LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When the federal $600 per week Pandemic Unemployment Assistance ran out at the end of last month, those still without jobs across the country were worried that they wouldn’t be able to keep their homes and pay their bills.
While Congress is at a stalemate over another relief package, FEMA has come to the rescue with help and Kentucky plans to take full advantage of it.
Thursday, the commonwealth was expected to submit an application with FEMA for a federal $300 supplement to people’s weekly unemployment benefits.
Upon approval, which he says shouldn’t take longer than three days, Governor Andy Beshear (D) wants to authorize another $100 to boost benefits up to $400 per week.
“We believe that we will be the first state to apply for the full $400,” Gov. Beshear said.
The additional $100 will come from leftover CARES Act money, which the governor says will total $24 million.
So far only a handful of states have applied for the FEMA funding.
It’s much-needed help for people like Ralph Tinsley, 48, who is still waiting for his unemployment payments from July until now.
“I believe it would help keep not only myself but a lot of people afloat,” he said.
The extra money won’t last long though.
It is supposed to cover just three weeks, which Gov. Beshear points out will be the weeks between July 26 and August 15.
But don’t expect to see that money immediately.
Upon approval, Gov. Beshear says folks should count on getting the money sometime in early September.
“It’s going to take us about two weeks to get the system in a place where it can process and send out those payments,” he said. “And that’s us working fast.”
The governor says as he understands it everyone who qualified for the previous $600 will be eligible for the $400 increase.
Update:
Gov. Andy Beshear announced on August 21 that the state’s application to bring in additional federal money to aid unemployed Kentuckians has been accepted.
“COVID-19 has caused the loss of millions of jobs across the nation, and unfortunately Kentucky is no exception,” the Governor said. “I am committed to fighting for every dollar to help our people survive this global pandemic and our workforce return to full strength.”