CNMI Labor clarifies concerns about FPUC
The CNMI Department of Labor would like to clarify circulating information regarding the expiration of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.
According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, FPUC is payable for weeks of unemployment beginning on or after the date on which the state or territory enters into an agreement with USDOL. The CNMI entered into an agreement with USDOL-ETA on March 29, 2020.
The established FPUC award timeline for the Marianas is March 29, 2020, through July 31, 2020.
Retroactive
Individuals may potentially file claims after the FPUC award end date of July 31, 2020, and if qualified, still receive FPUC benefits for any job loss or interruption due to COVID-19 during the FPUC award timeline.
Example: A claimant was laid off from his/her job on April 1, 2020, due to COVID-19. Subsequently, he/she submits a PUA/FPUC application on Sept. 1, 2020, and meets all eligibility requirements and conditions. In this example, the claimant may potentially receive retroactive PUA and FPUC benefits in the month of September for job loss occurring in April.
All PUA/FPUC claims are processed on an individual case-by-case basis. The information contained in this press release may be subject to change upon further guidance from USDOL-ETA. (PR)