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News  Massachusetts Approved For Lost Wages Assistance Grant

Commonwealth receiving 3 weeks of federal FEMA funds to pay additional $300 unemployment benefits
8/24/2020
  • Department of Unemployment Assistance
  • Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
  • Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency

Boston — Massachusetts’ application to receive grant funding to pay an additional weekly unemployment benefit to claimants under the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance (LWA) program has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The application was submitted late last week by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), in coordination with the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

Per FEMA’s authorization, the grant will fund an additional $300 weekly payment to those who are eligible for the three weeks ending 8/1/20, 8/8/20, and 8/15/20. The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance has already begun work on the technology requirements necessary for this program and anticipates being able to quickly deliver retroactive funds to eligible claimants for those weeks by Sept. 15.  Eligible claimants currently receiving benefits do not need to take any action because the Commonwealth will automatically add LWA to their weekly benefit payment retroactive to the dates they are eligible.

  • Department of Unemployment Assistance 

    DUA oversees the unemployment insurance (UI) program, which provides temporary income assistance to eligible workers in Massachusetts. DUA also determines and collects employer contributions to the UI program. To report fraud or get help with your claim, call Unemployment Customer Assistance at (877) 626-6800.
  • Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development  

    EOLWD manages the Commonwealth’s workforce development and labor departments to ensure that workers, employers, and the unemployed have the tools and training needed to succeed in the Massachusetts economy.
  • Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency 

    Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency ensures the state is prepared to withstand, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
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