[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 20, Volume 3]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 20CFR640.3]

[Page 364]
 
                      TITLE 20--EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS
 
 CHAPTER V--EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
 
PART 640--STANDARD FOR BENEFIT PAYMENT PROMPTNESS--UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 640.3  Interpretation of Federal law requirements.

    (a) Section 303(a)(1). The Secretary interprets section 303(a)(1) of 
the Social Security Act to require that a State law include provision 
for such methods of administration as will reasonable insure the full 
payment of unemployment benefits to eligible claimants with the greatest 
promptness that is administratively feasible.
    (b) Section 303(b)(2). (1) The Secretary interprets section 
303(b)(2) of the Social Security Act to require that, in the 
administration of a State law, there shall be substantial compliance 
with the provision required by section 303(a)(1).
    (2) The greatest promptness that is administratively feasible will 
depend upon the circumstances in each State that impacts upon its 
performance in paying benefits. Factors reasonably beyond a State's 
control may cause its performance to drop below the level of adequacy 
expressed in the table below as criteria for substantial compliance 
applicable to all States. Where it is demonstrated that failure to meet 
the criteria of adequacy is attributable to factors reasonably beyond 
the State's control and, in light of those factors, the State has 
performed at the highest level administratively feasible, it will be 
considered that the State is in substantial compliance with the Standard 
for conformity. Whether or not the State is in substantial compliance, 
the remedial provisions of Secs. 640.7 and 640.8 will be applicable when 
the pertinent criteria are not met.