New round of PUA/FPUC to open

The CNMI Department of Labor will begin accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as a result of COVID-19 for affected workers in the CNMI starting June 1, 2021, through Sept. 4, 2021. This new application period is authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

What is PUA?

The PUA program provides temporary benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of COVID-19. The PUA program, through the American Rescue Plan Act, provides eligible applicants in the CNMI with 25 additional weeks of unemployment benefits starting March 14, 2021 to Sept. 4, 2021.

What is FPUC?

Under ARPA, for weeks of unemployment beginning after March 13, 2021, and ending on or before Sept. 4, 2021, an individual collecting PUA may collect a $300 FPUC payment per week.

Who can apply for PUA/FPUC?

Due to the extensive nature of the eligibility conditions and requirements for PUA, consult the “PUA/FPUC Benefits Rights Information Handbook” found on the CNMI Department of Labor’s website, http://www.marianaslabor.net, under “Forms and Publications” for details.

APPLICATION FILING DATES

Individuals may apply for PUA if they have had a week(s) of full or partial unemployment on or after March 14, 2021 through Sept. 4, 2021, as a result of COVID-19. Individuals may file applications for PUA one week from the date of this announcement, starting June 1, 2021, and ending Sept. 4, 2021.

How and where to apply

ONLINE: Claimants may apply for PUA either online or in person. Submit a PUA application online at www.hiremarianas.com.
PAPER: PUA applications and other forms may also be obtained and submitted at either of the following location(s):

Saipan:
Department of Labor
Division of Employment Services
Building # 1334, Ascencion Dr.
Capitol Hill, Saipan MP 96950

Rota:
Northern Marianas College
Room #A2
Rota, MP 96951

Tinian:
Department of Labor
Edu’s Plaza, 1st Floor
San Jose Village, Tinian, MP 96952

*Paper Application Submission Instructions: Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, the Saipan PUA Program is strictly implementing the following application submission schedule from June 1, 2021 to Sept. 4, 2021 (Monday – Friday) from 8am to 4pm:

Monday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “A” to “C”
Tuesday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “D” to “H”
Wednesday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “I” to “M”
Thursday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “N” to “R”
Friday: Only accepting paper application submissions for last names “S” to “Z”

Important Notes

In consideration of observed holidays or the application deadline falling on a Saturday, the department will be accepting applications on the following business day.

Required documents 

Individuals filing a new PUA application on or after Jan. 31, 2021 (regardless of whether the claim is backdated), are required to provide documentation within 21 days of the application or the date the individual is directed to submit the documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.
Individuals who applied for PUA before Jan. 31, 2021, and receive a payment of PUA on or after Dec. 27, 2020 (regardless of which week ending date is being paid), are required to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment, within 90 days of the application or when directed to submit documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.
To receive PUA, individuals must submit in-person or upload online the following:  (1) A government issued picture identification (Driver’s license, passport, alien registration card, etc.), (2) Social Security Card number, (3) If applicable, copies of the most recent federal income tax form(s), check stubs, and other proof of earnings, and (4) If applicable, evidence of self-employment earnings, business license, including financial documents such as 2017 Federal/CNMI income tax forms, profit and loss statement, and proof of business loss due to the disaster.

All inquiries

Individuals who have questions about the PUA/FPUC programs are encouraged to email info@puamarianas.com or call any of the following numbers between 8am and 4 pm, Monday – Friday, except on holidays.

• Saipan: (670) 322-8870/71/72/73/74
• Rota: (670) 989-9001
• Tinian: (670) 989-9000 or 433-0889

Further information

Individuals who are determined eligible for PUA must file weekly claim certifications (to demonstrate their continued eligibility) either in person or online by using any of the filing methods described above. Continued eligibility is determined on a week-by-week basis. Please consult the “PUA/FPUC Benefits Rights Information Handbook” found on the CNMI Department of Labor’s website at: http://www.marianaslabor.net, under “Forms and Publications” for details.

Individuals who willfully conceal material facts or knowingly making false statement(s) to obtain PUA to which they are not entitled will be required to repay all benefits fraudulently collected and may be subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

Fraud hotline

Individuals are encouraged to call 670-989-9095 to report any perceived instances of wrongdoing or fraud pertaining to the PUA/FPUC programs. (PR)