August 31, 2020
Updates from the Governor
This past weekend, Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program.
LWA provides a temporary additional $300 per week benefit to Minnesotans receiving unemployment benefits. To be eligible, an applicant must have a weekly unemployment benefit amount of at least $100 and must be unemployed due to COVID-19.
“I am glad that Minnesotans receiving unemployment benefits will receive an additional $300 a week to help make ends meet during this crisis,” said Governor Walz. “We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to help Minnesotans through this pandemic.”
“This extra $300 per week will matter for Minnesotans and their families. I’m glad we took the steps to make this happen for Minnesotans,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “But an extra $300 per week is not a reflection of the entirety of the burden this pandemic has put on Minnesotans. We hope that our federal partners will continue to work to provide relief for Minnesotans and other Americans need.”
Those currently receiving unemployment benefits do not need to reapply or do anything other than complete their weekly benefits request to receive the additional $300 a week. DEED Unemployment Insurance will review all payment requests made for the week of July 26 going forward and automatically pay applicants who are eligible for LWA.
DEED anticipates the program will last between five to eight weeks. Applicants can visit https://www.uimn.org/lwa for more information.
Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19
- Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
- Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
- Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
- Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.
Resources
- Visit mn.gov/covid19 to learn more about Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response and Preparation
- Find a testing location in your community
- CDC Situation Updates
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance
- Minnesota Department of Health Updates
- About COVID-19