MAINE – Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits Available
The historic storm that hit Maine on December 18 resulted in flooding, downed powerlines, and damaged infrastructure across the state. Androscoggin, Kennebec, Oxford, Somerset, and Franklin counties were included in the Major Disaster Declaration by FEMA and impacted individuals who live in, work in, or travel through these counties may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
The disaster period will run from December 24 through August 3, 2024, as long as an individual remains impacted by the disaster. Applications must be submitted by March 4, 2024. Individuals can apply for DUA benefits at https://assist.reemployme.maine.gov/ or by phone at 1-800-593-7660. Claimants must apply for regular unemployment benefits before being considered for DUA benefits.
As a reminder, DUA is an unemployment insurance benefit made available after a disaster and is only available to individuals who:
- Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
- Worked or were self-employed or scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area.
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income.
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster.
Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household.
NEW YORK – Tax Rates Remain the Same, Taxable Wage Base Increase for 2024
New York has announced the rate information for 2024 and the rate tables have remained the same. Employers who have established experience in New York will see rates ranging from 2.1% to 9.9%. New Employers in New York will pay at a rate of 4.1% for 2024. These rates include the Re-employment Services Fund (RSF) rate of 0.075%. The RSF funds are used to develop automated programs and to fund staff positions to administer the UI programs.
The unemployment taxable wage base for 2024 is set at $12,500, an increase of 1.6% from the 2023 taxable wage base of $12,300.
WEST VIRGINIA – Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits Available
Severe storms that hit West Virginia on August 28, 2023 resulted in flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties were included in the Major Disaster Declaration by FEMA and impacted individuals who live in, work in, or travel through these counties may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
Applications must be submitted by March 6, 2024. Individuals must apply for regular unemployment benefits before being considered for DUA benefits. If necessary, claimants will be asked to complete an application for DUA benefits after regular benefit determination.
