Do I qualify for Pua benefits?
To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can I apply for Pua after it expires?
The PUA program expired on the week ending Sept. 4, 2021. You can apply through Oct. 6, 2021, but the week ending Sept. 4 is still the last payable week for PUA benefits. That means, if you apply any time between Sept. 4 and Oct. 6, 2021, you can backdate your claim.
Can I still claim Pua benefits if schools reopen?
Answer No to this question. If you continue to claim PUA benefits for this reason, despite the reopening of schools, you may face an overpayment, as well as penalties for fraud and criminal prosecution.
When can I apply for Pua benefits in 2021?
You can apply through Oct. 6, 2021, but the week ending Sept. 4 is still the last payable week for PUA benefits. That means, if you apply any time between Sept. 4 and Oct. 6, 2021, you can backdate your claim.
Are individuals eligible for PUA if they quit their job because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them.
What is the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program for COVID-19?
See full answerTo qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020.The amount of benefits paid out will vary by state and are calculated based on the weekly benefit amounts (WBA) provided under a state's unemployment insurance laws.
Are self-employed, independent contractor and gig workers eligible for the new COVID-19 unemployment benefits?
See full answerSelf-employed workers, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and people who have not worked long enough to qualify for the other types of unemployment assistance may still qualify for PUA if they are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of the applicable state law and certify that they are unemployed, partially unemployed or unable or unavailable to work for one of the following COVID-19 reasons:You have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have symptoms, and are seeking a medical diagnosis.A member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.You are caring for a family member of a member of your household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.A child or other person in your household for whom you have primary caregiving responsibility is unable to attend school or another facility that is closed as a direct result of COVID-19 and the school or facility care is required for you to work.
Can I remain on unemployment if my employer has reopened?
No. As a general matter, individuals receiving regular unemployment compensation must act upon any referral to suitable employment and must accept any offer of suitable employment. Barring unusual circumstances, a request that a furloughed employee return to his or her job very likely constitutes an offer of suitable employment that the employee must accept.
What if an employee refuses to come to work for fear of infection?
Your policies, that have been clearly communicated, should address this.Educating your workforce is a critical part of your responsibility.Local and state regulations may address what you have to do and you should align with them.
What are the new changes to the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program?
Key changes announced included: Increased COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA lifted the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying off debt.
Who is considered to be essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Essential (critical infrastructure) workers include health care personnel and employees in other essential workplaces (e.g., first responders and grocery store workers).
Can I get unemployment assistance if I am partially employed under the CARES Act?
A gig economy worker, such as a driver for a ride-sharing service, is eligible for PUA provided that he or she is unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work for one or more of the qualifying reasons provided for by the CARES Act.
Can COVID-19 be spread through sex?
The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth or nose of a person nearby. Coming into contact with a person's spit through kissing or other sexual activities could expose you to the virus.
Is there additional relief available if my regular unemployment compensation benefits do not provide adequate support?
See full answerThe new law creates the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program (FPUC), which provides an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular UC (including Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX), PEUC, PUA, Extended Benefits (EB), Short Time Compensation (STC), Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), and payments under the Self Employment Assistance (SEA) program). This benefit is available for weeks of unemployment beginning after the date on which your state entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor and ending with weeks of unemployment ending on or before July 31, 2020.
Can an employee's temperature be taken by the employer when they report for work?
Businesses should follow CDC and FDA guidance for screening employees who have been exposed to COVID-19.Pre-screen employees for symptoms or fever before starting work.Employees with fever and symptoms should be advised to see a doctor for evaluation and should be deferred to Human Resources for next steps.
Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard applies to all employers with 100+ employees and requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested on a weekly basis and to have a negative test before coming to work.
What is PUA in unemployment?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a federal program that was included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program provides support for Americans who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but do not qualify for traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI).
How to get a PUA rate review?
