By Jon Young

These are challenging times for all of us. In addition to protecting ourselves and our loved ones, some are having their livelihoods interrupted as businesses close or reduce activity.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has announced Unemployment Compensation guidelines for any Pennsylvania resident who was employed and is now unable to work because of the coronavirus outbreak. Here is guidance provided from the Department of Labor & Industry.

You may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation benefits if:

• Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
• Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
• You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
• You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.

Labor and Industry has said applying online is the fastest and easiest way to apply for benefits.

Click here to file an initial claim for Unemployment Compensation

Information for Unemployment Compensation applicants

• If you are eligible for US, you will receive two letters and a four-digit PIN
• If you are eligible for UC, you will receive two letters and a four-digit PIN
• Your PIN will arrive in the U.S. mail – keep it in a safe, easy to remember place
• If approved, your first benefit payment should arrive within four weeks of filing for UC
• Continue filing your bi-weekly claim (every two weeks) – even while waiting for approval

Labor and Industry has indicated it is experiencing very large call volumes. Help is available by email at uchelp@pa.gov and or Unemployment Compensation live chat.

Labor & Industry provided the following additional guidance.

• The Waiting Week is suspended.  Previously, claimants were not eligible for benefits during their first week of unemployment (the “waiting week.”) This has been suspended; eligible claimants may receive benefits for the first week that they are unemployed
• Work Search and Work Registration requirements are temporarily waived for all UC claimants.  Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits.  Claimants are also not required to register with PACareerLink.pa.gov.

Labor and Industry states that, at this time, benefits are not being extended beyond 26 weeks.

We wish you and your families the best during this period. Please feel free to call 215-362-2474 if you need assistance with an Unemployment Compensation claim.

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Jon Young is a Dischell Bartle Dooley partner with years’ of experience helping individuals with unemployment compensation claims.

Results matter at Dischell Bartle Dooley, a full-service law firm with offices in Lansdale and Pottstown.

Click here to learn more about the firm’s commitment to results or call 215-362-2474 to talk with an attorney.