CONNECTICUT – PASSWORD MAINTENANCE REMINDER
The Connecticut Department of Labor recently sent a reminder to employers about password expiration and maintenance. Under federal law, passwords must expire every 90 days. Therefore, you may be prompted to change your password when logging in to file your quarterly taxes. Be aware and ensure you have access to your account and password(s) to avoid any delays in filings.
KENTUCKY – MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT INCREASE
Effective earlier this month, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Kentucky was increased. For claimants filing on or after July 7, 2024, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $694, up from $665. The minimum weekly benefit amount remains at $39.
IOWA – ADDITIONAL DUA AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) continues to be available to individuals who were affected by the recent severe storms, including straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began on June 16 in Iowa. Benefits may now be available to individuals who live(d) or work(ed) in Woodbury county, if otherwise eligible.
Previously, DUA benefit availability in Iowa was announced for Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux counties.
Individuals must file a claim online through the Iowa Workforce Development’s Unemployment Benefits Online Application System. Applications must be submitted by August 23.
WEST VIRGINIA – TAXABLE WAGE BASE DECREASE, WBA REMAINS THE SAME
Senate Bill 841, passed earlier this year, decreased West Virginia’s taxable wage base, down to $9,500 from $9,521. This bill also locks the maximum weekly benefit amount at $662.
TEXAS – DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE DEADLINE EXTENSION
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) continues to be available to individuals who were affected by the recent severe storms, including straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding between April 26 and June 5 in Texas. DUA benefit availability in Texas was announced for Anderson, Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Ellis, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, and Waller counties.
Due to the ongoing need and additional counties added several weeks after DUA benefits first became available, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has announced the approval for extension of benefit applications. Applications must now be submitted by August 15, 2024.
As a reminder, Individuals can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between Monday through Friday 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Please note, this does not include the recent impacts of Hurricane Beryl.
TEXAS – DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY HURRICANE BERYL
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available for individuals who were affected by severe weather from Hurricane Beryl in Texas. Benefits may now be available to individuals who live(d) or work(ed) in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton counties, if otherwise eligible.
Individuals can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between Monday through Friday 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The deadline for applications remains September 9, 2024.
TEXAS – SEVEN DAY WAITING PERIOD WAIVED FOR CLAIMANTS ELIGIBLE FOR REGULAR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE BERYL
Governor Greg Abbott has suspended the typical seven-day waiting period associated with regular unemployment benefits for claimants who were unemployment due to Hurricane Beryl. To be eligible for this waiver, the following must apply:
- Unemployed as a direct result of a natural disaster that resulted in the major disaster declaration issued by the President of the United States;
- Otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation benefits under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act; and
- Not receiving disaster unemployment assistance benefits for the period included in that waiting period.
WASHINGTON – ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR TAX RATE
The Washington Employment Security Department sent a reminder to all Washington employers to ensure all balances are paid (or deferred) by September 30.
If, after September 30, an employer has a delinquent account, the state will charge:
- At least one percentage point more on your regular tax rate for the first year.
- Two percentage points if you are late two years in a row.
- The maximum social tax rate.
While specific requirements and penalties may vary by state, Washington’s reminder is an excellent opportunity to review all of your accounts and ensure their payments are up to date to avoid penalties when tax rates are issued.
WYOMING – WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT INCREASE
Effective earlier this month, the maximum weekly benefit amount in Wyoming was increased. For claimants filing on or after July 7, 2024, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $624, up from $595. The minimum weekly benefit amount will also increase, up to $45 from $43.
