Unemployment payments will start going out to newly-eligible independent contractors and self-employed workers Friday. During state officials’ COVID-19 press conference Thursday, Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne said the payment system is ready to go, following updates to the department’s computer system.
“We’ll start seeing payment disbursements being made on tomorrow under our [Pandemic Unemployment Assistance] program,” Payne said Thursday. “Not all payments will be made on tomorrow. Those payments will be made in batches. So if you don’t see a payment in your account, don’t fret. It’s on its way.”
Payne said the 13-week extension of benefits for those traditionally eligible for unemployment will also take effect Friday.
He noted that Indiana has paid out almost a billion dollars worth of state and federal unemployment benefits since the beginning of April. “We’re not making those payments fast enough, but we will get there,” Payne said. “And we will ensure that each and every Hoosier who’s eligible for benefits receive their benefits.”
The number of initial unemployment claims continues to go down. More than 43,000 claims were filed last week, down from a peak of over 139,000 back in March.
