Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced that the Department of Employment Security has opened applications for the Summer Stipend Program.
“Today, the very first people who returned to work after we announced the Summer Stipend Program will be eligible to apply,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Country, New Hampshire is moving full steam ahead to ensure that businesses have the workforce needed to have a booming summer – and this program will help.”
Announced on May 18th, the Summer Stipend Program was created to coincide with the state’s decision to end federal pandemic unemployment benefits. Anyone who was on unemployment the week of May 15th and subsequently found employment on May 18th or after, and held the job for at least eight weeks is eligible to apply. Individuals must have worked at least 20 hours a week and earned less than $25 an hour. Those who worked 20+ hours for 8 weeks are eligible for $500 while those who worked 37.5+ hours for eight weeks are eligible for a $1,000 stipend.
Individuals must have worked for eight weeks, so the only individuals eligible to apply today would have had to immediately gained employment during May 18th – May 22nd. Next Monday, individuals who gained employment during May 23rd – May 29th will be eligible to apply. It is first come first serve, so the program will remain active until the $10M fund is drawn down.
Since announcing the Summer Stipend – Return to Work Bonus Program on May 18th, over 21,000 individuals have stopped filing for unemployment benefits. The first wave of potentially eligible people that could have worked 8 weeks since May 18th totals over 1,700 people.
Pay stubs are required to verify employment. Individuals who qualify and have worked at least 8 weeks should sign into their NHES account here and click on the large button that says “Alert! Summer Stipend Bonus” to determine and verify eligibility.
