Montpelier – The Vermont Department of Labor announced today that it has provided more than $24 million in direct deposit payments to Vermonters through the newly created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
“In a month’s time the Department, with the help of the Agency of Digital Services and the Tax Department, has created the infrastructure to implement a brand new program to get Vermonters unemployment assistance during the unprecedented challenges caused by COVID-19,” said Interim Commissioner Michael Harrington. “This has been a complex process, and we are aware there is more work to be done, and we will continue to work hard to get all eligible Vermonters their much-needed benefits.”
PUA is a new program that was authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The Department began accepting applications for the PUA program on Wednesday, April 22. The program provides benefits to those previously not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, including the self-employed and independent contractors.
Anyone who has been separated from their job, had their hours reduced or cannot work due to the COVID-19 pandemic can find more information about PUA at labor.vermont.gov/PUA.