Indiana ending federal pandemic unemployment benefits next month

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced today that, beginning June 19, Indiana will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment insurance programs.

“There are help wanted signs posted all over Indiana, and while our economy took a hit last year, it is roaring like an Indy 500 race car engine now. I am hearing from multiple sector employers that they want and need to hire more Hoosiers to grow,” said Gov. Holcomb. “We have a myriad of work options in every region of our state with many more coming online every week.”

The following programs will end on June 19:

• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
• Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation

Indiana’s unemployment rate has recovered to 3.9% after jumping to more than 17% at the height of the pandemic.

“Eliminating these pandemic programs will not be a silver bullet for employers to find employees, but we currently have about 116,000 available jobs in the state that need filled now,” said Holcomb. “I’ve spoken to leaders in the recreational vehicle industry who tell me they could hire thousands of people today, and in the last couple weeks, we’ve seen companies like Amazon, Apple, Toyota, and Milwaukee Tool announce thousands of new career opportunities for Hoosiers.

On May 11, Governor Holcomb signed an executive order to reinstate requirements that Hoosiers requesting unemployment benefits be actively seeking full-time work beginning on June 1. This includes applying for jobs, attending job fairs, completing an online workshop, or participating in WorkOne orientation.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development will notify those impacted by these pandemic unemployment programs about the termination of benefits.

Click here for more information.