Delaware is moving toward a $1.1 billion milestone in unemployment compensation payouts as the coronavirus pandemic moves into its second year.
The number of weekly claims has continued to decline, although the most recent payout of nearly $17.3 million remains well above historical levels.
The weekly report from the Delaware Department of Labor noted the following:
- Total Claims Paid (Week Ending 2/27) =$17,275,131
- Total Claims Received (2/21 – 2/27) = 1,806
- Total Claims Received (3/15 – 2/27) = 189,630
- Total PUA Claims Received (Since May 16) =13,975
- Total PUA Claims Paid (Since May 16) =8,636
- Payments Made for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims (Since May 16) = $115,834,834.
Unemployment payments are made through a state insurance system that taxes both the employer and employee, with the federal government kicking more than half of the cost.
Delaware used CARES Act funding from the federal government to pay for the added costs and temporarily avoid tax increases due to the system’s demands.
The federally funded Pandemic unemployment assistance went to people (free-lance workers, Uber-Lyft drivers, etc.) who were not part of the unemployment insurance system.
Investigations are underway throughout the nation on fraudulent claims filed under the program.
