Title: Food Stamps and Unemployment Compensation in the COVID-19 Crisis | Research Highlights | Upjohn Institute
Headings: Food Stamps and Unemployment Compensation in the COVID-19 Crisis
Food Stamps and Unemployment Compensation in the COVID-19 Crisis
Before and After the Great Recession
Likely Effects of the CARES Act on SNAP and UI Receipt
Experts
Christopher J. O'Leary

Content: The federal government will top up weekly UI benefits by $600 for up to four months. Self-employed workers, including contract and gig workers, although not normally eligible for UI benefits, will be able to receive them. The minimum UI weekly benefit amount will be higher than normal, at least half the average amount. The maximum duration of state UI benefits is increased to 26 weeks (for states with lower maximum durations), and states may not reduce UI benefit payment levels; federal benefits kick in for up to an additional 13 weeks. For states with work-sharing, a program that allows workers whose hours are reduced by employers to receive pro-rated UI benefits for the hours they do not work, benefits are fully paid by the federal government. States currently without work-sharing programs receive federal funding to start the program, with half of benefits paid by the federal government. Employment and training requirements are suspended for SNAP beneficiaries. SNAP funding is increased by $15.3 billion to cover newly eligible households and those receiving expanded benefits due to changes in their economic situation. Likely Effects of the CARES Act on SNAP and UI Receipt
UI receipt in the next few months is likely to soar.