ATTENTION UI CLAIMANTS: Unless extensions or new programs are created, federal UI benefits will expire on March 13

Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for many claimants who would not qualify for regular UI are scheduled to expire on March 13, unless the U.S. Congress acts to extend the programs.

Regular UI is not affected by the March 13 deadline. However, those claimants receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) will receive no payments after March 13. There also will be no further Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments after March 13. For some claimants, the expiration may come sooner. Under the most recent extension of the programs, PUA is available for a maximum of 50 weeks and PEUC is available for a maximum of 24weeks. When those weeks of eligibility are consumed, claimants will no longer receive payments under those programs, even if that date is before March 13.

All payments under PUA and PEUC will cease on March 13, unless the claimant receives payment on March 13 and has a remaining balance. These claimants will be able to have a phase out period until April 10 to receive payment of funds that would have been available to the claimant. Claims that are in the system before March 13, but which are being delayed due to issues in the claim, will continue to be processed and paid.

Free employment services are available at all 20 Workforce Centers around the state, and this assistance can be accessed remotely via phone or computer. DWS offers programs designed to help Wyoming workers who have lost income or employment meet basic needs until they are able to start work again. Those programs include Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the Workforce Development Training Fund and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs. Unemployed workers may be eligible for financial assistance, help finding work, free or reduced-cost training for a new career, and other services. Additionally, the Vocational Rehabilitation division can assist those with barriers to employment and provide rehabilitation counseling and services to help eligible individuals reach their career goals.

Wyoming workers who have experienced a change in income or job loss, regardless of whether or not the situation is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, can apply for benefits online at any time at WYUI.wyo.gov. Those who prefer to file by phone may call 307-473-3789. Assistance can also be reached at any of the state’s 20 Workforce Centers.