2020-19291. Notice of a Change in Status of the Extended Benefit (EB) Program for California and Kentucky

AGENCY:

Employment and Training Administration, Labor.

ACTION:

Notice.

This notice announces a change in benefit period eligibility under the EB program for California and Kentucky.

The following changes have occurred since the publication of the last notice regarding the States' EB status:

It was determined that California and Kentucky State laws provide for the temporary adoption of the TUR trigger during periods of 100% Federal financing. Based on data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on May 22, 2020, the seasonally-adjusted total unemployment rates for both California and Kentucky exceeded 8.0 percent were greater than 110 percent in both the prior or second prior year, triggering both State's “on” to a high unemployment periods (HUP) in EB. The HUP in California and Kentucky are retroactive to June 7, 2020, and the maximum potential entitlement for eligible claimants in the EB program has increased from up to 13 weeks of potential duration to up to 20 weeks of potential duration.

The trigger notice covering state eligibility for the EB program can be found at: http://ows.doleta.gov/​unemploy/​claims_​arch.as.

Information for Claimants

The duration of benefits payable in the EB program, and the terms and conditions on which they are payable, are governed by the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, as amended, and the operating instructions issued to the states by the U.S. Department of Labor. In the case of a state beginning an EB period, the State Workforce Agency will furnish a written notice of potential entitlement to each individual who has exhausted all rights to regular benefits and is potentially eligible for EB (20 CFR 615.13 (c) (1)). Persons who believe they may be entitled to EB, or who wish to inquire about their rights under the program, should contact their State Workforce Agency.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance Room S-4524, Attn: Thomas Stengle, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, telephone number [phone] (this is not a toll-free number) or by email: [e-mail].

Signed in Washington, DC.

John Pallasch,

Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training.