Federal unemployment benefits extended
–On Dec. 21, Congress passed legislation that will extend federal unemployment benefits that were set to expire after Dec. 26.
Now signed into law by President Donald Trump, the Employment Development Department (EDD) will implement the new programs when it receives guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor describing how the states will be required to follow the law. However, EDD is making program adjustments with what information is available so when federal guidelines and details become available, EDD can complete the necessary programming to make these new benefits available as soon as possible.
As of Dec. 24, legislation passed by Congress extends and expands the federal unemployment benefits:
• Restores the federal supplement to recipients of all state and federal unemployment benefits, which will provide $300 per week of additional benefits for weeks beginning after the date of enactment through March 13, 2021.
• Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program by 11 weeks, providing up to 57 weeks of benefits.
• Extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program by 11 weeks, providing up to 24 weeks of benefits.
• Allows up to an additional 7 weeks of federally-funded Federal-State Extended Duration Benefits program (FED-ED) through March 14, 2021, providing up to 20 weeks of benefits for those who qualify.
• Provides a supplement of $100 per week to certain “mixed earners” who received at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but were eligible for regular state unemployment, not Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Continue to check the federal CARES Act webpage on the EDD website for updates and additional details on the new legislation passed by Congress.
Tax information now available through a secure electronic option
Last week EDD began sending messages to Californians who have received Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Disability Insurance (DI) benefits, and have UI Online (UIO) account, to provide them with an online option to get the required 1099G tax form for itemizing benefits received. While California does not tax EDD benefits, the federal government does.
With the IRS now allowing digital 1099G information instead of mailed forms, EDD is providing our claimants the option to go paperless. This provides a safe, secure, and efficient alternative to sending a paper form through the mail. But individuals must elect to opt-in and provide consent by Dec. 27.
Customers who have access to their UI Online accounts will receive a message in their UIO inbox that contains information about the new Form 1099G electronic format.
• If a customer elects consent, the individual will be able to view their information electronically through an updated Form 1099G screen in Jan. 2021.
• If a claimant does not consent to receiving their Form 1099G electronically through their UI Online Account, they will be mailed a paper copy of the form by Jan. 31, 2021.
For more information about the annual 1099G process, visit Form 1099G: Taxable Unemployment Compensation FAQs
Latest unemployment claims numbers
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 18.1 million claims for various unemployment benefits to support California workers and their families have been processed by EDD. According to the latest data, those claims amount to a total of $110 billion in benefits paid. The latest available unemployment claims and trends data can be found in the EDD’s online Newsroom.
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