The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Saturday announced it has approved a $193,933,095 grant to Hawai’i to provide those unemployed due to COVID-19 with an additional $300 per week on top of their regular unemployment benefit.

Senator Brian Schatz, who’s a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said “While this new funding will provide some immediate help, it’s not enough for Hawai’i families who are struggling to make ends meet.  We’ll continue working to secure more federal funding to help Hawai’i get through this tough time.”

The Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program is funded by FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which received $45 billion from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Governor David Ige said last week he had decided to apply for the benefits, which will be retroactive to August 1, 2020.

The Hawaii State Unemployment Division’s website says it’s waiting for guidance on how to administer the program so people may apply.