Labor prepares for reopening of PUA program for new applications

The CNMI Department of Labor last week provided updates on changes involving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance eligibility as a result of the Continued Assistance Act.

The CAA includes Unemployment Insurance provisions that authorizes the extension of the PUA program in the Marianas through March 14, 2021, and expounds on the eligibility requirements and conditions necessary for obtaining PUA, among others.

“The department is focused on preparing for the processing of applications for Continued Assistance and anticipates more applications to be submitted as soon as the program launches in the Marianas,” said Labor Secretary Vicky Benavente. “The official opening date of the PUA program is fast approaching, so we are doing our best to prepare the community by providing pertinent PUA information.”

In a thorough review of Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 16-20, Change 4, CNMI DOL found that the eligibility requirements for PUA qualification have been expanded for Continued Assistance, but remains relatively the same. PUA claimants must continue to self-certify that their unemployment, partial unemployment, or inability or unavailability to work is specifically attributable to one or more of the COVID-19 related reasons specified in section 2102(a)(3)(A)(ii)(I)(aa) through (kk) of the CARES Act and must identify that specific reason for each week that PUA is claimed.

CNMI DOL found that the most prominent change to the PUA program (in relation to eligibility conditions) is the requirement for all claimants to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment. 

Individuals filing a new PUA application on or after Jan. 31, 2021 (regardless of whether the claim is backdated), are required to provide documentation within 21 days of [the] application or the date the individual is directed to submit the documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.  

Individuals who applied for PUA before Jan. 31, 2021, and receive a payment of PUA on or after Dec. 27, 2020 (regardless of which week ending date is being paid), are required to provide documentation substantiating employment or self-employment, or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment, within 90 days of [the] application or when directed to submit documentation by CNMI DOL, whichever is later.

In response to the document submission requirement, the department finds that potential claimants should prepare ahead of time by gathering employment documents prior to the official launch of the PUA program.

Acceptable documentation
In general, proof of employment includes, but is not limited to, paycheck stubs, earnings, and leave statements showing the employer’s name and address, and W-2 forms when available.  

Proof of self-employment includes, but is not limited to, state or federal employer identification numbers, business licenses, tax returns, business receipts, and signed affidavits from persons verifying the individual’s self-employment.  

Proof of employment with organizations such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and educational or religious organizations includes, but is not limited to, documentation provided by these organizations and signed affidavits from persons verifying the individual’s attachment to such organizations.  

Proof of the planned commencement of employment includes, but is not limited to, letters offering employment, statements/affidavits by individuals (with name and contact information) verifying an offer of employment.  

Proof of the planned commencement of self-employment includes, but is not limited to, business licenses, state or Federal employer identification numbers, written business plans, or a lease agreement.  Individuals must present the proof of employment and the state may verify the proof submitted using records the state may have available, such as wage records or state revenue records.  

In a recent webinar conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, CNMI DOL learned that individuals who are not fully unemployed as a result of the pandemic may not qualify for PUA. In other words, claimants who work reduced hours as a result of the pandemic may not qualify for PUA.

The department understands the magnitude of the situation and has since requested a conference meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor for clarification and resolution. Further developments will be issued in a separate press release.

Individuals who have questions about the PUA/FPUC programs are encouraged to contact the CNMI DOL via email at info@puamarianas.com or call the following telephone numbers: 322-8870/8871/8872/8873/8874/8876/8877/8878/8879/8880.

Visit CNMI DOL’s website at www.marianaslabor.net to download copies of applicable UIPLs or for more PUA/FPUC-related information. (PR)