CNMI DOL PUA Program announces change of operations 

The CNMI Department of Labor will temporarily suspend the in-person appointments it has established for the PUA program at CNMI DOL building 1334, starting Oct. 15, 2020, to Nov. 30, 2020.   

The suspension is necessary for the department to proceed with claims adjudication for PUA applicants whose applications have not been processed due to errors or incomplete information; to audit overpayments; conduct appeals; and for fraud detection purposes.  

All PUA claimants who have pre-registered for appointments prior to the change in operations will be allowed to walk in for their scheduled appointments only up to Oct. 14, 2020.

The department is still accepting initial applications and weekly claims certification submissions via online (hiremarianas.com) or at DOL building 1334 and will consider in-person appointments depending on the nature of the request. 

Due to the change in PUA operations, the department has revamped its email and Call Center operations. All individuals with PUA claims inquiries are encouraged to email info@puamarianas.com or call the following numbers for inquiries on their claims (hours of operation Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm, except on local or federal holidays): 322-8870, 322-8871, 322-8872, 322-8873, 322-8874, 322-8876, 322-8877, 322-8878, 322-8879, 322-8890, 989-9190, 989-9192, 989-9193, 989-9194.

Additional DOL telephone lines:

·      Administrative Services 664-3196/322-9947
·      Division of Employment Services 323-9994/9995                                                                
·      Enforcement 322-9940/9941
·      Benefits Payments Control Unit 322-9943/9944
·      PUA Fraud Hotline 989-9095
·      Administrative Hearing Office 664-3290/3291
·      OSHA 664-3156/3157
·      WIA 664-1708/1709

As of September, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment programs have nearly 6,000 PUA applicants and disbursed more than $80 million in benefits.

The department is reminding PUA applicants that they should continue to apply for the PUA program each week, only if they are still unemployed, furloughed, or have reduced working hours due to the economic impact of COVID-19. 

For more information, contact the PUA Call Center at the numbers listed or send an email to info@puamarianas.com. (PR)