What Happens When $300 Weekly FPUC, PUA and PEUC Pandemic Unemployment Benefits End? Early Termination in Several States Prior to September 2021 Extension Providing Clues – Latest News and Updates

When are my unemployment benefits actually ending?” This is a question several readers have been asking following the extension of federally funded enhancement benefit programs (PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC) under the Biden ARPA stimulus bill to September 6th, 2021. However many states, per the table below have already announced they are are ending payments EARLY for jobless claimants in these enhanced pandemic unemployment programs. So the date your benefits will end will largely depend on which state you live in and the actions state agencies are taking around these benefit programs.

What Happens After Current Federal Extension in September Runs Out?

As you can see the graphic below, the PUA and PEUC programs make nearly 70% of unemployment benefits paid over the last 18 months. However when these federally funded programs end in September, unless an unlikely extension is approved, the main option left to jobless workers will be traditional state unemployment.

The biggest concern however is that those who got benefits under the PUA program, such as freelancers and gig workers, would not qualify for regular state unemployment which requires a W2 or some proof of employer based income. This is going to potentially leave millions without any benefits, which could be devastating as new COVID variants are expected surge later this year and potentially slow the economy.

States that have ended benefits early (see section below) are already facing backlash and law suits from jobless workers and advocate groups, but are holding firm that the number of vacancies support the early termination of benefits. While it’s too early to say if this is the case, there is little doubt from the comments below and across this site that the unemployment pandemic is far from over.

States Ending Their Federal Unemployment Benefits Program Participation Early

Over 25 states (mainly Republican led ones) have ended their participation in one or all the pandemic unemployment benefits programs earlier than the current September 6th, 2021 end-date. The logic of this is related to the labor shortage business’ are facing due to the enhanced and supplementary unemployment programs that incentivize and pay workers to stay at home rather than encouraging them to return to the workplace.

The table below shows the early cut-off date for states prematurely ending their participation in the extra weekly $300 FPUC program and/or the PUA, PEUC, MEUC federally funded programs.  This will result in thousands of unemployed workers with active claims losing their benefits from the termination date of the state opting out of the relevant program.

States Ending Unemployment EarlyPrograms EndingTermination Date
Alabama$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Alaska$300 FPUCJune 12th, 2021
Arizona$300 FPUCJuly 10th, 2021
Arkansas$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Florida$300 FPUCJune 26th, 2021
Georgia$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Idaho$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Indiana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021* (Legal Challenge)
Iowa$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Louisiana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 31st, 2021
Maryland$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 3rd, 2021* (Legal Challenge; Still paying)
Mississippi$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Missouri$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 12th, 2021
Montana$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Nebraska$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
New Hampshire$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
North Dakota$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Ohio$300 FPUCJune 26th, 2021
Oklahoma$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
South Carolina$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 30th, 2021
South Dakota$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Tennessee$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJuly 3rd, 2021
Texas$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
Utah$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 26th, 2021
West Virginia$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021
Wyoming$300 FPUC, PUA, PEUC, MEUCJune 19th, 2021

Note that states which are opting out of PUA and PEUC will also end access to the temporary federal funding the “No Waiting Week program” which is not available under regular state unemployment programs. This will mean a one to two week wait after getting unemployed to be able to claim state unemployment benefits. You can see a more detailed discussion of the above in this video.

Summary of Federally Funded Pandemic Unemployment Programs

Despite the ending of benefits in several states, there are still talks of further extensions in other states to the end of 2021. But this won’t be confirmed till the end of summer and likely to be a very partisan issue with Democrats favoring further extensions and Republicans looking to end all entitlement programs. In the mean time here are the currently legislated end dates (per the Biden ARPA stimulus bill) for the federally funded enhanced unemployment benefit programs.

Unemployment Benefit ProgramCurrent Legislated End Date
Regular UnemploymentState Maximum Weeks or BYE date
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)September 6th, 2021 (Max 79 weeks)
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)September 6th, 2021 (Max 53 weeks)
$300 Extra Weekly Payment (FPUC)September 6th, 2021 (25 weeks in latest extension)
$100 Mixed Earner Payment (MEUC)September 6th, 2021 (25 weeks in latest extension)
Unemployment Benefit Program End Dates (unless extended further)

You can see the diagram below for the various federally funded enhanced benefit programs put in place and extended over the last 15 months, but the current end date for all these program is September 6th (week ending September 4th, in most states). Once these are done, claimants will only be able to get state administrated regular unemployment benefits.

