PUA Eligibility Clarification Act of 2021

PUA Eligibility Clarification Act of 2021

This bill revokes the authority of the Department of Labor to establish additional eligibility criteria for COVID-19 pandemic unemployment assistance with respect to self-certification by individuals who are directly affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Labor must rescind the guidance titled Expanded Eligibility Provisions for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, issued on February 25, 2021. The guidance makes individuals eligible to receive regular unemployment compensation and COVID-19 PUA if they (1) refuse an offer to work or return to work because of certain safety concerns, (2) provide services to educational institutions or educational service agencies, and (3) experience a reduction of hours or a temporary or permanent layoff.

A recipient of such PUA before enactment of this bill is not required to repay it. However, this requirement excludes individuals who, as of such enactment, were approved for PUA but have not received it.