Unemployment assistance site to open
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Pennsylvania’s new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance website for self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation will begin accepting applications within the next few days.
PUA is included in the new federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The state Department of Labor & Industry will announce when the PUA website is ready to accept applications. In the meantime, Pennsylvanians who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to begin gathering the information they will need to file an accurate claim and receive benefits quickly.
Those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, do not have sufficient work history to qualify for regular UC and/or have exhausted regular UC or extended benefits, can apply.
In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits, may not be more than the state’s maximum weekly benefit rate for regular UC of $572 or be less than half of the state’s average weekly benefit amount of $195.
Payments will be backdated to Jan. 27, or the first week recipients were unable to work due to COVID-19 (whichever of the two dates is later). Benefits will end Dec. 31.
It is necessary to provide proof of employment or self employment. Acceptable documentation can include copies of recent paycheck stubs, bank receipts showing deposits; 1099s; billing notices provided to your customers; recent advertisements for your business or services; statements from recent customers; current business licenses, ledgers, contracts, invoices and building leases.
Information needed to show previous income includes tax returns, paycheck stubs, bank receipts, ledgers, contracts, invoices and/or billing statements.
Anyone collecting PUA benefits will also be eligible for the extra $600 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. The additional payments will be effective from the week ending April 4 through the week ending July 25, backdated and paid in one lump sum.
Applicants don’t need to take any extra steps to receive the extra $600.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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