WV Casino Closures Open The Door To State Assistance For Most Casino Workers

With the closure of gaming facilities in the Mountain State, West Virginia casino employees may be experiencing feelings of anxiety and unease. However, the state offers various programs to provide assistance during these challenging times.

During this period, individuals who were previously employed at establishments such as Hollywood Casino or Mardi Gras may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. The regular eligibility criteria have been modified by both federal and state governments.

Info on unemployment benefits for West Virginia casino workers

Additional flexibility in its unemployment programs granted by new federal guidelines may enable individuals in WV to qualify for benefits, even in situations where they wouldn’t typically meet the requirements.

For instance, even if you were recently hired by a casino in WV, you could still meet the requirements for qualification. Moreover, if you have recently experienced a reduction in your hours or salary, you may still be eligible for partial benefits.

While WV is obligated to follow certain federal regulations, it manages its own unemployment program. In order to obtain benefits, you need to submit a claim to the WV Department of Commerce instead of the federal government.

Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia has issued an executive order that guarantees eligibility for unemployment benefits to workers who have been temporarily laid off due to COVID-19 related business closures in the state, including those employed at West Virginia casinos.

If you have been employed by a company in WV within the last year to 18 months, the casino has made contributions to the state system on your behalf. The state sets aside this money for situations like the current one.

To capitalize on this opportunity, certain criteria must be met. Generally, employees of WV casinos are expected to fulfill these requirements.

How do I know whether or not I qualify for benefits?

There are several factors that could potentially prevent you from being eligible for full benefits, even if you have recently worked for a West Virginia casino. Some of these factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• You may not qualify if you have recently completed contract work for a casino.
• To be eligible, you must be a legal resident of WV. Out-of-state workers are not qualified.
• If you have been granted severance pay or are currently employed and receiving the majority of your scheduled working hours or regular salary,
• Your remaining banked paid time off could also impact your eligibility.
• If you have worked for a WV casino in the last five quarters, and in at least two of the first four quarters, you earned less than $2,200.
• You joined the casino’s workforce shortly before its closure, and since then, you have not been employed by any other companies in West Virginia for the past 18 months.

In general, individuals who have filled out a W9 form for the casino they were employed at least 18 months ago should be eligible. However, the state may still consider your application even if this requirement is not met.

If you have any doubts about your eligibility, it is advisable to file a claim promptly. By doing so, you give the Department the opportunity to evaluate your specific situation.

To file a claim promptly and effortlessly, utilize the Department’s online system, which requires certain personal information for completion.

What do I need to file a claim online in West Virginia?

To register and file your claim, simply direct your browser to the registration page of the system using a computer or smartphone with Internet access.

If you require help, feel free to dial 1-800-252-JOBS (5627). Moreover, the system enables you to save your current progress and resume your claim at a later time, especially if you need to gather more information.

The information that is necessary for you includes, but is not necessarily limited to:

• If you are not a US citizen, please provide either your Alien Registration card or your social security number.
• Please provide us with your mailing address and a contact telephone number where the Department can reach you.
• Your identification in West Virginia, such as a driver’s license.
• Please provide the addresses, names, and telephone numbers of the companies in West Virginia where you have been employed within the last 18 months.
• Please provide the date(s) when each employer hired you and the date of your last day of work for each company.
• Why did you stop working for each company?
• The total compensation amount, prior to tax deductions, that you have earned from working for companies in West Virginia in the past 18 months.
• If you choose to have your payments deposited directly, please provide your bank account and routing numbers.
• The total value of your utilized paid time off or received severance pay.
• You are required to inform the state if your current employment status involves a reduced salary or decreased working hours while still being actively employed.

With hopes of an imminent return to regular operations for WV casinos, you can explore alternative options to bridge the gap until then.