Employment Dept. release – We have important information about your benefits. The temporary federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program is ending soon. Any extension of this federal unemployment benefit program requires action by Congress and the president. Right now, the last week you can claim PUA benefits is the week ending Dec. 26, 2020. Remember to claim that week on Dec. 27! We know that the ending of this benefit program is not going to be easy. While the Employment Department isn’t able to extend benefits, we are preparing to launch any new federal benefit program that gets passed. Here are additional resources and more information to help you: Our website is regularly updated. Visit our site for answers to frequently asked questions, informative videos, step-by-step guides, and more at unemployment.oregon.gov. While you’re there, sign up to receive email updates about unemployment benefits. If you need help paying for rent, groceries, child care, or other critical resources you may be eligible for benefits. For more information, call 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org. You may also qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 800-699-9075 for more. Even if you’ve been denied before, apply again. Companies are hiring and they are reaching out to the Employment Department for help finding new employees. Visit WorkSourceOregon.org for more information.
