coronavirus new york

NY sending extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits to 2 million-plus New Yorkers

Starting next week, New York will begin rolling out $300 in weekly benefits to people who lost their job due to the coronavirus pandemic.

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Thursday, September 17, 2020

(Photo/Shutterstock)
wabc-Photo/Shutterstock

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Beginning this week, New York is rolling out $300 per week in payments under the Lost Wages Assistance program, officials said.

The New York State Department of Labor says the payments will provide an additional $300 in weekly benefits to unemployed New Yorkers.

Up to 2.4 million New Yorkers are eligible for the program, including another 435,000 who must submit an additional certification to qualify.

A number of states are rolling out the unemployment benefits boost President Trump allocated with an executive order last month, but in some states, the money is already running out.

New York State has paid $43.7 billion in unemployment benefits to 3.5 million residents during the COVID crisis.

"Throughout this crisis, states' unemployment systems have been pushed to the limit and constantly-changing federal guidance - including this haphazard Presidential executive order - have only delayed our efforts to get benefits to New Yorkers in need," Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. "But we have worked day and night to stand up this program, and millions of New Yorkers will see payments next week."

Officials say New Yorkers should look out for an email informing them of their status and information about the LWA program.

Eligible residents will receive LWA payments of $300 per week retroactive for the weeks ending August 2, 9 and 16.

According to federal rules, New York State may be eligible for additional weeks of LWA funding.

For residents who are not pre-qualified, they can submit additional certification starting Friday, September 11 either online or over the phone.

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