are eligible. For the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA), the earliest date is January 27, 2020. For Pandemic Extended Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides 13 weeks of benefits to those who have exhausted their other benefits, the earliest date in March 29, 2020. Additionally, if you are determined to be eligible for an unemployment benefit program, such as PUA or PEUC, you will receive all FPUC payments that you are eligle as well.