Millions of Americans have faced unemployment in recent times, and with that comes the crucial support of unemployment benefits. If you’re in Pennsylvania and received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), understanding how you receive your benefits is essential. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department and Department of Labor & Industry have taken steps to ensure you get your money securely and efficiently, and it’s important you know what to expect to access potential Pa Government Unclaimed Money owed to you.
One key update is the move towards electronic payments via debit cards for PUA and FPUC recipients. This shift to U.S. Bank ReliaCards is designed to combat fraudulent activity and ensure you receive your funds promptly. Even if you requested direct deposit, you will now receive your benefits through a ReliaCard.
What is the U.S. Bank ReliaCard and Why is it Important for Your Benefits?
Think of the ReliaCard as your direct access to your unemployment benefits. It’s a prepaid Visa debit card that the Pennsylvania government will automatically send to you after your initial payment is processed. You don’t need to apply for it, and it will arrive in a plain envelope postmarked from Indianapolis, IN – so be sure not to throw it away! This card is how you will now receive your PUA and FPUC payments, offering a secure and quick way to access what could be considered pa government unclaimed money if you are unaware of this new system.
The ReliaCard offers several convenient features. You can use it to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted, get cashback when you make purchases, pay bills online, and withdraw cash at no-fee ATMs. With over 3,900 in-network ATMs in Pennsylvania, accessing your funds is straightforward. You can also easily manage your card through the ReliaCard mobile app or website (usbankreliacard.com), allowing you to check your balance and transaction history. Setting up email or text alerts can also help you track when your benefits are deposited, ensuring you don’t miss out on what is rightfully yours. For those who prefer, transferring funds from your ReliaCard to your personal bank account is also an option. Keep in mind that some transactions and services may have associated fees. More detailed information about ReliaCard fees and usage can be found here.
What if You Prefer a Check?
While the ReliaCard is now the standard method for receiving benefits, you can still request to receive your payments by check. However, it’s important to understand that choosing this option may lead to delays. Processing and mailing checks is a slower and more resource-intensive process, and it’s also subject to potential postal service delays.
If you opt for check payments, expect them to arrive via regular first-class mail, typically within four to six business days after filing. It’s also crucial to be aware that the high volume of unemployment benefit payments due to recent events has put significant strain on processing systems, potentially causing unpredictable delays in check production and delivery. Future check deliveries are subject to these same uncertainties.
If you still prefer to receive your benefits by check, you can make this request on the Pennsylvania Treasury website at https://www.patreasury.gov/ucpuachoice. You will need to provide the required information on this site to process your request.
Don’t Leave Your Money Unclaimed
It’s vital to stay informed about these changes to ensure you receive your unemployment benefits without delay. The ReliaCard system is designed to be secure and efficient, helping you access pa government unclaimed money intended to support you during unemployment. Be on the lookout for the plain envelope from Indianapolis, IN, containing your U.S. Bank ReliaCard, and take the necessary steps to activate and use it to access your funds. For any further questions or to request payment by check, visit the official Pennsylvania Treasury website.
