NEVADA (KTNV) — Today, the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) provided updates on its unemployment programs. This update provides answers to frequently asked questions from claimants. As a reminder, federal program information and resources are also provided on the agency’s coronavirus home page of the DETR website at www.detr.nv.gov.
PUA Website: Difficulties Logging in on the PUA website?
The PUA vendor who manages the PUA website recently implemented a new security measure called reCAPTCHA to protect the integrity of the site from spam, hackers, and malware. Individuals signing in on EmployNV should click on “reCaptcha” “I am not a robot” first. Users should then enter their username and password information in the indicated space prior clicking on the “Sign In” button. If the initial attempt is unsuccessful, individuals should try this sign in sequence more than once to see if it is successful. If a claimant has been locked out, they can follow the password recovery link. If a claimant is still having difficulties logging in, they can contact the PUA call center for assistance at (800) 603-9681 or 775-298-6007 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon.
TIMELINE: Nevada Dept. of Employment and handling of pandemic unemployment claims
Lost Wages: What is the Status of Lost Wages?
Week 5 of Lost Wages is still being processed and could take up to ten more days to receive. As to any potential of receiving the last week of assistance (Week 6,) unless FEMA approves additional funding to pay for a week 6, there will not be payment for a week 6. DETR is currently waiting to hear back from FEMA.
PUA Appeals: I’m on PUA and my case is still pending a determination or an appeal. What happens when the program ends on 12/26? Will I be paid?
Claimants who have applied for PUA and are in the backlog, whether on initial determination or appeal, will have their claim reviewed and resolved, even if the claim is resolved after 12/26/20. If the claim is approved, the claimant will get retroactive benefits even if the review is after 12/26/20. DETR is devoting even more resources to resolving the backlog.
PUA Program Ending: Under Federal Law, the PUA program ends on 12/26. Is Congress going to extend the program?
DETR is anxiously waiting to hear from Congress on whether they may extend the PUA program. DETR is hoping that they do and that the program remains fairly similar so that the program can just extend seamlessly with no extensive computer programming being required. The Strike Force has recommended that Congress end the “hybrid” nature of the program that requires independent contractors to apply in the UI system, even if the bulk of their income is earned as an independent contractor, but it is unclear whether Congress will improve the program, just extend it, or do both. As soon as Congress acts, DETR will update claimants as to next steps.
RELATED STORY
Nevada judge orders DETR to pay more than 9K PUA claimants by Christmas Eve
