COVID-19: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Open Today
Benefits Now Open to Independent Contractors, Self-Employed and Business Owners
Reminder today the California Economic Development Department (EDD) begins accepting applications for the New Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding unemployment benefits:
Q: How do I know I am eligible for PUA?
A: You may qualify for PUA benefits if you are unemployed, partially unemployed, unable to work or unavailable to work as a direct result of a COVID-19 related reason and you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a business owner, self-employed, independent contractor or gig worker (and are not participating in the UI Elective Coverage program). You will be able to indicate if you have no employment wages (for example, you did not receive a W-2), solely for the purpose of applying for the PUA program (and not to be used for any other purpose). However, you may proceed with a regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim if you believe you were misclassified and have wages from an employer.
- You don't have sufficient work history. This generally means you don't have enough wages reported as an employee during the last 18 months to establish a regular UI claim. This could be the case if you are self-employed or an independent contractor. But this could also be the case if you are an employee with insufficient earnings. To qualify for PUA based on insufficient work history, you must have been recently employed, which could be satisfied if you had a bona fide offer to start working on a specific date but were unable to start as a direct result of a COVID-19 related reason.
- You have collected all unemployment benefits for which you were eligible and remain unemployed or partially unemployed as a direct result of a COVID-19 reason. This means that you were qualified for regular UI but have exhausted those benefits, as well as any extended benefits.
Q: How much will I receive in PUA benefits?
A: PUA provides a minimum "base benefit" of $167 per week for people in this part of the workforce, including part-time workers, affected by the virus. On top of their base benefit, affected workers will receive $600 per week in unemployment assistance through the end of July.
Q: How long will it take to start receiving PUA benefits?
A: Qualified applicants will be able to receive their benefits within one to two days upon determination of eligibility.
For more information visit the EDD website.
Additionally, here is more information from EDD on Recertifying Benefits for those who already receive benefits:
- Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment insurance payments no longer have to recertify their claims every two weeks to keep receiving the money.
- This applies to the dates for weeks ending March 14 through May 9.
- If you work during this time, you will still have to report the earnings to EDD. For more information, visit the EDD website.
If you need additional assistance, please contact my district office at (562) 256-7921.
Sincerely,
Lena
State Senator, District 33
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