The Pennsylvania enabling legislation for special COVID-19 unemployment benefits provided under the Federal CARES Act requires that employers, at the time of layoff, furlough, termination, or reduction of hours, give employees a notice concerning their potential eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits. This requirement is effective immediately and through December 31, 2020.
A sample notice is provided below:
NOTICE CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS
- Because of your reduction of hours or separation from employment for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for regular unemployment compensation benefits plus possible additional benefits if you meet certain requirements under the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law and the federal CARES Act.
- You may file a claim for unemployment benefits during the first week that your employment stops or your hours are reduced.
- You can find information about unemployment compensation benefits, how to file a claim, and your potential benefits at the website maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
- You can get assistance with filing a claim by sending an e-mail to uchelp@pa.gov.
- The statewide toll-free number to call for unemployment compensation services is 888-813-7284.
- You can also call the Unemployment Compensation Virtual Assistant at 877-978-1295 for answers to frequently asked questions.
- The Department of Labor and Industry also offers a “Live Chat” feature through its website. Call 888.313.7284 for a secure 6-digit LiveChat code.
- To file an unemployment compensation benefits claim you will need to provide the following information:
- Your full legal name; and
- Your social security number; and
- If you are not a citizen or resident of the United States, your information concerning your authorization to work in the United States.
For more information, please contact Joseph Hofmann or reach out to the Stevens & Lee attorney with whom you regularly work.
This News Alert has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as, and does not constitute, legal advice on any specific matter. For more information, please see the disclaimer.
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