Overview

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is a program under the CARES Act. This program adds an additional 13 weeks to a claimant’s unemployment benefits claim once they exhaust benefits. PEUC is also known as an extension. The federal government funds this program, not the state unemployment taxes paid by employers. PEUC expires Dec. 26, 2020

Payment Details:

• Payment amount:
  • Minimum payment amount for individuals will be $72 per week.
  • Maximum payment will be $448 per week.
• First payments will occur May 5.
• First Payable Week: Retroactive to March 29, 2020, or the first week after an individual exhausts benefits, whichever is later.
• Last Payable Week: Week Ending Dec. 26, 2020.
• Must have a claim with a benefit year ending date (expiration date) of July 1, 2019, or later.
• If a claimant has eligibility for a regular claim, they must go on to a regular claim instead of going to or staying on an extension, even if the weekly benefit amount is lower on the new claim or the new claim is in a different state.

Fraud Warning

• If you knowingly make a false statement or fail to disclose information in an attempt to receive PEUC benefits to which you are not entitled, you are committing fraud. Fraud results in a disqualification from benefits, an overpayment of benefits and potential criminal prosecution.

How to Apply for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation

Step 1: Exhaust unemployment benefits

• Your claim must have expired after July 6, 2019, and be exhausted. Claims filed prior to August 2018, are not eligible.

Step 2: Apply online

• Log into labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal.
• Click File an Extension on the claim tile to the lower left.
• Answer all the questions and hit submit.

You will receive a confirmation that your PEUC application is complete

Step 3: Restart your weekly certifications at labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal.

• If you have not submitted a weekly certification for two weeks in a row, your unemployment claim is inactive. Select "Apply for Benefits" to reopen your claim.
• If your claim has expired, you must file a new claim. Select "Apply for Benefits" to file a new claim.
• Update new work history.

Step 4: Continue to submit your weekly certifications at labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal.

• Submit your weekly certification the first Sunday after you applied for extended benefits. If you are unable to submit weekly certifications, keep track of your weekly activity. A claims specialist will call or email you for additional information to determine your eligibility for extended benefits.