Massachusetts receives federal approval for additional unemployment funds

Massachusetts currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 10.2%, but there some great news for residents without a job because of the worldwide COVID pandemic: Federal Emergency Management Administration Administrator Pete Gaynor announced he has approved the state’s request for additional unemployment funds after weekly $600 federal aid expired.

FEMA’s grant funding means those who are currently unemployed will receive $300 in federal funds. Since Governor Baker has already stated that he would agree to accept President Trump’s extended unemployment benefits plan, that means there will be an additional $100 bringing the total funds to $400.

For those who have been concerned about the loss of income at the end of July when the $600 checks they had been receiving, expired: the new payments will be made retroactive to Aug. 1.

As of July, the state’s unemployment 16.1%, a drop of 1.6% drop from June with most of the jobs being lost in construction, hospitality, and transportation.