Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Information and Rights

FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION INFORMATION and RIGHTS  (Printable PDF)

What is Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)?

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. Section 2104 of Title II, Subtitle A of the CARES Act which includes the Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act provides a temporary emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits, referred to as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation or FPUC.

The FPUC program provides an eligible individual with $600 per week in addition to the weekly benefit amount he or she receives from certain other UC programs.

Who pays for FPUC?

Both the costs of the new federal benefits and the funding to states for the administration of the program are 100 percent federally funded.

How do I apply for FPUC?

No application is necessary. Enrollment is automatic if you have an eligible claim filed within the program period.

How long can I receive FPUC benefits?

FPUC is available for a limited time and is payable in for weeks of unemployment beginning after

March 28, 2020 and ending with weeks of unemployment ending on or before July 31, 2020. The first payable week of benefits is for the week ending April 4, 2020 and the last payable week-ending date is July 25, 2020.

Who qualifies for FPUC?

If you are entitled to Unemployment compensation under any of the following unemployment programs during the FPUC period, you are eligible for the FPUC payment:

• Regular Unemployment Compensation (UC)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Extended Benefits (EB)
• Short-Time Compensation (STC)
• Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
• Payments under the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program

FPUC is not payable to individuals receiving additional benefits (AB) payments.

 How much do I qualify for?

FPUC payments are $600 per week plus your determined weekly benefit amount ($600 + WBA). In Hawaii, your WBA is equal to 1/21 of the highest quarter wages in your base period with a maximum limit of $648 for claims filed in 2020.

What kinds of income/benefits are deductible from FPUC?

The FPUC amount can be reduced due to any outstanding Child Support obligations or benefit offsets.

The Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) is responsible for collecting child support obligations and the amount withheld is determined by an agreement between the CSEA and the affected parent or by court action. The CSEA will be notified of your eligibility for FPUC benefits and will determine how much is deductible. If you have any questions regarding the deductions made to your check or wish to make arrangements to take advantage of this program, please contact the appropriate CSEA office in your area.

Earnings from a part-time job or pensions are not deducted from FPUC benefits.

How do I get paid FPUC benefits?

During the program period, you must file claim certifications for each week of unemployment that you wish to claim benefits. The FPUC payment will automatically be added to any claim certifications filed. You must be sure to submit your weekly or biweekly claims online and in a timely manner. 

Can I be disqualified from receiving FPUC?

Yes. All eligibility requirements will apply to the claims and payments of FPUC benefits.

If the reason for your unemployment was other than laid off due to lack of work or not a direct result of Covid-19, a decision will be made on your separation to determine if benefits are allowed or denied.  Decisions are also made on your refusals of work, your availability for work, and other issues which affect your eligibility for benefits.

Knowingly making false statements or withholding material facts in order to receive benefits is fraud and you can be subject to repayment, disqualification and/or criminal prosecution.

Are FPUC benefits taxable?

FPUC benefits are taxable. You can elect to have federal (10%) or state (5%) income taxes deducted from your FPUC allotment.  At the end of the calendar year, Form 1099G is mailed to you for your records and the amount you received is reported to the Internal Revenue Service and the State Tax Office.

For More Information

Please contact your nearest unemployment claims office if you have questions or need more information regarding your FPUC claim or the FPUC program.

LOCAL CLAIMS OFFICE INFORMATION