The Federal Emergency Management Agency has begun to approve states for their application on the enhanced unemployment benefits as authorized by Pres. Donald Trump due to the collapse of stimulus negotiations.

Unemployment claims
(Photo : Reutersconnect)

Pres. Donald Trump issued and signed an executive order to expand the enhanced unemployment claims. This is to help millions of Americans who are heavily impacted by the global pandemic. His order mandates FEMA to use its unspent budget for the unemployment claims. 

In a previous report of Latin Post, FEMA has recently approved the first four states who applied for the program. These states were Arizona, Iowa, Lousiana, and New Mexico. They agreed that they will cover 25 percent of the unemployment claim or an amount of $100. 

Meanwhile, the application of some other states was also approved in the past few days while some other states are still processing their application. However, some states have turned down the assistance due to some reasons. 

Here are some updates of the states who just recently distribute and their unemployment benefits.

Arizona

  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the state's application on Aug. 15. and they started sending out the unemployment benefit on Aug.17.

Colorado

  • The application of the state was approved on Aug.16. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, they have not yet made a decision either to give $300 or $400 weekly unemployment benefit. The agency also added that will begin to send out the unemployment claims in mid-September.

Idaho

  • The state's application was approved on Aug. 19. Governor Brad Little officially announced the application of the state but he did not indicate if the state will counterpart $100.

Iowa

  • The application of the state was approved on Aug. 15. However, the state has not yet released any information as to when to release the unemployment benefit. The website of the Iowa Workforce Development stated, "FEMA and USDOL continue to issue guidance, and IWD will continue developing the implementation processes required for this program, including any necessary steps for claimants to apply. We will update our website as additional information becomes available, including timelines for application and payment. Please do not contact customer service regarding whether you are eligible for this benefit or when it may be paid." 

Louisiana

Maryland

  • FEMA approved the state's application on Aug.19 and state Governor Larry Hogan announced that the state will begin to send out the unemployment benefits to qualified claimants once the computer system is updated. Claimants are expected to receive the benefits in late September. 

Montana

  • FEMA approved the state's application o Aug.18 and the state is planning to counterpart $100. This means that qualified claimants will receive an amount of $400. 

Missouri

  • The application of the state was approved on Aug.16, 2020 but it is still not clear if the state will send out $300 or $400. At the same time, the schedule as to when it will be sent out is also not clear. 

New Mexico

  • FEMA approved the application of New Mexico on Aug.15. However, it is also not clear as to when the state will start sending out the benefits. 

Oklahoma

  • State Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Aug.17 that they already processed the grant application. A day after, FEMA officially announced that the state's application has been approved.

Utah

  • The application of the state was approved on Aug.16 and they also confirmed that qualified claimants will be receiving $300. The state plan to send out the unemployment claims approximately three weeks from its approval. 

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