SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Millions of unemployed people in California will soon receive an additional $300 per week in benefits as part of an agreement between the state and the federal government.
On Saturday, the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) announced the federal government approved its application for the Lost Wages Assistance program. The money is part of an executive order that President Donald Trump signed earlier this month.
To qualify for the extra funds, people must receive at least $100 per week in benefits from EDD and certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
EDD will also give retroactive pay unemployment benefits dating back to August 1st.
It is not clear when people will actually get the money. In a statement, EDD said it “will provide more information on this approved program as it becomes available.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), who approved the funding said it “will work with California Governor Gavin Newsom to implement a system to make this funding available to California residents.”
In a presentation given to the California State Assembly, EDD stated it was "on schedule to begin issuing payments in September."
According to EDD, California will receive $4.5 billion to fund the program, with the possibility of additional funding.
The $300 supplement will be available for a limited time. Currently, EDD says the money will be available for a minimum of three weeks.
If you have a question about unemployment or finances during the coronavirus pandemic, we want to hear from you. Text the Dollars and Sense team at 916-321-3310.