Newsom launches upgraded unemployment benefits program amid government shutdown

(FOX40.COM) — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he is moving forward to ensure thousands of federal workers in California who are not receiving a paycheck during the federal government shutdown can get access to benefits “faster and easier.”
• Video above: Politicians rally with TSA workers over government shutdown

On Monday, Newsom said that as the shutdown reaches its 20th day, its impact across the national economy is hurting workers and businesses by creating “chaos and uncertainty.”

Support for Californians

California launched a new, upgraded and modernized unemployment benefits program, making it easier for customers receiving unemployment benefits to report required wages and income information while receiving benefit payments. 

Newsom stated that his strategy is to make state government work better for Californians, and a key update in EDDNext, an effort to modernize the Employment Development Department’s online benefit portal.

“Our new Wage Tool is another example of how we’re prioritizing customer-centered improvements. Reporting wages accurately helps Californians get paid faster and minimizes follow-up work from our staff so they can spend more time helping customers where it matters most,” California EDD Director Nancy Farias said.

It requires that individuals receiving benefits certify, or answer basic questions, every two weeks to tell the EDD that they are still unemployed and remain eligible to continue receiving benefit payments, authorities said.

With these questions, officials stated that it allows EDD to know if the person receiving benefits was working or earning any wages while receiving payments, which could impact the amount of their benefit payment. Wages must be reported to the EDD the week they are earned, even if they haven’t been paid yet. 

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