Alabama will apply for additional relief funding for unemployed workers through the Lost Wages Assistance Program that was created by executive order when the earlier Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program expired.
Governor Kay Ivey and Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Tuesday that they would seek the new funding, which would provide $300 a week for eligible recipients.
To be eligible, people need to be completely or partly unemployed due to Covid-19 and be approved for one of several more traditional unemployment programs.
“This additional program provided by the Trump Administration provides an opportunity for those who are still struggling with the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to receive a boost in their unemployment compensation,” said Ivey. “While Alabama continues to improve economically, we know that there are those who still need assistance. Alabama will work expeditiously to provide these needed funds as quickly as possible.”
“While Alabama’s unemployment rate continues to improve, and we continue to see declines in the number of people filing for unemployment compensation benefits, unemployment assistance can be a lifeline for those who have not yet returned to work or have had their hours cut significantly,” said Washington. “Alabama is pleased to be able to take part in this program and offer additional assistance to qualified recipients for as long as we are able.”
