For those who are financially impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and are considered to be self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers or part-time employees, they may apply for a new federally funded program to collect unemployment insurance (UI).
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The program, which opened for applicants on Tuesday, April 28, will issue payments in three phases that include a minimum payment plus an additional $600 per week through July 31.
According to the Employment Development Department of California, the initial payments you will receive are as follows:
- Phase 1
$167 per week for each week you were unemployed from February 2, 2020 to March 28, 2020 due to a COVID-19 related reason. - Phase 2
$167 plus $600 per week for each week you were unemployed from March 29, 2020 to July 25, 2020, due to a COVID-19 related reason. - Phase 3
$167 per week, for each week from July 26, 2020 to December 26, 2020, that you are unemployed due to a COVID-19 related reason, up to a total of 39 weeks (minus any weeks of regular UI and certain extended UI benefits that you have received)
To be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, you must provide self-certification that you are able to work and available for work, and that you are unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work due to one of these COVID-19.
You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program to inquire about dates and guidelines specific to your state.
For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor website.
