Accessing Unemployment Insurance Benefits During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Statement

Many workers across Northwest Oregon are worried about how to pay their April rent or mortgage without a paycheck. Working families were already struggling to make ends meet before the coronavirus pandemic upended livelihoods and our economy. I'm fighting for workers in Congress, and sending you some resources that may be helpful as we cope with the economic effects of this pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic is a national health emergency, and the economic consequences are already being felt in Northwest Oregon and across the country. Last week, the Department of Labor reported that a record of nearly 3.3 million people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time during the week of March 15th. The Oregon Employment Department received more than 76,500 claims that same week. We are expecting that more claims will be filed in the coming days and weeks.

In Oregon, most workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can receive unemployment insurance benefits, including individuals who are unable to work because of coronavirus, illness, quarantine, or child care needs. The Oregon Employment Department encourages everyone who can to file online here: https://www.oregon.gov/Employ/Unemployment. You can also call 1-877-FILE-4-UI. If you have any problems or need further assistance, please contact my office at 503-469-6010.

I know how important unemployment benefits are during this pandemic, and I'm working in Congress to strengthen and improve access for more workers. The House recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which expands unemployment benefits to part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers. The bill provides an additional 13 weeks, for a total of 39 weeks, of federally funded unemployment benefits for individuals. The exact amount of unemployment compensation you can receive will depend on your work history and previous earnings, but from now through July 31, 2020, an additional $600 will be added to every weekly unemployment compensation check. The CARES Act also included substantial funding to states to make sure employment offices can quickly disburse these earned benefits.

Workers also need immediate assistance, which is why I have advocated for direct cash payments. The CARES Act provides direct payments to individuals and families. Individuals making up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married workers) will receive $1,200 with an additional $500 per minor child. The payments decrease and then stop for workers making more than $99,000 ($198,000 for married workers). The IRS will issue these payments via direct deposit based on 2019 or 2018 tax returns or 2019 Social Security statements. No action is required for most people. If you have not filed a tax return in the last two years, please review this Q&A from the IRS and contact my office at 503-469-6010 with any questions. I will provide any updated information on my website here: https://bonamici.house.gov/COVID19_Resources.

Our work is far from over, but the CARES Act was an important step for our nation's economic recovery. I will keep fighting for the needs of individuals and workers as we respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

Please keep in touch with me about these and other important issues. If you would like to know more about my work around Northwest Oregon and in Congress, please sign up for my monthly Bonamici Bulletin email newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also contact my Oregon and Washington, DC offices with questions, comments, or for assistance with a federal agency.

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