Collect additional unemployment benefits with FPUC

Last updated: January 15, 2025
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Elyssa Duncan
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Collect additional unemployment benefits with FPUC
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Millions of Americans have been affected by the #Coronavirus since the initial outbreak. The record high number of business closures and layoffs has left more workers unemployed than we could have imagined.

As a result, the federal government has established programs to provide assistance, including the $2 trillion stimulus package signed into law in late March. However, regular unemployment compensation benefits do not always provide enough support given the extraordinary economic challenges. As the situation continues, there have been more emergency programs developed to provide additional relief to affected Americans such as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program.

What is Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)?

FPUC is an emergency program established by the CARES Act to provide an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular unemployment because of COVID-19.

How Do I Apply?

To apply for FPUC, you must file a claim for regular benefits with the unemployment insurance program in the state you worked. To see your state’s process, take a look at our unemployment resource center.

Under the FPUC program, states will distribute an additional $600 weekly payment to eligible recipients. This includes Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) as well as those collecting benefits from these programs:

  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • Extended Benefits (EB)
  • Short Time Compensation (STC)
  • Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  • Payments under the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program

When Do Benefits Begin and End?

Payments will date back to either your eligibility date or the date your state signed an agreement to provide the FPUC benefits, whichever is later. Unless the program is extended, FPUC benefit payments will end after July 31, 2020.

Important to know: Under the CARES Act, states that waive the one-week "waiting period" for benefits will be fully reimbursed by the federal government for benefits paid that week, plus any associated administrative expenses.

What if I Am Offered My Old Job Back?

While some people may be tempted to stay on unemployment as long as possible instead of returning to work, you must be careful about that approach. According to the Treasury Department’s FAQ: "Employees and employers should be aware that employees who reject offers of re-employment may forfeit eligibility for continued unemployment compensation.”

In other words: if you refuse to go back, you could lose your unemployment insurance.

I’m Ready to Start Job Searching Again, How Do I Start?

Jumping back into the search can be a nerve wrecking decision. But, we’re here to support you! Take a look at some of these resources to help you out.

Latest weekly round-up of companies hiring NOW

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Relevant topics #jobsearch #resume #interview #application #unemployment #careerdiscovery

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David Huber
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Shuttle Security Bus Driver at Wildhorse Resort And Casino

I have been filling out all the required paperwork to get my pandemic unemployment benefits, Since October 2020 and still haven't seen any money. & now it looks like I'm going to be homeless because of this

4y
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Donna Hunt
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Well it took two months for me to receive anything from EDD. And what happened to me was that I wasn't able to receive the regular unemployment like everyone else. The reason they stated was because I had been on unemployment the previous year. So what they did was continue that claim so i was only able to file for the extension. based on my old claim. I had been offered a job that was canceled because of Covid-19 and I was told by someone in the EDD customer service phone line that that's why I didn't qualify like everyone else. She stated that it was for people who couldn't prove their income. Needless to say, I was pretty stunned. Good luck to all you honest, hard working people

4y
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A M
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Back on April 5th, I applied for unemployment and my file status still under investigation. Every day I make several calls but not response and no personal visits... I was a doodash delivery driver and stopped working because I have a heart disease so I can't take the risk. If you have any suggestion for me, I would appreciated.. Stay safe!

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JdizzeL 0712
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Bus Driver

Just shows that the government does not really car about its citizens. They just want us all back at work to save their economie. Who care about the fact that were still in the hight of the pandemic. You think you are in a free country think twice. The government own you and your birth certificate is their recipt .

5y
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John Harnois
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I am back to work but my hours were cut in half, since I have been with my company almost 30 years and am not interested in finding another job since all my benefits are with this company, am I still able to get the extra 600 dollars from the federal government, do you think there will be an extension of these funds.

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Carol Brewer
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Assistant Manager

$600 per week is more than my regular pay. Maybe I should quit and get on unemployment.

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White Ruth
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Mrs.

I have employment. I just need an assignment.

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White Ruth
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Mrs.

I just want to be with the Lord and have then he has provided me with everything. He is my husband.

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Beatrice Pesqueira
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Always keep trying with a Smile

Thank you. This is helpful information.

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Marci Smith
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Administrative Assistant at Global Home Health

I just went back to work in February this year after being at home with my quadriplegic adult son who was involved in a life altering incident here in florida in 2018. I used my whole savings during that time because i couldnt work. Now i am not eligible for unemployment here but ive worked the last 30 years prior to 2018. Now I can't get unemployment, I can't get welfare cash and i don't qualify for federal aid either? WTH AM I SUPPOSED TO DO ? I actually went back to work for 2 weeks in May and was discriminated against by my employer.. Filed charge with EEOC. But due to being a single parent with no transportation and my sons Medicaid cut his home health hours in half june 1st. I can't find a job willing to work around the availability of the home health care worker and I've literally applied everywhere with in 10 miles walking distance. That's my only option because i. Live 8 miles from nearest town. I cant work more than 25 hours because i walk a minimum of 8 miles one way and now i have 40 hours of care for my son. So maybe these funds should be accsessible to people who have no options. I have a prepaid electric bill that's over $500 and i cant get assistance because it is prepaid. My son cant live without it. So please tell me how or where i can get some assistance so i can pay my bills and get a job that is willing to work with me and not destroy my only son and it's life because we certainly dont deserve to be treated like This by this state, country. I need help and have no options.

5y
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