To have your benefit rate reviewed, complete the PUA Request for Reconsideration form and return it along with your supporting proof of earnings documentation by fax, mail or online. To submit online, log in at www.labor.ny.gov/signin. Select "Go to My Inbox" and then "Compose New." Select "Submit Documents" for the first subject line and "PUA Request for Reconsideration" for the second subject line. Select "Attach File" and upload a digital copy of your documents. Then select "Send."
How to check if PUA is pending?
NOTE: If you have already applied for PUA: You can check the status of your claim online by logging into your NY.Gov account on the DOL website. If you see it is still pending, no action is required; we have added thousands of DOL representatives who are working seven days a week to process your claim as quickly as possible.
What does the application determine?
The application will determine which program — UI or PUA — you should be applying for and then prompt you to answer program-specific questions
What is the PUA rate based on?
If you qualify for PUA, your benefit rate will be based on your recent earnings.
When do you have to certify for unemployment?
You should certify for benefits for each week you remain unemployed as soon as you receive notification from the DOL to do so. See the Certify for Weekly Benefits section below.
Why is my unemployment claim pending?
In some cases, additional information must be obtained before payment can be made and your payment may take longer. Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid for all benefits due.
How long is PUA?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) PUA provides up to 79 weeks of benefits to qualifying individuals who are otherwise able to work and available for work within the meaning of applicable state law, except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons, ...
When will PUA benefits end?
The CARES Act specifies that PUA benefits cannot be paid for weeks of unemployment ending after September 4, 2021. Click here for PUA Claimant Guide File a regular unemployment claim.
When will PUA benefits be retroactive?
For applications established on or prior to 12-26-20, benefit payments under PUA can be retroactive, for weeks of unemployment, partial employment, or inability to work due to COVID-19 reasons starting on or after January 27, 2020 (Effective date of 2-2-20).
Where Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?
Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law.
What is UIPL 28-20?
UIPL 28-20: Addressing Fraud in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) System and Providing States with Funding to Assist with Efforts to Prevent and Detect Fraud and Identity Theft and Recover Fraud Overpayments in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) Programs
What is the FFCRA?
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provided additional flexibility for state unemployment insurance agencies and additional administrative funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ...
How long can you receive PUA?
PUA benefits are available for a period of unemployment of up to 39 weeks, meaning that if you have exhausted regular UC and PEUC benefits in fewer than 39 weeks, you may be eligible to receive assistance under PUA for the remaining weeks within PUA’s 39 week period.
How to make sure your unemployment claim is not delayed?
When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information. Find the contact information for your state's unemployment office to start your claim.
How do I file for unemployment?
How Do I Apply? 1 You should contact your state's unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. 2 Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states. 3 When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information. 4 Find the contact information for your state's unemployment office to start your claim.
When does the PUA end?
The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020.
How much will I get under State Extended Benefits?
While the amount of EB’s are capped at the state’s weekly maximum benefit amount (MBA), many states pay less or a proportion of this. For example in Texas, the state EB is 50 percent of the regular UI claim’s MBA or will pay up to 13 weeks. The MBA for extremely high unemployment is 30 percent of the regular UI claim’s MBA or will pay up to 7 weeks. To confirm what you will get you will need to check with your state unemployment agency which will provide a determination using your wage base period.
How long does unemployment pay for?
Extended State Unemployment Benefits (EB)— Provides an additional 13 additional weeks of benefits when a state is experiencing high unemployment. Some states have also enacted a voluntary program to pay up to 7 additional weeks (for a total of 20 weeks maximum) during periods of extremely high unemployment. Note that extended state benefits are only available after people have collected all regular Unemployment Insurance benefits as well as any Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation ( PEUC) extension benefits they were eligible for. But if the unemployment rates drops below high unemployment thresholds in a state, the EB benefit coverage weeks may drop or cease.
How many weeks of unemployment benefits are extended?
