Dear New Yorker: 

As you may be aware, New York State has been approved for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, which will provide $300 in additional weekly unemployment benefits to New Yorkers. Payments will begin next week. 

 

Under federal guidelines, benefits are only available to individuals who are unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on information you have previously provided to the DOL, you are pre-qualified for the LWA program. You do not need to take any additional action to receive these funds.

 

At the present time, the Federal government has only made funding available for the benefit weeks ending August 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Eligible New Yorkers will receive $300 for each of those weeks that they were unemployed. If the federal government makes funding available for additional weeks, we will notify you. 

Once again, you are pre-qualified for the LWA program and do not need to take any additional action at this time. To allow your fellow New Yorkers to reach a representative for regular UI or PUA matters, please do not call the DOL to inquire about the LWA program at this time. 

 

Thank you. 

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