Unemployed in MS? Reeves says state will ask for additional $300 weekly payment
Those who are unemployed in Mississippi because of the coronavirus could get an additional $300 a week in benefits, Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday.
Reeves announced during his afternoon press conference Mississippi Department of Employment Security will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program through the Trump administration.
The $600 federal unemployment payment for COVID-19 ended July 31.
Reeves said since Congress could not agree on extending benefits, President Trump is using the Stafford Act to make the money available at a reduced payment of $300 per week.
There are a few catches, the governor said. They include:
▪ Mississippi’s application would have to be accepted, he said.
▪ Payments would be retroactive to Aug. 1, but Reeves said, “You’re not automatically eligible for this new amount.”
▪ Reeves said federal guidelines will require the employee is out of work because of the pandemic and the person must make at least $100 per week.
▪ The president didn’t make this additional payment available until just over a week ago, Reeves said. If Mississippi is approved, it could take 1-3 weeks to get the state’s computer systems re-calibrated to send out the new amounts.
Mississippi residents will be eligible if they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 and are receiving $100 or more in unemployment a week from Unemployment Insurance, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees, Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Extended Benefits, Trade Readjustment Allowances or Self-Employment Assistance.
Those receiving benefits don’t need to file a separate application, the state said in a press release, and the $300 LWA payment is subject to both federal and state income taxes.
Reeves again cautioned Mississippi workers who are unemployed and have the opportunity to go back to work or start a new job.
“Please take that opportunity,” Reeves said.
There is a maximum amount the Trump administration can spend of this assistance, and with most of the states applying, “These benefits will run out,” Reeves said.
When this federal supplement is exhausted, the maximum unemployment payment in Mississippi is $235 a week.
“That is certainly difficult for families to get by on,” Reeves said.
Mississippi has 126,517 people collecting unemployment for the week ending Aug. 15, according to Thursday’s report from the U.S. Department of Labor, down by 12,245 from the previous week.
For more information visit mdes.gov.
This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 3:47 PM.
