Agency News

OKLAHOMA CITY – Passage of the CARES Act last week represents the largest expansion of unemployment insurance in the nation’s history. Implementation of the Act is still being worked out by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

“We’re grateful we will be able to provide temporary relief to individuals previously ineligible for unemployment insurance,” said Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Executive Director Robin Roberson. “The plan will be administered by the federal government and disbursed through state workforce agencies.”

States have been told the money should be available around mid-April. USDOL developed eligibility guidelines for non-traditional claimants to file under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provisions of CARES.

“Eligibility is key for gig workers, independent contractors, and others to file a claim for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance,” Roberson said. “We want Oklahomans to understand that the state does not create the eligibility requirements for this temporary assistance. We are required to follow the guidelines set out by USDOL.”

Oklahoma, like many states, will be required to re-tool its current Disaster Unemployment Assistance program to provide a platform for non-traditional claimants to file for temporary relief due to a COVID-19 related work stoppage. This is underway to ensure PUA funds will be distributed as quickly as possible.