Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefit Programs Ending Sept. 4

Rep. Nancy Guenst    August 25, 2021 | 2:05 PM

Attention any and all Pennsylvanians who are receiving benefits through federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, or Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation: The final week of eligibility for payments under these programs is the week ending Sept. 4.

A breakdown of these programs can be found here. The state's regular Unemployment Compensation program is not affected.

After the federal programs end Sept. 4, 2021, L&I will continue to process eligible claim weeks that end Sept. 4, 2021, or earlier that have been filed but have not yet been paid. Individuals who have filed claims under these programs will also still be able to log into their accounts to view historic data, important documents, and other information. Claims for weeks ending after Sept. 4, 2021, filed under these programs will not be eligible for payment.

Here's more info I hope you find useful:

Job Search Assistance Available

L&I urges individuals currently enrolled in unemployment programs to take advantage of free jobseeker services offered through PA CareerLink®. These services include access to a free job database, resume assistance, information about reskilling opportunities, and more.

To schedule an appointment, please contact your local PA CareerLink® office. Find your county’s contact information by visiting www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.

Non-Unemployment Assistance

L&I has compiled a list of non-unemployment benefit programs that can serve as resources and provide assistance. The list is available at uc.pa.gov/COVID19resources. 

The Department of Human Services offers a variety of assistance programs, including:

  • Medicaid;
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program;
  • Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized child care; and
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Applications for SNAP, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Those who prefer to submit paper documentation can print from the website or request an application by phone at 1-800-692-7462 and mail it to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. You do not need to know your own eligibility in order to apply.

Pennsylvanians who need health insurance who do not qualify for Medicaid can explore coverage options through Pennie, the commonwealth’s health insurance exchange. Pennsylvanians can learn more at www.pennie.com.

More information about food assistance resources can be found at www.agriculture.pa.gov/foodsecurity.