SAIPAN – The CNMI Department of Labor moved Thursday to clarify the status of two unemployment assistance programs the public has been confusing, saying Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is in its close-out phase and Disaster Unemployment Assistance has not yet been launched for Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The department said it wanted to ensure residents reach the correct team for their needs.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, known as PUA, is closing out ongoing cases from the 2020 to June 2026 program window. No new applications are being accepted. The department said it has reopened phone lines only so individuals with existing pending pandemic-era claims can communicate directly with their case workers and finalize claims before the program ends.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance, known as DUA, is pending federal approval. The department said the CNMI does not have a permanent standing unemployment system, which means specific federal approvals and funding windows must be issued by the U.S. government before DOL can officially launch the program for recent disasters.
DOL asked residents not to contact the department about Sinlaku-related disaster unemployment claims until the official launch is announced.
“We cannot process DUA applications until the federal green light is given,” the department said.
Residents with open pandemic-era PUA cases can reach case workers at the previously published numbers: 670-989-9192, 670-989-9193, 670-989-9095 and 670-989-9190.
DOL said it will issue a public announcement when DUA is officially launched.
