The states that have brought back $300 unemployment benefits – are you in line for a payout?

SOME states are being forced to bring back weekly unemployment benefits worth $300 - and you could be due a payout.

It comes after a growing number of jobless Americans sued their states for ending federal aid programs early.

The American Rescue Plan offers the aid until September 6, but 26 states have either already withdrawn from it or plan to.

Some governors claimed the benefits were overly generous and contributed to complaints from employers who couldn't fill job vacancies.

However, following successful lawsuits in Indiana and Maryland, the two states have now reintroduced the cash.

It means around 500,000 unemployed workers in those states should see a continuation of their benefits, said the National Employment Law Project.

Indiana initially appealed the decision but the request was rejected, and the state began paying the $300 weekly benefits earlier this month.

The payments are also retroactive to the week ending June 26, which is one week after it axed the support on June 19.

In Maryland, a judge recently also ordered the state to bring back the benefits.

While the governor's office said it "fundamentally disagreed" with the order, it added it won't appeal the ruling, reports CBS Baltimore.

If you're already claiming unemployment benefits, you'll get the extra $300 a week automatically.

Meanwhile, similar lawsuits in Arkansas, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas are still pending, of which Ohio is expecting a decision within days.

The cut in aid by the states affects Americans who've been receiving $300 extra a week in unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

Those on regular state benefits, which typically last up to 26 weeks, have continued to receive these, but stopped getting the $300 federal extra.

In addition to the $300 extra, the federal Covid programs provide benefits to freelancers, self-employed and independent contractors.

Instead of unemployment benefits, some states are offering cash incentives of up to $2,000 to return to the workplace.

Six states - Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma - are all offering bonuses to people who re-enter the workforce.

States that aren't ceasing their participation in the enhanced federal programs could still impose stricter rules to qualify for the cash.

In Hawaii, officials are requiring unemployed residents to prove they're actively searching for work to obtain the expanded payments.

If you're set to lose the benefits early, if you haven't already, check out our guide on how to prepare financially.

We also explain how to go back to work and keep unemployment benefits.

Households who received unemployment checks last year may be able to get a tax refund - we explain how to check the status of the payment.

Plus, we round up how to get help as plenty of Covid support comes to an end.