We will process LWA payments in two phases:
Phase 1
Phase one began on September 7, 2020. If you indicated that you were unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 when filing for unemployment, whether it was regular Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, you will automatically receive LWA payments. No further action is needed.
LWA payments are being issued based on when you certified for regular Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits for the weeks between July 26 and August 15. The payments will be added to your regular unemployment amount for any eligible weeks. Payments will be issued retroactively for weeks that you have already received unemployment benefits, beginning July 26.
How You Will Receive Payment
- If you submitted your certification for all three weeks at the same time, you will receive one payment of $900.
- If you did not submit your certification for all three weeks at the same time, you will receive two payments in one of the following ways based on when you certified:
- A $600 payment followed by a $300 payment.
- A $300 payment followed by a $600 payment.
- If you were not paid for one or two of the three weeks due to excessive earnings, being fully employed, or disqualification, you will only receive payment for the weeks paid.
Phase 2
If you did not indicate that you were unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 when you filed for unemployment, you must provide a one-time certification.
Beginning mid-September, we will send you an email, text, or mailed notice asking you to provide information in UI OnlineSM or send in a paper form. Do this as soon as possible. You might not receive LWA payments if you respond late or if the funding for this program becomes unavailable. For faster service and prompt notifications, register in UI Online.
If we find that you are not eligible, you will receive a Notice of Determination for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program (DE 6330LWA).
After phases one and two, we will issue two additional weeks of LWA payments, recently approved by the federal government. Additionally, California is applying for a sixth week of payments for claimants based upon the availability of federal funds. More information will be provided when available.
