Solid State Action on Unemployment Insurance Helps Workers Impacted by COVID-19

Mar 18, 2020

On March 17, we published a new report providing an overview of some of the changes the state can make to the Unemployment Insurance program to address the growing COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to see the Governor has acted to implement many of these adjustments to provide workers and businesses some support to mitigate the impact of the health emergency.

This handy chart provides a summary of who will now be eligible for UI coverage.

The emergency rules will eliminate the one-week waiting period for those eligible for UI benefits. The rules also expand UI coverage for workers who may be directly impacted by COVID-19. This includes workers who:

The new rules will also extend UI eligibility to workers who:

Current UI rules also provide for partial or full benefits for workers who are laid off or are facing reduced hours.

We appreciate the Governor’s decisive action on unemployment insurance. This is an important step to helping businesses and workers through this difficult time.
Montana Budget & Policy Center

Shaping policy for a stronger Montana.

MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.