|
Unemployment Insurance Information
I've gotten quite a few questions from constituents about last week’s federal changes to unemployment insurance (UI), so I want to share some of the information I've received. Please note that these changes will take time to build into Minnesota’s system as the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is not yet up and running.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development expects to implement those provisions in the following order:
Additional Benefits – The federal legislation increased UI benefits by $600/week until July 31, 2020. The timeline for implementation is currently being worked out.
Self-Employed/Independent contractors – Congress authorized a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that covers those who do not qualify for regular UI benefits. The program was authorized but each state must build their own program, so it is not yet up and running.The Department of Employment and Economic Development is working with the federal government to make these benefits available as quickly as possible, and we will bee sure to send along information as soon as it becomes available, here’s a guide that will help you through the process when it does: mnhouse.gop/2w1xgRs
Extended Unemployment Insurance – The Federal bill allows UI to extend benefits for those who have exhausted their UI benefits. For those individuals, it adds an additional 13 weeks of eligibility through December 31, 2020. Work has now begun on how to implement this extended benefit, and we are told that is likely to happen as the final component of the UI changes.
If you have issues with your application, or questions about whether your business is eligible for a program, please contact DEED using the resources available on their website for the fastest and most accurate answers. In addition, programs passed by the federal government may not yet be available — please keep checking the federal program websites for updates.
 Paid Leave for Small and Midsized Businesses
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA"), provides small and midsized employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19. As this is a new provision, it may take some time to implement. You can learn more about the credits and the timeline for claiming them here.
|
|
Please Contact Me
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn. I would love to hear from you.
It’s an honor to represent the best!
|
|
 |
|
/RepresentativeMary
Franson
|
|
303 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.3201 |
|
|
|
