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.

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.

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.