![]() ![]() The new guidance expands unemployment benefits eligibility to three categories of workers: The guidance notes, "This new COVID-19-related reason applies only to individuals who had already been receiving unemployment benefits but were determined to be ineligible or disqualified under state law because they refused an offer of work at a worksite that was not in compliance with local, state or national health and safety standards directly related to COVID-19." The DOL added that there is a separate item in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act providing eligibility to an individual who quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. The guidelines do not apply to workers who quit because of COVID-19 concerns. The DOL guidance broadens the PUA program designed for workers not covered by traditional unemployment benefits. ![]() We've gathered articles on the guidance from SHRM Online and other trusted media outlets. Many states have provisions in their state unemployment compensation law that consider work that unreasonably exposes an individual to health and safety risks to be unsuitable work, the DOL stated. The individual is now eligible to apply for PUA under this new COVID-19 related reason.Īn individual is not eligible for PUA if he or she is otherwise eligible for regular unemployment compensation. The individual, after declining the offer, was disqualified from continued receipt of regular unemployment compensation under state law. However, the new worksite was unsafe due to noncompliance with physical distancing measures under state law. The individual received a new job offer in January 2021. In another example, an individual was laid off in October 2020 and began receiving regular unemployment compensation. The individual is now eligible to apply for PUA under this new COVID-19-related reason. However, because the worksite was not in compliance with the local mask mandate, the individual refused to return to work and, as a result, was disqualified from continued receipt of regular unemployment compensation under state law. The individual was recalled to work in October 2020. ![]() The guidance uses the example of an individual who was laid off in June 2020 and began receiving regular unemployment compensation. In response to a directive from President Biden, the DOL issued guidance to state unemployment insurance agencies that expands the number of instances in which workers may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). "Too often, those who do not return to work or accept a job offer over concerns about workplace exposure lose their state unemployment benefits." "For many of America's workers, choosing between unsafe employment and refusing work to avoid the risk of coronavirus infection has serious consequences," the DOL stated. Department of Labor (DOL) clarified in guidance that laid-off individuals who refuse work because of COVID-19 safety concerns may be eligible for unemployment benefits. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |