DLIR issues $3.3B in benefits, launches lost wages aid

Posted on Sep 29, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured

The DLIR has launched its Lost Wages Assistance Program with a benefits schedule through October.

The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations continues to make progress to resolve unemployment claims and has implemented a new system for those who lost jobs because of COVID-19. To provide several weeks of additional benefits for those hit by the pandemic, the department has set up a self-certification system for payments through the Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA), retroactive to Aug. 1, 2020. The program will pay $300 for six weeks of benefits to all eligible claimants who receive at least $100 per week in unemployment insurance benefits.

“This will bring some relief to many who are still unemployed due to COVID-19,” said the governor. “We’re trying to maximize all available federal funds to help those who are struggling.” DLIR also reports it has issued more than $3 billion in UI benefits since March 1.

Regular UI/PEUC claimants are required to sign into their accounts on the unemployment insurance portal and answer a pop-up page that allows them to self-certify that they were partially or wholly unemployed due to COVID-19. If you are a PUA claimant, you have already certified that your unemployment was due to the pandemic. For more details, go to https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/main/faq-lost-wages-assistance-lwa/.