Montana's Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Are Changing

What It Is: During the pandemic, unemployment benefits for claimants have been extended through Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which allowed claimants to extend their time on unemployment where they normally would have exhausted.

How It’s Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer participate in PEUC. Claimants who have exhausted their regular UI benefits will no longer be eligible for payments. Any benefit payments filed prior to June 27, 2021 will include payment for PEUC weeks if you are found eligible

What It Is: FPUC is a $300 weekly add-on benefit for all types of unemployment assistance.

How It’s Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer be issuing the $300 weekly FPUC benefit. Any benefit payments filed prior to June 27, 2021 will include the FPUC payments if you are found eligible.

What It Is: PUA presently provides benefits to the self-employed, the underemployed, independent contractors, and individuals who have been unable to work due to health or COVID-19 affected reasons.

How It’s Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, the Montana will no longer participate in the federal PUA program. Any benefit claims filed prior to June 27, 2021 will include PUA payment if you are found eligible.

What It Is: MEUC is a $100 supplemental benefit for those who are eligible for regular UI benefits, but also earned at least $5,000 in self-employment income in their most recent taxable year.

How It’s Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer be issuing MEUC benefits. Any benefit payments filed prior to June 27, 2021 will include the MEUC payments if you are found eligible.

What They Are: Pandemic-related eligibility rules were adopted, providing flexibility on being able, available, and actively seeking employment while affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

How They’re Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, pre-pandemic unemployment insurance requirements will be applied. For more information about these requirements and how to fulfill them, click here.

Based on recent Executive and Legislative actions the decision was made to opt out of these temporary unemployment programs, effective June 27^th, 2021. This will cause changes to your eligibility and claims.

The additional $300 a week which is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) will end as well as the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Claim extension (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs (PUA) as of June 26, 2021.

If you are drawing benefits on a PEUC claim or a PUA claim, they will be ending as of June 26, 2021. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible to move back to your UI claim if it isn’t exhausted or expired.

You may potentially be able to move back to your UI claim if you meet the eligibility criteria. There are agencies in your area that may be able to assist with expenses. You can reach out to your local Job Service office; they have multiple programs that can assist you with a variety of different areas as well.

You may potentially be able to move back to your UI claim, the eligibility issues on it will need to be reviewed.

You will need to reach out to the agencies in your area that may be able to assist with expenses. Your local Workforce Services office is a resource as well with multiple programs that can assist you with a variety of different areas as well.

If I haven't received my payments by the end of the program, will they retro pay my benefits?

Any claims filed prior to 6/26/2021 with issues on them will be adjudicated as normal. If you are found eligible and have requested payment, those will be released.

Yes, additional messaging will be going out in the mail and via email. There will be information available on the website and social media as well.

This is dependent on your eligibility for the programs based off your filing of the claim and weekly requests. You will potentially receive payments through the week ending June 26, 2021.

That depends on when your UI claim expires, if your UI claim is expired you will be eligible to file a new claim.  If your UI claim has not expired, no you will not be eligible to file a new claim with the State of Montana until that date occurs.

No, the program ends June 26, 2021. You may be eligible to draw off a UI claim however that is situation dependent.

What happens if I’m not eligible for a new UI claim when the extension expires? What is available?

Potentially yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements of it.

Individuals who are eligible for this program will be notified by DLI. If you have additional questions please review the information on the website pertaining to this program or email DLIRTW@mt.gov.

How can the Governor of Montana rescind the extra $300 when it’s through the Federal Government?

The money is being provided by ARPA, American Rescue Plan Act by the Federal Government—however, the state administers the program and it is optional for us to participate.

There will be additional communications sent out to the email and mailing addresses on file with Unemployment Insurance.