Payments under the Lost Wages Assistance program, providing $300 a week in supplemental benefits to people who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, are set to begin next week, state officials on Thursday said. 

About 2 million New York residents are pre-qualified for the program and will start to receive the money next week, the Department of Labor said. 

At the same time, another 435,000 people must submit additional certification to qualify. 

“Throughout this crisis, states’ unemployment systems have been pushed to the limit and constantly-changing federal guidance — including this haphazard Presidential executive order — have only delayed our efforts to get benefits to New Yorkers in need. But we have worked day and night to stand up this program, and millions of New Yorkers will see payments next week,” Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said.

“We are emailing all New Yorkers who are receiving benefits to inform them of their status and, if needed, provide information about certifying for the Lost Wages Assistance program. All New Yorkers should keep an eye out for these messages and, if an additional certification is required, respond immediately.”

New York has paid out $43.7 billion in unemployment benefits to 3.5 million residents who have lost their jobs since March. New York's unemployment rate in July stood at 15.8 percent.