This bill amends the Unemployment Compensation Law of Pennsylvania, specifically Section 404, to introduce a new subsection that alters the maximum number of weeks an individual can receive unemployment benefits based on the seasonal adjusted Statewide unemployment rate. The new provisions state that for claims filed on or after the effective date of this subsection, the maximum number of weeks of benefits will be determined by the unemployment rate during the six-month application period in which the claim is filed. The bill outlines specific criteria for calculating the unemployment rate based on historical data from the previous months and establishes a table that correlates the unemployment rate with the number of weeks of benefits an individual may receive, ranging from 12 to 20 weeks depending on the rate.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the total maximum benefits an individual can receive in a single benefit year cannot exceed their weekly benefit amount multiplied by the number of weeks allowed under the new provisions. This amendment aims to create a more responsive unemployment compensation system that adjusts benefits based on current economic conditions, thereby ensuring that the support provided aligns with the prevailing unemployment rates in the state. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.