The State of Louisiana has extended the eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits for workers affected by the partial government shutdown.
On Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards directed the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) to immediately extend eligibility to more than 1,500 federal employees who were required to work during the federal government shutdown but whose pay is being withheld.
Edwards’ announcement mandates the inclusion of a specific group of employees previously disqualified by law to receive unemployment benefits, according to a release.
Impacted federal employees may begin the UI application process immediately for the current eligibility period that begins today, Jan. 25, 2019.
Louisiana joins Colorado, California, Vermont, and the District of Columbia in paying benefits to all furloughed government workers.
Furloughed federal employees can visit LWC website, www.LAWorks.net, for instructions on how to apply.
Important Facts:
- Louisiana joins Colorado, California, Vermont, and the District of Columbia in paying benefits to all furloughed government workers.
- As of January 24, 2019:
- 427 furloughed individuals have applied for Unemployment Insurance Compensation
- 113 of the 427 have received their first weekly benefit payment
- Louisiana’s maximum weekly benefit is $247.00.
- The maximum eligibility period in Louisiana is 26 weeks, for a total maximum benefit of $6,422
- All UI benefits must be reimbursed to the LA Workforce Commission upon payment of back wages.
