How does my state verify them? The base period for PUA is the calendar year. You will need to supply your income from all work sources for calendar year The state then uses that base period to find the average weekly wage, and then applies their state-specific calculation to determine the benefits amount. Is there a general checklist to follow when applying? Would you recommend this one from Massachusetts as general guide for using in other states?
The list of documents in the Massachusetts checklist and the overall guide prepared by the Massachusetts Office of Employment Assistance would likely be sufficient in any state for benefits based on the federal rules. How long do the payments last? Right now, the PUA is capped at 39 weeks, and the only way to extend would be if Congress votes to an extension. Why is it more complicated for someone who is self-employed, an independent contractor, or a gig-economy worker to apply for UEI?
These individuals are not typically eligible under the traditional unemployment insurance programs, and states were just not set up to process these claims nor in the volume they were received.
The states were looking to the federal government for guidance on the program, how to process these claims, and most importantly, the states were waiting for the federal funding to become available to administer the PUA.
It released guidance on April 27 instructing states that they must review regular unemployment claims that were previously denied to check for potential eligibility under the PUA. The DOL also instructed that denied claims may be converted to claims for PUA benefits, depending on whether the initial information submitted by the claimant is sufficient, including the necessary self-certification, so PUA claimants may start seeing the process smooth out a bit. As this latest guidance suggests, it has been a slow process to get implemented, and states are still grappling with many questions on its administration.
Any tips on getting through to the overwhelmed state unemployment offices? Perseverance and perhaps a little luck. The state offices are overloaded, as you can imagine. These offices are not staffed to handle the volume of claims they are processing. Some states have set up new processes to help new claimants get through, but staff are still very overwhelmed working 7 days a week to process as many claims as they can, as quickly as they can.
The CARES Act authorized additional federal funding to help states hire and staff their local offices, but unfortunately they are still having trouble keeping up with demand. They include a discussion of whether you can do any work, and how much, while collecting UEI. She also explains the tax treatment and the impact of getting UEI on applying for other government crisis-aid programs, e. See also my articles on Forbes. Now What? Review information on filing for unemployment compensation and use the CareerOneStop Unemployment Benefits Finder to learn about eligibility and applying for benefits in your state.
If you were unemployed as a result of a major disaster, you may be eligible to receive disaster unemployment assistance. The federally funded Disaster Unemployment Assistance program DUA is designed to provide assistance to workers who become unemployed as the result of a presidentially declared major disaster, and who are ineligible for other unemployment benefits. State unemployment law may provide eligibility for benefits in some other special circumstances, and your unemployment department can help you navigate the process should you become unemployed.
The Self-Employment Assistance Program is a federal government endorsed program that offers unemployed or displaced workers in some states unemployment benefits when they are starting a business. The Self-Employment Assistance Program pays a displaced worker an allowance, instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, to help keep them afloat while they are establishing a business and becoming self-employed.
If you are collecting unemployment based on a job you had, working freelance can impact the benefits you are receiving. For example, in New York state, you need to report income when you do freelance work, do "favors" for another business, start a business, or are or become self-employed while you are collecting unemployment benefits. There are similar requirements in other states.
In addition, in order to claim benefits, you need to be ready, willing, and available for work. Some states require that you keep and regularly turn in an employment log documenting your efforts to regain employment. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, make sure that you know the guidelines regarding any work you engage in.
Violating the requirements can result in a loss of benefits and also substantial fines if you are discovered. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice.
Department of Labor. New York Department of Labor. Internal Revenue Service. New York State Department of Labor. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. This will not affect your PUA eligibility. Once you have submitted your application, you may begin requesting payments, and must continue to do so every two weeks. For help requesting payments, you can follow this guide: How to Request Benefit Payments. Common Topics.
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