DOL releases $4M unemployment benefits
The CNMI Department of Labor paid out over $4 million in unemployment benefits last week in benefits to claimants for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation programs.
This recent disbursement included payments for PUA 2 (CAA) and PUA 3 (ARPA) to more than 500 PUA applicants in the CNMI.
In addition to resolving claimant issues, all unpaid claims, and working with claimants to provide necessary qualifying documents, the CNMI DOL has also been working with employers to accurately certify employment verifications, timesheets and check stubs for their employees.
“The CNMI Department of Labor continues to do its part in mitigating the economic effects of the pandemic by processing PUA payments as quickly as possible while simultaneously keeping the integrity of the programs it administers intact,” said Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente.
CNMI DOL is still accepting initial applications and weekly claims certification submissions online via Hiremarianas.com or in-person at the DOL building No. 1334 on Capital Hill. The PUA applications and weekly claims certifications will be accepted only up to Oct. 4, 2021, which is when the program will officially end in the CNMI.
The department is reminding PUA applicants that as a condition for receiving PUA benefits, all continuing recipients must conduct three or more work search contacts or activities every week and keep a log or record of the work search contacts.
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, or 322-8876.
Additional DOL telephones:
• Administrative Services 664-3196/322-994
• Division of Employment Services 664-3190/322-9934/664-3298
• Enforcement 322-4365/ 323-9940
• Benefits Payments Control Unit 322-9943/9944
• PUA Fraud Hotline 989-9095
• Administrative Hearing Office 664-3290/3291
• OSHA 664-3156/3157
• WIOA 664-1708/1757
For more information, contact the PUA COM Center at the numbers listed or send an email to info@puamarianas.com. (PR)