Commonwealth Announces Lost Wage Assistance Grant

For Immediate Release: Contact: Alicia DelVento

09/03/2020 Alicia.DelVento@mahouse.gov

Commonwealth Announces Lost Wage Assistance Grant
Massachusetts to Receive Federal Funds to Pay Additional Unemployment Benefits

(BOSTON) - The Department of Unemployment Assistance has announced that the Commonwealth’s application to receive grant funding to pay an additional weekly unemployment benefit to claimants has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These grant funds will supplement three additional weeks of unemployment benefits to claimants who have been receiving benefits through the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance (LWA) program. Applicants already receiving benefits and eligible for the weeks of August 1st, 8th and 15th, will receive an additional $300 per week in retroactive benefits by September 15th.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many residents of the Commonwealth having to endure financial hardship due to a reduction in work hours or outright loss of employment. For these residents, expanded unemployment benefits, and other opportunities, such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides unemployment benefits to those traditionally not eligible, provide residents with critical access to essential financial aid.

"Many of our residents have withstood great financial strain over these last six months," said Representative Danielle W. Gregoire (D-Marlborough), House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. "I am grateful that the Commonwealth, through a partnership with FEMA, is making significant funds available to continue this critical financial assistance. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I am committed to ensuring that the assistance programs that so many of our friends and neighbors rely on and deserve remain funded.”

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