Author: Ashley M. Securda, Esq., Partner
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) created by the CARES Act extends eligibility to those that wouldn’t traditionally qualify for Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits. Wondering if you’re eligible for PUA benefits? Here’s what the CARES Act defines as an eligible individual.
- You are not eligible for regular compensation or extended benefits under State or Federal law or pandemic emergency unemployment compensation (PEUC), including an individual who has exhausted all rights to regular unemployment or extended benefits under State or Federal law or pandemic emergency unemployment compensation
- You are otherwise able to work and available for work
- You cannot telework or work from home with pay
- You are not receiving paid sick leave
- You are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, do not have sufficient work history, or otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment or extended benefits under State or Federal law or pandemic emergency unemployment compensation
- You are unemployed for one of the following reasons:
- You were diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis
- A member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- You are providing care for a family member or a member of your household who has been diagnosed with COVID–19;
- You need to care for a child that is home due to all schools being closed
- You can’t go to work due to a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency
- You have been advised by a medical professional to self-quarantine
- You were scheduled to start but couldn’t due to the COVID-19 public health emergency
- If someone in your home has died due to COVID-19 and you were forced to become the breadwinner or major support for your household
- You were forced to quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19
- Your place of employment closed as a direct result of COVID-19
To apply for PUA benefits, there is a separate link you should apply for benefits, found here: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.