9-18-20

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) announced today that payments are being issued for the FEMA Lost Wage Assistance Program (LWA).  Payments currently cover the first three weeks of the retroactive program, with payments for additional weeks to be issued when FEMA funding is available. FEMA has notified states that the week ending September 5 will be the last week of the program in all participating states.  LWA payments are $300 per week.

NDOL issued instructions in NEworks.nebraska.gov for eligible individuals who need to answer questions to certify their eligibility.  Others are receiving payments automatically based on previous certification of eligibility. 

Payments currently being issued:

• Weeks ending August 1, August 8 and August 15.

Payments to be issued when FEMA funding is available:

• Weeks ending August 22, August 29 and September 5

The benefit applies to those who were unemployed due to COVID-19 and eligible for a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 before taxes during the covered weeks. Eligibility is considered on a week-to-week basis, so some individuals will not be eligible for all six weeks.  State and federal tax withholdings apply to these payments.

“Individuals who have not completed their certification should do so as soon as possible to expedite payment,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin.  “Claimants who aren’t sure whether they qualify should check their NEworks account for the LWA Self-Certification option, which is only available to eligible individuals.”

More NDOL news releases are online at dol.nebraska.gov.