Bill > HB1687

This bill amends the Unemployment Compensation Law to modify how the maximum number of weeks of unemployment benefits are determined. Under the new provisions, the number of weeks an individual can receive benefits will be directly tied to the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate during the six-month period when the claim is filed. The bill establishes a sliding scale where the maximum benefit weeks range from 12 to 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate. For example, if the unemployment rate is less than or equal to 5.5%, an individual can receive 12 weeks of benefits, while if the rate is greater than 9%, they can receive up to 20 weeks. The bill uses two six-month application periods per year (January 1 and July 1), with the unemployment rate calculated using the average of the preceding three months' rates as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The total maximum benefits an individual can receive in a single benefit year will be calculated by multiplying their weekly benefit amount by the number of weeks allowed under the new provisions. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1687