The U.S. Department of Labor has clarified employees working reduced hours because of the pandemic are eligible for federal unemployment assistance payments.
In January, Guam Department of Labor Director David Dell Isola announced employees working reduced hours at businesses that remain open were no longer qualified for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance due to federal guidelines. The assistance program last year paid benefits to unemployed residents and also those who remained employed but worked fewer hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Feb. 1 wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor, asking it to allow workers with reduced hours to qualify for assistance payments.
Guam Del. Michael San Nicolas is assuring residents he is working to address concerns that some of them may be ineligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Guam Department of Labor Director David Dell Isola on Thursday said the U.S. Department of Labor held firm that employees working reduced hours aren t qualified for PUA.
This means residents working any amount of hours and receiving any amount of pay are no longer qualified for unemployment benefits. Last year, residents working reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic could make up to $494 a week and be qualified.
The latest guidance impacts thousands on island.