PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than 500,000 jobless workers in Pennsylvania who are getting pandemic-related benefits will face a lapse in payments while states wait for full guidance on the new relief bill just signed by President Donald Trump.
Self-employed workers and those who have extended unemployment won’t be able to certify for their benefits after this week — and it may take another month or so before the federal money is available again.
The extra $300 a week will also be stalled until federal approval, but it will operate similarly to when jobless workers received the extra $600.
And, people on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance now have to provide additional proof of self-employment because lawmakers are trying to combat widespread unemployment fraud across the country.
Pennsylvania labor officials say they’ve already started to review some of the new guidelines and are working to update their systems.
Delayed payments shouldn’t be as severe as when the CARES Act was passed, as states had to implement entirely new systems.
In the meantime, officials urge those who are in desperate need to sign up for programs like food bank and stamp programs, medical assistance, and low-income heating programs in the states they live in.
There is also a 211 state system through United Way, which offers local aid programs for people in need.
On Monday night, the House voted to bump stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000. The bill now goes to the GOP-controlled Senate.