Pennsylvania, often abbreviated as PA, is a state located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania also provides essential services to its residents, including unemployment benefits. This article focuses on important updates regarding how Pennsylvanians receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) will now receive their payments.
To combat fraudulent activities, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) have implemented a change in payment methods. All individuals receiving unemployment benefits under the PUA and FPUC programs will now receive their payments via electronic deposits onto prepaid debit cards, specifically U.S. Bank ReliaCards. Even if you previously requested direct deposit, you will now receive your benefits through this debit card system.
Receiving Your Unemployment Benefits on a ReliaCard
The U.S. Bank ReliaCard is designed to be a secure and efficient way to access your unemployment benefits. If you are a PUA claimant and have not yet received a ReliaCard, you can expect to receive it within 7 to 10 business days after your initial payment is processed by L&I. The ReliaCard will be mailed to you automatically in a plain envelope postmarked from Indianapolis, IN. It’s crucial to pay close attention to your mail and not accidentally discard this envelope, as it contains your benefits card.
This prepaid Visa debit card offers numerous advantages. You can use the ReliaCard to make purchases at any location that accepts Visa, get cash back when making purchases, pay bills online or over the phone, and withdraw cash at no-fee ATMs. Pennsylvania boasts over 3,900 in-network ATMs where you can withdraw your funds without incurring any fees. You can easily monitor your card balance and transaction history through the ReliaCard mobile app or the cardholder website at usbankreliacard.com. For added convenience, you can also set up email or text alerts to be notified as soon as your benefits are deposited onto your card. Furthermore, you have the option to transfer funds from your ReliaCard to your personal bank account if desired. It’s important to note that while many services are free, some transactions and services may incur fees. Detailed information about fees and transaction limits can be found in the Fee Schedule and Card Carrier documents provided with your ReliaCard.
More detailed information regarding the ReliaCard can be found at https://patreasury.gov/pdf/Disclosure-Info.pdf.
Understanding the Check Payment Option
While the primary method of payment is now the ReliaCard, you can still request to receive your unemployment benefits via check. However, it is important to understand that payment by check is a slower and more resource-intensive process. Additionally, check delivery is subject to the schedules of the U.S. Postal Service.
If you choose to receive your benefits by check, they will be sent through regular first-class mail and typically take four to six business days to arrive after the filing date. It’s also important to be aware that the high volume of unemployment benefit payments due to recent events has placed significant strain on both L&I and the Treasury Department. This has, at times, resulted in unpredictable delays in the production and mailing of benefit checks. Therefore, future check deliveries may also be subject to similar uncertainties.
If you still prefer to receive your payments by check, you can make this request by visiting the Treasury website at https://www.patreasury.gov/ucpuachoice and providing the necessary information.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania is committed to providing timely and secure unemployment benefits. The transition to ReliaCard payments for PUA and FPUC recipients is a measure to enhance security and efficiency. While checks remain an option, debit cards offer a faster and more reliable way to access your benefits in the state of PA.
