CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is preparing to implement the renewed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to many people who would not otherwise be eligible. The PUA program provides assistance to those who were self-employed, contract workers, gig workers and others who have lost their employment as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DWS will host a virtual town hall at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, to provide an update on the PUA system and to help claimants understand the requirements and application process. Attendees will learn what documentation they should have on hand in order to avoid delays in filing their claims.
To register for the PUA Extension virtual town hall, visit here.
PUA was originally created through the CARES Act, and it was extended by the Continued Assistance Act (CAA) at the end of 2020. The extension adds an additional 11 weeks of PUA coverage for those who qualify, or coverage until March 13. PUA payments are retroactive back to Dec. 27 for claimants who were eligible during those weeks.