Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry has announced two important policy changes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately.
First, the normal two-week waiting period to receive benefits has been waived. Unemployment benefits will become available immediately upon filing.
Second, the normal work search and registration requirement has been temporarily waived for all claimants.
These two policies should help those laid off due to the COVID-19 economic halt to receive benefits more quickly and with less hassle. The duration of both policies is unknown at the moment, but both will presumably apply for the next several months, if not longer.
When applying for this reason, make sure to select “lack of work” for the reason before filing.
Obviously, this is a fluid situation. It is likely that other policies will be effected and changed going forward. I will update my blog as information becomes available.