CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians receiving unemployment benefits are unlikely to experience a gap in payments as the implementation of the American Rescue Plan continues.
The plan, which includes an extension of many unemployment benefits until September, was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.
“If you are currently receiving unemployment, you will need to continue filling out your weekly certifications. WorkForce has programmed their system to enable people to continue certifying so there are no gaps in benefits once the guidelines are finalized,” Gov. Jim Justice said.
According to a list put together by WorkForce West Virginia, the American Rescue Plan includes:
Extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits for independent contractors, the self-employed and gig workers through the week ending Sept. 4, 2021.
Extension of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, which provides an extra $300 in benefits each week, through the week ending Sept. 4, 2021.
Extension of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation through the week ending Sept. 4, 2021.
A $10,200 federal tax exclusion for unemployment compensation income for tax year 2020 for households with incomes under $150,000.
Individuals currently receiving unemployment need to file weekly certifications to continue receiving benefits extended by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“Gov. Justice has tasked us with making sure West Virginians don’t miss a payment now that the federal unemployment benefit programs are extended through the first week of September,” said Scott Adkins, acting commissioner of WorkForce West Virginia.
“We’re grateful Congress was able to extend current programs before they expire, which will save thousands of West Virginians from financial hardship and experiencing a gap in payments like we saw earlier this year due to a delay in federal action.”
Justice voiced his continued support for parts of the $1.9 trillion package including the unemployment benefits.
“We are happy with the additional. I hate like crazy we probably throwing away a bunch of money. But at the same time, I am still a believer in go big and get this thing behind us,” he said.