Those filing for unemployment benefits continue to get some guidance from the state. More than 57,000 initial unemployment claims were filed in Indiana last week, according to the Department of Workforce Development. Commissioner Fred Payne says that’s significantly lower than the peak in March, but still more than double the pre-COVID-19 peak.
During state officials’ briefing Thursday, Payne said that over 65,000 applicants have successfully applied for the newly-available benefits to independent contractors and those who are self-employed. A confusing part of the new program is that applicants are first told they’ve been denied for regular unemployment benefits.
“As a reminder, that’s part of our process,” Payne assured residents. “Keep in mind that in order to qualify for [Pandemic Unemployment Assistance], an individual must not be eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. The system will provide you with any next steps after you receive that notice.”
As businesses begin reopening, those who had been temporarily laid off will generally not be able to continue getting unemployment benefits if they have the opportunity to go back to work. Payne said those who don’t want to return due to a generalized fear of the virus itself will likely have their unemployment claims denied, but the Department of Workforce Development would be willing to consider specific concerns that an employer hasn’t made appropriate accommodations.
“We don’t regulate workplaces and the policies and procedures that they have in place,” Payne explained. “However, what we will do is we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis every claim that comes in, and if a person makes a claim that the employer’s place is unfit and it’s unsafe under COVID conditions, we will consider that as a part of a refusal to work determination.”
Governor Eric Holcomb encouraged residents to discuss any concerns with their employers.
