The State of Indiana has submitted an application to FEMA for the New Lost Wage Assistance Program.
In a press briefing Wednesday, Governor Eric Holcomb explained Indiana’s position.
“We elected to go the route of $300 per week with our federal partners for unemployed Hoosiers who are eligible,” stated Governor Holcomb. “These payments are retroactive to Aug. 1 and they will be temporary. They set aside $44 billion and as that is drawn down that program could end accordingly.”
Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne said there are certain eligibility requirements that an individual must have in order to qualify for the program.
Payne commented, “One of the requirements is that an individual has to be earning or be eligible for a minimum of $100 for an approved unemployment insurance program. That includes our state benefits program as well as the federal programs. Right now off the top of my head I cannot tell you the percentage of individuals who do not meet that requirement but it is a smaller percentage.”
He mentioned that a new system will need to be built to get it up and running as new infrastructure is needed and to account for the mobilization of staff. It could take a few weeks to implement.
If approved, those eligible will get an additional $300 per person per week.
“The average Hoosier is getting close to around about $280 on regular unemployment benefits. So, add that plus $300 they could end up getting a little less than $600 a week per person.”
Payne explained that the extra $100 state match will not be provided.
“We did an evaluation of our economic situation at this time and we determined that the best option for us at this time was to provide the $300 federal option,” said Payne.
Governor Holcomb reiterated that the $44 billion available in this program could go quickly and will not last long if all states are awarded funding.
