ATLANTA — If you've heard about the extra unemployment payments coming by way of the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, you're probably wondering if you'll get any of the additional $1,800 that's been earmarked for each eligible individual, and when it will get to you.
The Georgia Department of Labor said it will begin issuing these payments in two batches - one $900 payment each that will cover three weeks' worth of $300 in additional benefits.
These payments will cover the time period from the week that ended Aug. 1 and on.
If you're in Georgia, here's how to tell if you're getting those payments, and when you can expect them:
How to tell if you're getting the payments
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), anyone is eligible if they're already eligible for at least $100 a week in unemployment assistance from any of the following:
- Unemployment compensation, including regular State Unemployment Compensation, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service members (UCX)
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Extended Benefits (EB)
- Short-Time Compensation (STC)
- Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)
- Payments under the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program
The Georgia DOL said to find out your eligibility, to go the My UI portal where you will need to "use a link to attest to the reason for their unemployment," as is the standard process for claiming normal benefits.
GDOL also said only those with an individually-filed claim need to do that. If you've had an employer-filed claim, it should be handled automatically.
When the payments will arrive
According to a GDOL spokersperson, the agency began to release the first batch of $900 payments on the night of Sept. 10. The second batch of $900 payments should be issued next week.
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