Georgia DOL Suspends Federal Stipends, Returns to Pre-pandemic Filing Protocols

4. Georgia DOL Suspends Federal Stipends, Returns to Pre-pandemic Filing Protocols

Effective June 27, 2021, the Georgia Department of Labor announced they were returning to pre-pandemic, state unemployment operations. What does this mean for employees and employers?

In accordance with Governor Brian Kemp and Commissioner Mark Butler’s plan for reemployment and economic recovery, Georgia will cease participation in the federal unemployment programs enacted through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act effective June 27, 2021. The programs included in these Acts include the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC). The last payable week for these programs was the week ending June 26, 2021.

Beginning June 27, 2021, individuals eligible for state Unemployment Insurance (UI), must:

  • Be unemployed through no fault of their own.
  • Be monetarily eligible (have enough wages from past employers to qualify).
  • Be able to work.
  • Be available for work.
  • Be actively seeking work.
  • Report their weekly work search.
  • Be registered with Employ Georgia.
  • Not refuse suitable work, if offered.

Employer’s unemployment accounts will be charged for new UI filings made beginning June 27. After this date, former employees still not working would be considered separated and should be converted to an individual filing status and will need to actively seek re-employment and provide evidence to continue receiving state UI benefits.

MarathonHR clients with an unemployment submission that is UNRELATED to COVID should contact us for assistance.