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PUA Benefits Ending for Many Georgians

Fox 5 Atlanta

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA benefits, could run out for more than 25,000 unemployed Georgians in the next two weeks. That’s according to a release from the Georgia Department of Labor.  Recipients are limited to 39 weeks of payments due to federal guidelines. 

The aid was established in March under the federal CARES Act and has provided almost $1.7 billion in benefits to over 323,000 Georgians during the pandemic. Many of these have included gig workers, independent contractors, employees of churches and nonprofits, or those with limited work history who do not qualify for regular state unemployment benefits. 

Georgians have received more than $15.5 billion in unemployment insurance benefits since March of this year, more than the past 28 years combined. The department launched a pilot program last week to schedule appointments for questions about claims. While the first slots have already been filled, the department is adding additional appointments Monday for the following week. 

Visit the DOL’S website to schedule a two-hour window. 

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!
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