Local news Alabama to end participation in federally funded pandemic unemployment programs Published 3 years ago on May 10, 2021 By Lamar Davis Editor Share Tweet DOTHAN, Ala. – The state of Alabama will no longer participate in federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs beginning June 19. The Alabama Department of Labor has also reinstated the work search requirement for all claimants, requiring them to actively search for work to remain eligible for benefits. This was waived temporarily during the height of the pandemic. This comes at a time when employers around the state are experiencing an employee shortage. Many experts have said enhanced unemployment benefits are one of the factors contributing to the tight labor market. “As Alabama’s economy continues its recovery, we are hearing from more and more business owners and employers that it is increasingly difficult to find workers to fill available jobs, even though job openings are abundant,” Governor Kay Ivey said in a news release. “Among other factors, increased unemployment assistance, which was meant to be a short-term relief program during emergency-related shutdowns, is now contributing to a labor shortage that is compromising the continuation of our economic recovery.” Ivey said the state is giving the federal government its 30-day notice that it is terminating its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation that provides an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients; the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance that provides benefits for those who would not usually qualify like self-employed, gig workers and part-time workers; the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation that provides for an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted; and the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation that provides an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings. Any filings prior to and up to June 19 that are eligible under any of the federal program requirements will continue to be processed under these programs. Related Topics: Up Next ‘Count the Kicks’ stillbirth-prevention campaign launches in Alabama during pandemic Don't Miss Saban, Barkley, others to help encourage COVID vaccine in Alabama Advertisement Trending
