Hoosiers receiving unemployment could start getting their extra $300 in the next couple of weeks. Those getting at least $100 a week in unemployment insurance will get another $300 a week in federal funding, as part of the Lost Wage Assistance program.
Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne said Wednesday that the process remains on schedule. “The team is still working on putting together the infrastructure for the LWA payments,” he explained. “As we said initially, it would take us about two to four weeks for payments to start, and we’re still on track for that. Right now, we’re estimating that payments will start going out on September 21.”
This replaces the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. It gave unemployment recipients an extra $600 per week, but ended July 31. Payne said his department has been working with FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor to make sure everyone who is eligible can get the $300 benefit before funding runs out.
The Department of Workforce Development also announced a new online skills training initiative Wednesday. Up to 100,000 Hoosiers who are unemployed or otherwise impacted by COVID-19 will be able to take courses focusing on general employability skills, as well as more specific training for manufacturing jobs. It’s part of a partnership with a company called 180 Skills. Those interested can enroll at YourNextStepIN.org/180-skills.