2020 to 2021 Enhanced Unemployment Program Extensions – PUA, PEUC and FPUC

Note that to keep getting unemployment benefits you must meet the criteria specified by the state unemployment agency or department that administers your benefits. For example if you are unable to show proof that you are available to work and searching for a job you benefits could terminate at any time.

Further additional verification and documentation requirements have been added for claimants/applicants in the PUA program. Those unable to meet or provide additional verification activities could also see a lapse or loss of benefits.

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41 thoughts on “What Happens When $300 Weekly FPUC, PUA and PEUC Pandemic Unemployment Benefits End? Early Termination in Several States Prior to September 2021 Extension Providing Clues – Latest News and Updates”

  1. Am in Colorado I’ve been trying to get my back pay for two years my account was not unlocked until December of last year so I jump through their hoops to be told I won’t get my back pay cuz there is no money funding my back pay

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  2. I have been trying to get the original retroactive check that belonged to my now deceased husband. He passed away in September 2020. The Pua retroactive funds were returned by our green dot bank back in May 2020. We were to recieve the returned funds by paper check within 12 weeks. I finally got mine in the end of September just in time to cover the cost of my husbands procurement. I have yet to receive his returned funds. Ive been trying for almost 16 months to recover funds that were supposed to have been sent via paper check over 2 years ago. I supplied all of the necessary paperwork and they sent me after one more thing. They wanted me to get a power of attorney. Which is of course an impossible task considering the insured is now deceased. And that is where it still stands. I felt and still feel like this was exactly what the whole system was set up for. To help those in the most need. Well now i need everything because the govt. Needs something that im sure they already knew was impossible to get. That back pay can make the world of difference to my life. And i dont think the govt would even know it was gone. What can i do? How can i get them to release what should have been over 2 years ago?Any help would mean the world.

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  3. I was found eligible for unemployment benefits, but then my employer appealed and he won that appeal. My question is can I still get the pandemic unemployment assistance even if I’m not eligible for regular unemployment?

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    • In applying for my last week of unemployment (week ending 9/4/21) I received a screen which said there was an ERROR – That my certification cannot be processed and I would have to call.
      Has anyone else experienced this and/or knows what is meant?
      I am in NJ.

      Thanks,
      Mike

      Reply
  4. Started collecting unemployment benefits Apt 2020….thru DEC 27, 2020. Then was extended in Jan 2021. Received notice in Mar 2021 that there was a question if I was able & available for work. Nothing has changed in my status since Apr 2020. Come to find out that my employer notified IDES that I was not able & available for work. No question o r notice from employer.
    Received notice in Apr 2021 that I am to pay back benefits paid for Jan 2021 thru Apr 10, 2021 totalling $7500. My case is still under review; in the meantime IDES started paying benefits again Apr 18, 2021, but has been deducting $250 per check towards paying back the $7500. Nothing should be deducted from my benefits until a final decision has been made. Have left messages for someone to call me back with no success. I have yet to speak to anyone.

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  5. Because of a mistake in Connect, I didn’t enter my work searches for week of May 30 and week of June 6. There was no place to enter them. Many people have had this issue. Thought Desantis continued the waiver longer. I then got 2 emails from DEO saying I can submit my searches on there. I now have an issue pending awaiting adjudication. Spoke to 2 agents on 2 different weeks. Was told my searches were there abd a void letter was submitted. That was 2 weeks ago and message is still there. Can’t get thru on the phone. On hold for 4-5hrs then was disconnected! Very frustrated. Was supposed to get a call back today but that didn’t happen. Both agents said there is no other issue pending other than the work search one. Dont know what else to do.

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  6. I’ll tell you the truth, in case you don’t know. Politicians are all liars and thieves. All that money that Biden put aside for American families is going into some bureaucrats pocket!!! They need their slaves to make the corporations richer! The government needs to pull it’s head out of it’s ass.

