March 20, 2020

Unemployment and COVID-19: INDIANA

Indiana has provided the following information for unemployment relating to COVID-19:
INDIANAPOLIS (March 18, 2020) – The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will host two live statewide unemployment insurance webinars for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
https://calendar.in.gov/site/dwd/event/media-advisory-dwd-to-host-statewide-unemployment-insurance-webinars-for-hoosiers-impacted-by-covid/
The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, the formula and amounts determined by Indiana State Statute for benefit amounts, frequently asked questions—and how to apply for benefits.
“We are taking these measures to help the public better understand the process and, most importantly, how to apply for benefits,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “During this time of uncertainty, we want to provide as much information to the public as we possibly can, and the live webinars are part of those efforts.”
Important notice: The number of attendees on live will be limited to the first 500 who are online for each event. Up to 5,000 can register for each of the two. The program will be recorded and made available to all who register.
Once recorded, the program will then be posted on the special landing page established by DWD:
www.in.gov/dwd/19.htm
To register, visit: https://on.in.gov/UI2020
Indiana Unemployment Insurance
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for COVID-19 work-related issues
Effective March 16, 2020

Q1: If an employer temporarily lays off employees due to the loss of production, lack of demand for their products/services or out of precaution caused by COVID-19, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?
A1: Indiana unemployment benefits are available to any individual who is unemployed through no fault of his/her own. If an employer must lay off employees due to the loss of production caused by the coronavirus, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria and the weekly eligibility criteria. Employees must stay in contact with their employer and be available to work when called back.
Q2: If I received a letter to attend an in-person Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program session at my local WorkOne for the weeks of March 16 or March 23, 2020, do I have to attend?
A2: No. The previously scheduled in-person meetings for the week of March 16 and March 23, 2020, are suspended. UI Claimants who received a letter to attend should receive communication from their local WorkOne that those meetings are suspended. If you have questions regarding attendance, please contact your local WorkOne.
Q3: Will DWD schedule future in-person Reemployment Services & Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program sessions at WorkOne centers?
A3: DWD will not be scheduling new RESEA in-person meetings until further notice but will be working to implement virtual services. UI Claimants who are required to participate in virtual services will be contacted.
Q4. How much is an individual entitled to receive in unemployment benefits?
A4: To determine an individual’s weekly payment, divide the total wages earned in the four quarters (12 months) prior to the last quarter the individual worked by 52. Then multiply the sum by 0.47. For example, if the individual earned a total of $30,000 in the four quarters prior to the last quarter worked: $30,000 ÷ 52 = $576.92 x 0.47 = $271 (weekly benefit amount). The weekly benefit amount should be rounded down to the next whole dollar amount and will not exceed $390.
Q5: When will an individual receive his/her first unemployment insurance payment?
A5: An individual should receive his/her first payment within three weeks if there are no issues on the claim for benefits. There is a one week waiting period for payment of unemployment insurance. This means that benefits are not paid for the first week of eligibility. Individuals must still file a voucher for that week.
For more information, visit Indiana Unemployment at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website: https://www.in.gov/dwd/.