Pennsylvania has enacted legislation (House Bill 68) that eases unemployment eligibility rules and requires employers to provide employees with an unemployment notice. House Bill 68 takes effect immediately.
Unemployment eligibility:
House Bill 68 eases unemployment compensation eligibility requirements for employees who become unemployed due to COVID-19.
Waiting periods:
House Bill 68 waives the one-week waiting period and requirement for employees to actively look for work for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declared by the Governor. Employees must still meet certain other conditions in order to qualify.
Employer Assistance:
Where permitted by federal law, an employer's unemployment account will not be charged if employees are filing unemployment claims for certain reasons related to COVID-19.
Unemployment notice:
When an employee separates from an employer, the employer must provide the employee with a notice containing the following information:
· Employees may be eligible for unemployment payments;
· That information on filing unemployment claims may be found on the state's website or by calling the Department: (888) 313-7284
;
· Employees will need to provide information such as their full legal name, social security number, and work authorization (if not a U.S. citizen or resident); and
· Employees may file unemployment claims during the first week that their employment ends, or their hours are reduced.
Note: The employer notice requirement will be required beyond the COVID-19 outbreak.
Compliance Recommendations:
Pennsylvania employers should review and adjust their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with House Bill 68. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.