    Reply
  7. I stopped working back in March 2020 due to covid. When I originally applied for benefits I applied for regular unemployment. Then I was denied so I applied for PUA a couple days later I received a email stating that I was approved. By the following week I received a determination in the mail stating that I was denied. So I went back over my application. I found the question that I answered incorrectly, I put in for an appeal and I have still been waiting to have my case looked at so that I can receive my benefits. What would you suggest?

    Reply
    • I did the same thing & have been waiting on my appeal since February. I file my certifications every week & keep asking about my appeal. They just keep telling me to be patient there’s a backlog & I should receive a call soon. I’m starting to think they’re just blowing me off till the program is over & it’ll be an I’m sorry there are no more funds type of thing.

      Reply
  8. I’m a SF-50 employee with the Federal Government and was deemed ineligible for regular unemployment (because, I didn’t work enough) but I was qualified for PUA. Since, I work for the government on a emergency basis, I will be forever a SF-50 employee until I get hired on Full-time. I relocated to the Nations Capital with the hopes of working full-time in government. I look for a job everyday and when I manage to get an interview, the employers won’t hire me because of my SF-50 status and that I’m a active-duty spouse, so there’s no need for any benefits package. I guess they fear that I’m going to leave when I get called back or we have to move, if my wife gets a transfer (which will never happen at this point in her career). Also, employers look people up on social media (LinkedIn) just to unofficially verify your credentials. When they look at my profile, they get intimidated, because I have a lot of mid to upper management experience plus “3” masters degrees. So, they figure that can’t afford me…. I’m trying to get rich, I just wanna work hard and pay my bills. It just feels like I’m being penalized (like most people) for applying myself personally and professionally and for what? The assumption that I’d rather stay home and get PUA instead of going to work? Trust and believe me the “$300.00” a week, benefit is nothing to stay home for. Especially, when you have the capacity of earning substantially more (if someone gives me a chance by hiring me). I just don’t what my options are living here…..

    Reply
    • This is unconstitutional people are losing homes cars can’t keep food on the table inflation is going up gas food bills People are homeless Can’t take care of their selves or their families you want people To work for slavery wages and put their lives and their families lives in Danger This is how are Government treat Hard working Americans they cut unemployment people are struggling The Government need to stop these states that cut unemployment Benifits This Is Federal Government why are you letting The republicans do this to Struggling Americans not just people with children This is discrimination and unconstitutional everyone Should get a monthly stimulus since they cut Unemployment Benifits its a shame that The Government doesn’t take some kind of action on this Republicans are using abuse of Power And putting American’s lives on the front line This a disgrace for Million of struggling Americans

      Reply
      • Federal Minimum wage is pathetic, should be increased by $1.50 per year until the lower middle class actually has spending $. Corporations should be mandated to pay a higher minimum wage, and small small businesses should be left alone entirely.

        Reply
  9. I have 8 weeks without payment due to documents required for verification purposes, I provided the information and was prompted to call an appointment securing number which grants a set number of appointment’s for the next day,7 weeks of trying to reach the number with no luck,finaly after 8 weeks of continued attempt,I reached the automated system,which promply said my social entered was invalid and hung up on me

    Reply
  10. I haven’t received my additional $300/week payment for a couple weeks. Does anyone have a good phone number for NJ Unemployment (North Jersey) where I can talk to a live person? I still have more than $4000 left in regular benefits. Deliverance of regular unemployment hasn’t been disrupted.

    Reply
    • Hi. I have gotten my unemployment uninterrupted but I have not received the $300 the past 2 weeks. I was now I’m not. I can’t get the answers anywhere. Have you found out anything. I’m in pa.

      Reply
  11. I have worked uninterrupted since I was 14 years old. I put myself through nursing school as a single parent. I made over $50,000 a year prior to pandemic. I have health issues that have prevented me from being on the front lines, which is hard enough. Now my PUA is going to be cut? Wow! Furthermore my son moved back home because his job closed due to pandemic. He has been approved for PUA yet has not received any payments since July 2020.His account was flagged for fraud. I get it there’s alot of fraud currently. He has handed in all required documentation in July 2020. He calls regularly and he is told just wait, it is in process. There are people we know that applied in October and they have received payments. Seriously disappointed in the system. Is there anyone to reach out to for help with his problem?

