The Georgia Department of Labor will return to “pre-pandemic, state unemployment operations,” later this month — which means changes for those receiving and expecting unemployment benefits.
Among the biggest changes — effective June 27 Georgia will no longer participate in the federal unemployment programs enacted through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. According to Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler, these programs include Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). The last payable week for these programs will be the week ending June 26.
This means the $300 weekly supplemental benefit for all types of unemployment assistance will no longer be paid to UI recipients in Georgia. “In April, 82 percent of the Georgians receiving unemployment benefits earned less than $20,000 annually in their prior employment, but with the federal unemployment insurance supplements, these individuals were receiving an equivalent salary of $28,808,” said Butler.
Also ending June 27, is benefits for those who would not usually qualify, such as the self-employed, gig workers, and part-time workers who have been unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19. This includes individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or instructed to quarantine.
Extension of unemployment benefits for claimants beyond the traditional 14 weeks will also be ending later this month. Under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, claimants were allowed to extend their time on unemployment where they normally would have expired. Also, as of June 27, the $100 weekly add-on benefit for those who are eligible for regular UI benefits, but also earned self-employment income will no longer be available in Georgia.
“Our job is not to provide wage replacement for individuals, but to offer career opportunities for Georgians to support their families and better their lives for years to come,” said Butler. “Temporary financial support has served its short-term purpose, but providing training opportunities, increased certification, and access to increased education provides long-term solutions.”
According to the Commissioner, there are over 239,000 jobs are listed on EmployGeorgia for Georgians to access and over 72 percent list salaries paying over $30,000 annually. He added that in many cases, employers are willing to train quality candidates and assist with attainment of additional credentials. Some employers are also including signing bonuses, retention pay, and enhanced benefits packages to entice job seekers.
