
- File an application for PUA by creating an account or logging in at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.
- Go to your UI summary page.
- Select link "Click here to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance".
Why is my Pua still processing PA?
why is my pua still processing pa. February 25, 2021. Answer: The PA UC Application Review Process. Kris says: Friday at 5:40 am. Backdated PUA Claims and Payments PUA claims can be backdated to January 27, 2020 or to the first week you were unemployed due to COVID-19, whichever of the two dates is later. Su says: Tuesday at 11:23 pm.
Who is eligible for pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?
Who Was Eligible to Receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)? PUA was intended to support workers who didn't otherwise qualify for unemployment insurance. Examples of the types of workers targeted by the PUA program included freelancers, part-time gig workers, and self-employed individuals.
How to apply for pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?
- File an application for PUA by creating an account or logging in at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.
- Go to your UI summary page.
- Select link "Click here to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance".
What is a Pua claim?
You may qualify for other State programs to help cover food, housing, and healthcare expenses. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) was part of the federal assistance that helped unemployed Californians who were not usually eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits. PUA included up to 86 weeks of benefits, beginning February 2, 2020.

Can self-employed individuals qualify for PUA benefits?
States are permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation.
What is the maximum Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits (PEUC) eligibility in weeks?
No PEUC is payable for any week of unemployment beginning after April 5, 2021. In addition, the length of time an eligible individual can receive PEUC has been extended from 13 weeks to 24 weeks.
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.
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.
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 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 kinds of relief does the CARES Act provide for people who are about to exhaust regular unemployment benefits?
Under the CARES Act states are permitted to extend unemployment benefits by up to 13 weeks under the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.
What does it mean to be unable to work, including telework for COVID-19 related reasons?
You are unable to work if your employer has work for you and one of the COVID-19 qualifying reasons set forth in the FFCRA prevents you from being able to perform that work, either under normal circumstances at your normal worksite or by means of telework.If you and your employer agree that you will work your normal number of hours, but outside of your normally scheduled hours (for instance early in the morning or late at night), then you are able to work and leave is not necessary unless a COVID-19 qualifying reason prevents you from working that schedule.
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.
What is PUA in unemployment?
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program. This is a newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act. PUA provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related ...
How much is PUA in 2020?
If you qualify for PUA the initial payments you will receive are as follows: $167.00 per week, for each week from February 2, 2020 to March 28, 2020 that you were unemployed due to a COVID-19 related reason . AND.
How often do you have to backdate your PUA?
If you qualify for your claim to be backdated to an earlier PUA effective date based on your last day of work, you could receive payment for prior weeks you were unemployed due to COVID-19. You will be required to provide the EDD eligibility information every two weeks. This is known as certifying for benefits.
When does PUA end?
Similarly, the PUA program has a legislative end date of 12/31/20, but for most Californians the last full week of benefits will end on 12/26/20. 1.
How much is the minimum weekly benefit?
Amount of Benefits. Minimum weekly benefit amount of $167 (but weekly amount may be higher and equal the amount provided under regular UI, depending on proof of prior earnings) PLUS $600 for weeks between March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020 .**. When Benefits Start.
When do unemployment benefits start?
When Benefits Start. Benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020 , depending on your last day of work due to COVID-19 and regardless of when you submitted your claim application.
When will the EDD start accepting applications?
The Employment Development Department (EDD) will be accepting online applications for this program beginning on Tuesday, April 28. Check back on this page for the latest updates. PLUS $600 for weeks between March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020 .**.
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).
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.
Should I certify weekly while on PUA?
Instead, PUA claimants should continue to certify weekly while unemployed to continue receiving the benefits they are eligible for. Claimants who are receiving traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI), should reapply if they continue to be unemployed when their benefit year has ended.
When will PUA pay back?
Claimants fail to submit acceptable documentation by the deadline in their notice from DES will not be eligible to continue receiving PUA benefits and may be required to pay back benefits received since Dec. 27, 2020. Learn more.
How long is the PUA?
Claimants may receive up to 79 weeks of PUA benefits through Sept. 4, 2021.
How many weeks of unemployment benefits will be available in 2021?
Claimants may receive up to 79 weeks of PUA benefits through Sept. 4, 2021. The number of eligible weeks I reduced by any weeks the claimant received of state unemployment insurance benefits and federal Extended Benefits.
How long does it take to terminate a PUA?
All states and territories, including Washington, D.C., have agreed to participate in the PUA program. However, either the DOL or a state may give thirty days written notice to terminate the PUA Agreement.
Has the PUA been extended?
The only update is that the program has been extended until September 6, 2021. For more information on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance:
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 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.
What is UIPL 20-20?
UIPL 20-20: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 - Operating, Financial, and Reporting Instructions for Section 2105: Temporary Full Federal Funding of the First Week of Compensable Regular Unemployment for States with No Waiting Week. UIPL 18-20: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARE S) ...
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.
Does the Cares Act apply to unemployment?
Yes, depending on how your state chooses to implement the CARES Act. The 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 I get PUA if I am a gig economy worker?
You may be eligible for PUA, depending on your personal circumstances. 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. For example, a driver for a ride-sharing service may be forced to quit his or her job if he or she was diagnosed with COVID-19 by a qualified medical professional, and although the driver no longer has COVID-19, the illness caused health complications that render the driver objectively unable to perform his or her essential job functions, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Similarly, under an additional eligibility criterion established by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to 2102 (a) (3) (A) (ii) (I) (kk), a driver who receives an IRS Form 1099 from the ride-sharing service may qualify for PUA benefits if he or she has been forced to suspend operations as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, such as if an emergency state or municipal order restricting movement makes continued operations unsustainable. Relatedly, widespread social distancing undertaken in response to guidance from federal, state, or local governments may so severely reduce customer demand for a driver’s services as to force him or her to suspend operations, and thus make the driver eligible for PUA.
Can you contest unemployment claims?
Individuals who quit their jobs to access higher benefits, and are untruthful in their UI application about their reason for quitting, will be considered to have committed fraud. If desired, employers can contest unemployment insurance claims through their state unemployment insurance agency’s process.

Eligibility
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…
Benefit Payments
- Certification
After your account is set up, you must “certify” for your benefit payments. Certifyingis answering basic questions every two weeks that tells us you were unemployed and eligible to receive payments. Note: With a PUA claim, you can only certify online or by mail for weeks of unemploy…
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