Extended State Unemployment Benefits (EB)— Provides an additional 13 additional weeks of benefits when a state is experiencing high unemployment. Some states have also enacted a voluntary program to pay up to 7 additional weeks (for a total of 20 weeks maximum) during periods of extremely high unemployment. Note that extended state benefits are ...
When was the last time the PUA was updated?
Last Updated: May 12, 2021. While federally funded programs like PUA and PEUC have provided additional benefits and weeks of coverage for millions of unemployed or underemployed Americans during the COVID pandemic, many states have also triggered emergency provisions within their own unemployment insurance ...
How long is the PUA?
This included: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance ( PUA) – Up to 75 weeks of benefits for freelance, gig and contract workers who would normally NOT have been eligible for state ...
How many weeks of unemployment in Texas?
A similar worker in Texas would get 26 weeks of regular UI + 13 weeks of PUEC + 7 weeks of Extended State Unemployment benefits + 7 more weeks for entering extremely High Unemployment Period (HUP) for a total of 59 weeks.
Does PUA cover unemployment?
While federally funded programs like PUA and PEUC have provided additional benefits and weeks of coverage for millions of unemployed or underemployed Americans during the COVID pandemic, many states have also triggered emergency provisions within their own unemployment insurance ( UI) programs that extended U I benefits coverage if state unemployment levels are above certain pre-specified thresholds.
What are the requirements for PUA?
Following a directive from President Biden last month, the Department of Labor has clarified and expanded PUA eligibility for workers under the following scenarios: 1 Workers who are already receiving unemployment benefits but turn down work with a potential employer because they don’t comply with local or state COVID safety standards such as social distancing, mask wearing or personal protective equipment. 2 Workers who have been laid off or had hours reduced because their employer has closed or partially closed due to COVID. 3 School workers without a contract who have no assurance of continued pay when schools are closed due to the pandemic.
What is PUA in unemployment?
Created as part of the CARES Act, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program temporarily expands unemployment insurance eligibility to self-employed workers, freelancers, independent contractors, and part-time workers impacted by the pandemic.
When will PUA benefits be retroactive?
The benefits will be retroactive, and will apply as if they had been included from the beginning of the PUA program. However, individuals filing their first PUA claim after Dec. 27, 2020, are limited to weeks of unemployment beginning on or after Dec. 6, 2020.
What is the minimum wage in Seattle?
And I live in Seattle, where wages are higher due to exorbitant cost of living and the minimum wage being $16.69 an hour in the city and $13.50 statewide.
Will unemployment benefits be extended if you turn down a job?
The Department of Labor has expanded eligibility for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and it will allow those already on unemployment to keep their benefits if they turn down jobs due to COVID safety concerns. The changes are retroactive, so you could qualify for a nice lump sum in late March. Here’s what you need to know.
Is unemployment a catch-22?
That unemployment top-up’s created a catch-22 at the low end of the pay scale for most Americans.
Eligibility
- PUA benefits were available if you did not qualify for regular unemployment benefits and were out of business or had significantly reduced your services as a direct result of the pandemic. The following were eligible for PUA: 1. Business owners. 2. Self-employed workers. 3. Independent c…
Self-Employment and Employment Documentation
- Federal rules require that you provide documentation to prove you were, or planned to be, self-employed or employed at some point during the calendar year before and up to the start of your PUA claim. For example: 1. If your claim started in December 2020, you will need to provide documentation for some time between January 1, 2019, and the start date of your claim in 2020…
Pua Reassessment
- Recent federal guidance added three new reasons and updated the existing reasons unemployed Californians can use to explain why they were out of work during the COVID-19 public health emergency. If you were previously denied benefits for one or more weeks under the PUA program, you will receive a message in your UI Online account with instructions on how to complete the P…
Your Claim Date
- Your claim start date was the Sunday of the week you applied for unemployment. For PUA applications received on or after December 27, 2020, the earliest start date for a claim was December 6, 2020.
Additional Resources
- America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM– Provides employment assistance.
- COVID-19: Unemployment Claims– Learn what to expect after you file your claim