The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry today announced the extension of the
work search waiver for Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants in Montana.
Yesterday,
DLI issued a scheduled email to claimants stating that the work search
requirements were going back into effect starting August 23. This email
notification was scheduled due to the expiration of the temporary emergency
rule regarding work search requirements. Due to ongoing public health and
safety considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the work search waiver will
be extended. Claimants are asked to disregard the instructions they received in
the emailed letter.
“DLI
regrets any confusion this may have caused for UI claimants. We will be issuing
a follow-up letter alerting claimants to the continued waiver of these
requirements,”
Acting Commissioner Brenda Nordlund said. “We want to do everything we can
to continue to support Montana workers who have been economically impacted by
this pandemic.”
In
addition, the establishment of the new Supplemental Payments for Lost Wages
Program, has shifted resources within the Department for the implementation of
the new program. DLI has received written guidance from the U.S. Department of
Labor on implementing the Lost Wages Program and has started programmatic
efforts.
“This
is a continuously evolving situation, and through the extension of the work
search waiver, we know we’re helping Montanans impacted by COVID-19 get back on
their feet,”
Nordlund said. “Instead of focusing on work search requirements, our
Department’s focus must be doing everything we can to distribute the extra $400
payments to Montanans through the newly established program once the federal
government provides us with the resources we need to do so.”
Over the
week of August 1, 36,670 Montanans filed continued unemployment claims, the
most recent week data is available. Claimants that are job-attached are still
responsible for staying in contact with their employer and must return to work
when requested.
DLI
continues to encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for UI to file
a claim online at MontanaWorks.gov, or at mtpua.mt.gov for those that fall
under the
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
eligibility guidelines.
Those with technical, eligibility, or benefits questions are encouraged to view
the COVID-19 resource website at
dli.mt.gov/covid-19. A variety of information for both
Montana workers and employers is available, and resources to help claimants
navigate the unemployment process.