$600 Checks Pushed Back A Week But Some Could See Retroactive Payments

The Delaware Department of Labor has pushed back the issuance of the $600 weekly benefit provided by the president’s CARES Act, however,  some could see retroactive payments.

Over the weekend First State Update obtained a DOL email that was sent out to those inquiring about the $600 a week that the CARES ACT adds to unemployment insurance benefits.  The email response indicated that the state was not going to be able to meet the April 5, 2020, start date for the program. “Currently there are no extensions or additional funding available. Unemployment insurance is a federally funded program and we are awaiting guidance.”, read the small.

After several readers contacted us regarding the $600 payments, First State Update reached out to Senator Chris Coon’s office on Sunday seeking guidance.  On Sunday the senator’s spokesman said they were working on. Late Monday the senator’s office was able to confirm that federal guidance is for the $600 payments to be retroactive in some cases. “As states begin providing this payment, eligible individuals will receive retroactive payments back to their date of eligibility or the signing of the state agreement, whichever came later. All states have executed agreements with the department as of March 28, 2020,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia.

The CARES Act specifies that Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit payments will end after payments for the last week of unemployment before July 31, 2020.

It appears the program, originally scheduled to begin Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Delaware was pushed back a week according to the newest guidance on the Department of Labor’s website.

The Delaware Department of Labor posted the following on their Facebook page regarding unemployment insurance (UEI).

Apply for unemployment benefits online (if possible). Instead of calling to see if you qualify.

https://uics.delawareworks.com/Forms/Form_WL1

There are paper applications that you can submit at the office (a box in their parking lot) but the office is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Download application (if submitting a paper application): https://ui.delawareworks.com/documents/self-application.pdf

There has been an increase in a demand of support, and we are in the process of hiring more to help us respond to emails, phone calls, social media, etc.

This is why online applications are more effective than speaking with a representative.

Benefits for self-employed (including gig-workers) are included in the CARES act, however that was signed into law only nine days ago, and the federal government has not yet issued regulations that direct the Delaware Department of Labor how to handle the applications.

The requirement of actively seeking another position has been waived during the Coronavirus pandemic.

When in doubt, apply online (or drop off your application in the mailbox in the parking lot) as soon as possible.

Related Links:
Unemployment Benefits FAQs
https://dol.delaware.gov/covid19-ui-faq.php

File a claim:
https://uics.delawareworks.com/Forms/Form_WL1

For more information, Text “uifacts” to 555888.

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First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

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