COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance Eligibility Determinations

The Reemployment Assistance (RA) program provides temporary financial assistance for people who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Workers who become unemployed because their employer needs to temporarily shut down or isolate workers due to COVID-19 might be eligible to receive benefits. Many variables can affect a worker’s eligibility and an employer’s liability for benefits. The Department of Labor and Regulation examines each case on an individual basis and makes determinations in accordance with the law.

General information on Filing for Reemployment Assistance Benefits

Things to Know Before You File a Claim for Benefits information you need to file a claim for RA (unemployment insurance) benefits, what happens after you file a claim

Frequently Asked Questions on Reemployment Assistance Benefits

How to File an Reemployment Assistance Claim brochure - instructions on options for filing a claim for reemployment assistance benefits in English and Spanish

Main Reemployment Assistance Benefits page

Proposed Scenario Interpretations:

Also view our Eligibility Checker for to see if you may qualify under state unemployment benefits or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. (Currently applies to the federal programs through week ending Dec. 26, 2020. Will update once guidance is received.)

A worker has received a medical diagnosis for COVID-19 and is temporarily unable to work.
	ELIGIBLE for benefits. A claim would need to be filed online at raclaims.sd.gov or by phone at 605.626.3179. Workers who are temporarily unemployed and expected to return to work with their employer would not be required to actively seek work each week. As of now, a layoff lasting longer than 10 weeks would require the person to be able, available, and actively looking for work
A worker is out of work because their employer closed due to COVID-19.
	ELIGIBLE for benefits. A claim would need to be filed online at raclaims.sd.gov or by phone at 605.626.3179. Workers who are temporarily unemployed and expected to return to work with their employer would not be required to actively seek work each week. As of now, a layoff lasting longer than 10 weeks would require the person to be able, available, and actively looking for work.
A worker has their work hours reduced because of a reduction in force related to COVID-19.
	LIKELY ELIGIBLE for PARTIAL benefits. Depending on the number of hours that have been reduced and the amount of earnings for the week, a person would be eligible for reduced RA benefits. 75% of earnings over $25 would be deducted from the weekly benefit amount. A worker would not be eligible if earnings were equal to or more than the weekly benefit amount.
A worker is sent home from work because their employer thinks they are a risk, or they are at risk.
	LIKELY ELIGIBLE for benefits. If the worker is not being paid by the employer while at home, the worker may be eligible for benefits. A claim would need to be filed online at raclaims.sd.gov or by phone at 605.626.3179. The worker would not be required to actively seek work each week. As of now, a layoff lasting longer than 10 weeks would require the person to be able, available, and actively looking for work.
A worker chooses to self-quarantine and is unable to work.
	INELIGIBLE for benefits. To receive benefits, an individual must be able and available to work.
A worker is unable to work because they need to care for a dependent (e.g. child).
	INELIGIBLE for RA benefits, may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Please note, once the regular 2019-2020 school year is over, parents should rely on their customary summer arrangements for caring for their children. Absent other qualifying circumstances, the individual will not be eligible to receive PUA. However, if the facility that the individual relies on to provide summer care for the child is also closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, he or she may continue to qualify for PUA.
A school worker is unable to work because their place of employment is closed.
	MAY BE ELIGIBLE for RA benefits during the school year. If the worker is not being paid by the employer while at home, the worker may be eligible for benefits. A claim would need to be filed online at raclaims.sd.gov or by phone at 605.626.3179. The worker would NOT be required to actively seek work each week. gov As of June 1 (end of school year), most teachers and school workers, with the exception of federal employees, are not eligible for benefits. Each claim status is situational and holds may be placed on claims due to the nature of the employer. The RA Division will look into and contact claimants if they need more information. Please do not cancel your claim; instead, do not request your weekly payments.
An employer decides to temporarily close or do a reduction in force because of COVID-19.
	LIABLE for RA benefits. Benefit payments would be charged to an employer’s account.

Downloadable version (Adobe PDF)

COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance Eligibility Determinations (PDF format)

Marcia Hultman

Cabinet Secretary

COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance Eligibility Determinations