State audit details unemployment benefits received through COVID-19 funding

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released a report showing that, through October, more than 500,000 Missouri citizens received almost $3.8 billion in unemployment benefits through COVID-19 response funding from the federal government. The report is part of Auditor Galloway's effort to ensure transparency in how federal stimulus dollars intended for the COVID-19 response are being spent by the state.

"Thousands of Missouri families lost their jobs during this health crisis through no fault of their own, and these programs have provided a lifeline to them," Auditor Galloway said. 

 "This report shows the impact of the pandemic and the extent of assistance needed. Missourians continue to need support because the economic effects of this crisis are not over."

Several federal laws enacted and executive actions taken in 2020 provided unemployment assistance, including the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Some of those assistance programs have already ended; others are scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2020.

The report from Auditor Galloway shows that, through Oct. 31, Missouri citizens have received $3.76 billion in unemployment benefits, which were funded by the federal government and administered by Missouri Department of Labor. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Missouri received an additional $22.82 million through the federal programs.

A copy of the report on federal unemployment funding can be found here.

The Auditor's Office also has an online tool to give Missourians a detailed look at expenditures. The COVID-19 Response page tracks not only how much is received and expended in relief funds, but also lists which state and local government departments, vendors and expense categories are receiving the most funding. The information on the website provides data on expenditures and is regularly updated.