For millions of Pennsylvanians, the end of unemployment assistance has loomed large. A neighbor said to me just last week over the fence that they were anticipating the end of his unemployment, and likely to relocate to live with family until the summer ended and business picks back up, to save on costs for him and his family. Many aren't sure whether their business will pick up again, or if it does, what might happen to their job.
The state of Pennsylvania has an emergency unemployment benefit program, last triggered for use in 2009 amid the financial crisis. With this program, residents who continue to be unemployed due to the pandemic, and who have already exhausted their state and federal benefits, may be eligible to receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment assistance from the state.
There are some qualifying criteria, and a requirement to log eligibility on a weekly basis, but the additional funds might be the difference between someone managing through the crisis, and not.
Extended Benefits Program
This page is an overview of the program, with guidance on what documentation you may need, what to expect in timing and amount, and what steps to take to apply and continue receiving funds.
Apply for assistance
Pennsylvania extends unemployment compensation benefits for 13 more weeks (Lehigh Valley Live)
Pennsylvania extends unemployment benefits (WPXI)
The CARES Act blog is intended to provide information and is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. The author is not a legal, medical or financial professional and the information presented should not be considered advice and is for reference only. Lehigh Valley Public Media and its employees claim no liability for any actions taken by readers based on the information provided here.