The governor announces new unemployment benefits for about 60,000 workers

Just over 24 hours after the official takeover of the country’s reins, Governor Pedro Pierluisi and Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH) Carlos J. Rivera Santiago announced the signing of an agreement allocating an additional $ 100 a week in compensation for Unemployment beneficiaries belonging to the salaried sector, but, in turn, generated income from independent activities that reached or exceeded USD 5,000 in the taxable year 2019.

“I reiterate that my government will take advantage of all available and necessary resources so that families in Puerto Rico have economic relief from the loss of income that has caused the effects of COVID-19. Part of our agenda is to identify and implement all those aids that improve the financial situation of our families and, in turn, allow to stimulate the economy of the island “said the governor in written statements.

The Joint Unemployment Compensation Program (MEUC) directly benefits those workers who do not qualify for PUA because they are eligible for unemployment.

“We identified that about 60,000 people could qualify for the requirements, which would represent an economic impact of about $ 65 million. I thank the governor diligently with whom I sign such an important initiative “, said the Minister of Labor.

The requirements and instructions for participating in the program will be published in the coming weeks.