    Reply
  12. Long term unemployed
    Looking for a job for over a year!
    I made 50 k and now am being forced out to accept a low paying job that I will lose my home, car , everything I reside in Georgia. Also am not eligible for the 10,200 tax break and I have dependents … yup because I live in Georgia we will be on the streets!

    Reply
  13. I have received 4 unemployment checks but did not get the extra 300 that they was offering . Is there something I need to do I’m in Illinois. It says they will back pay. I don’t know what else to do

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  14. I have been receiving pua benefits in Ohio since June of last year, but on Feb.28, 2021 my claim was said to be fraud therefore I had to send in documentation of my identity and whatnot only for it to be pending in adjudication. And then in Mar.18, 2021 they asked for employment verification within 90 days to which my documentation was turned in immediately. Yet that one is pending adjudication as well. My claim has been in adjudication for 12 weeks. 12 weeks of no payment. A lot of help this is

    Reply
  15. Hello
    I filed may 15, and had to fight tooth and nail for my benefits. Finally, I was paid February 08, 2021. I now receive uec. I just received a letter about the uec, and my benefit year is up may 15th? Also, they paid me up to NOVEMBER I back pay but 11 weeks are missing. Nov. – Feb in which I filed weekly claims. I had a horrible experience and contacted my state representives office via email many times. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, our State is opened and I’m required to look for work. I was under the assumption we have a pandemic going on. My money was exhausted which is adds reason for those 11 weeks but my claim has me extended till Sept. And no money left after the coming week. I’m confused????

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  16. I was on the PUA and had $2,380 left in account with weeks to claim. I went in yesterday to claim one week and they were all gone( weren’t supposed to expire until later this week> What happened? Did the upgrade screw mine up in FL?

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  17. In Texas, the maximum available benefit dollar amount is enough to pay your weekly benefit amount for roughly half of your benefit year, or about 24 or 25 weeks. When I exhausted my state benefits and began PEUC benefits, back in Sept. 2020, they set another maximum dollar amount for my PEUC claim, which I am about to reach, and i don’t know if the 2 subsequent time extensions also extended or reset the maximum available benefits again, or were they only extensions of the length of time that PEUC benefits will be available. Wen I hit the maximum benefit amount on my 1st PEUC claim, will I stop receiving benefits, even though there have been 2 extensions of the PEUC program?

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  18. After exhausting NJ unemployment benefits, extended benefits and the 11 week extension, does the federal 25 weeks then begin but end by Sept. 4?

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    • I think I’m in that situation too I have been receiving ui since March 2020 and I only have a balance of $469 left so I was wondering if I will be automatically enrolled in the extension as well

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      • According to Andy’s reply, if your balance is from the 11 week extension, the 25 weeks should kick in. However it will end during the first week in September regardless.

        Reply
      • Hello Mia,
        What I experienced was the week after my benefits were exhausted (balance to zero), l filed and had a new balance amount of 11 weeks of what my weekly claim was. It appears that when this is finished I would then see the same for whatever is less, 25 weeks or an amount that would last until that first week in Sept.

        Reply
        • Did you continue to attempt to file regularly after your balance was zero? This should have been remedied already, and actually you should not have filed a new claim if I’m reading your question correctly….. this might have messed you up .

  19. I received my unemployment benefits for about 2 months then they just suddenly stopped i still have money to claim still unemployed haven’t received anything in over 12 weeks i call and they cannot tell me why. i do not know what else to do . I cannot work due to my pstd . Is there any other resources that could tell me why it just stopped?

    Reply
    • Did you have to file a new claim because you reached your benefit year end? Or did you miss a notice or email that you had to submit additional verification/documentation (PUA claimants). These are 2 main reasons for a lapse in benefit. You will need to speak to someone if there are other complications or to reactivate your claim.

      Reply
    • It’s not for “PTSD”, it’s for COVID related unemployment issues. Sounds like you need SSI, which is different.

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    • If you are experiencing ptsd that might be considered illness you have to be able and ready to work!! If you told unemployment about the ptsd maybe that stopped the payments. You contest that you are well, ready, willing and able to work .. do you follow me ?

      Reply

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