Congress had passed the CAA which includes provisions that include enhanced unemployment benefit extensions and an additional $300 weekly supplementary payment. The new funding measures have extended PUA and PEUC programs by another 11 weeks allowing those with existing balances to rollover remaining weeks and additional weeks for those who have exhausted their UI benefit claims. See this state payout tracker for how payment is progressing on the extended benefit period.
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[September 2020 update] All states have implemented the federally funded PUA, PEUC and FPUC programs to supplement their state unemployment programs. While the roll-out has been less than stellar and many at still struggling to even get more than one UIC payment, millions of jobless American are relying on the supplementary unemployment benefits and broader coverage to make ends meet. One in particular is the $600 FPUC program, which is set to expire at the end of July 2020. There have been several ideas to extend the program, but Congress is mired in party line political debates and needs to act much faster to extend the $600 payment before it expires or provide an alternative offering that supports those who have no jobs due to a resurgence of COVID while also encouraging people to go back-to-work.
I’ll post updates as they come through, but the good news is the retroactive/back-payments are being made for those eligible for payments in weeks they were unemployed and that thanks to the PUA program, existing state UI benefits have been made available to the end of the year. Also for those still dealing with issues around getting their unemployment checks, here are some alternative ways to get in contact with your local state UI agency.
[Updated with the final CARES act provisions] Under the recently enacted $2 trillion Coronavirus stimulus bill (CARES act) unemployment insurance coverage will be extended and supplemented as follows:
- Under an existing provision known as the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) state-level unemployment insurance will be extended by an additional 13 weeks thanks to federal funding under the CARE stimulus bill. So state unemployment maximum benefits that normally last 26 weeks for example, would now last up-to 39 weeks. The extended benefits will last through Dec. 31, 2020 and also allow those who have exhausted their regular state benefits to get an additional 13 weeks of benefits.
- Under Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) provisions an additional payment of $600 per week on top of the current and extended regular state UI benefits will be provided through to July 31, 2020.
- Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provision eligibility rules for claiming unemployment benefits and compensation have also been expanded to cover more workers, including contractors, freelance/“gig” workers and those who are self-employed. You will have to first apply for regular state UI, and be ineligible or denied for that, before being eligible for the PUA program. This will also cover jobless Americans who qualify for at least 39 weeks.
The extra $600 FPUC funded boost in particular is nearly double the current UI maximum payment in many states (see state level maximums) so has created some controversy whereby some lower income workers may get more via unemployment than through their normal wages.
When will the $600 Unemployment Benefit Payment Start?
The $600 benefit payment is now being paid by all states and will generally be paid with your standard state unemployment benefit. You can see the table below for payment dates by states, including links to more information. Note that if you have already exhausted your current state UI benefits, you will still be eligible for this additional/extra temporary benefit boost as it is federally funded under the CARES stimulus bill.
Most state unemployment agencies and labor departments have implemented the enhanced unemployment provisions under guidance from the Federal Department of Labor (DOL). However antiquated state unemployment filing systems and websites have not been easy to update in such a short duration, meaning that claimants have faced long wait times and failures in being able to file a claim. If you already receive UI benefits you will automatically be added to the new stimulus programs if eligible and receive these payments as you currently do. Others or newly unemployed will need to (re-)apply for the UI payments.
Self-employed, independent contractors and nonprofit employees, or those that are otherwise ineligible for state UI benefits or those who have exhausted state and federal benefits may be eligible for enhanced benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Individuals who have the ability to telework and receive pay or individuals who are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits will not qualify for the PUA benefits.
Will I get the full $600? The $600 is added to whatever amount you are currently getting, whether it’s the minimum or the maximum. So for example even if you are only getting $50 a week in unemployment benefits today you will still get the full $600 through the next four months which is mandated in the CARES bill. This means those only getting partial UIC benefits (at least $1) like part time workers earning below the maximum weekly benefit amount for their state will be eligible for this supplemental payment till July 31st 2020.
Also note that the $600 is paid retroactively. Payments are effective starting with the week ending 4/5/20. So, if it takes your state UI agency until mid-April to actually start the payments, they will be retroactive back to 4/5/20. The $600 only applies to those who are receiving unemployment benefits. If your state said that you don’t qualify for UI, then you do not get the $600 either. The bill also waived the 7 day waiting period for new claims. So you can file as soon as you get laid off or lose income as a self employed person.
| State (Click State For Details) | PUA State Contact Number | Paying Original 39 weeks (CARES)? | Paying 11-Week 2021 Extension? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Y | ||
| Alaska | Y | ||
| Arizona | Y | Y | |
| Arkansas | Y | ||
| California | 1-800-300-5616 | Y | Y |
| Colorado | Y | ||
| Connecticut | Y | ||
| Delaware | Y | Y | |
| District of Columbia | Y | Y | |
| Florida | Y | ||
| Georgia | Y | ||
| Hawaii | Y | ||
| Idaho | Y | ||
| Illinois | 1-800-244-5631 | Y | |
| Indiana | Y | Y | |
| Iowa | Y | ||
| Kansas | Y | ||
| Kentucky | Y | ||
| Louisiana | Y | ||
| Maine | Y | ||
| Maryland | Y | Y | |
| Massachusetts | Y | Y | |
| Michigan | Y | Y | |
| Minnesota | Y | ||
| Mississippi | Y | ||
| Missouri | Y | ||
| Montana | Y | ||
| Nebraska | Y | ||
| Nevada | Y | ||
| New Hampshire | Y | ||
| New Jersey | North Jersey: 201-601-4100 Central Jersey: 732-761-2020 Southern Jersey: 856-507-2340 | Y | |
| New Mexico | Y | Y | |
| New York | 1-833-491-0632 1-833-324-0366 (to certify) | Y | |
| North Carolina | Y | Y | |
| North Dakota | Y | ||
| Ohio | 1-877-644-6562 | Y | |
| Oklahoma | Y | ||
| Oregon | Y | ||
| Pennsylvania | 1-855-284-8545 | Y | |
| Puerto Rico | Y | ||
| Rhode Island | Y | Y | |
| South Carolina | Y | ||
| South Dakota | Y | ||
| Tennessee | Y | ||
| Texas | 1-800-939-6631 | Y | |
| Utah | Y | ||
| Vermont | Y | Y | |
| Virginia | 1-866-832-2363 | Y | Y |
| Washington | Y | ||
| West Virginia | Y | ||
| Wisconsin | Y | ||
| Wyoming | Y |
[April 2020 update] With over 2.25 unemployment claims filed in the last week along, America is facing not only a health crisis, but a Jobs one as well.
The recently passed Families First Cronavirus Response Act has resulted in several economic stimulus measures, once of which is Enhanced unemployment benefits. The bill provides $1 billion in 2020 for emergency grants to states for activities related to processing and paying unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
$500 million of the additional funding would be used to provide immediate additional funding to all states for staffing, technology, systems, and other administrative costs, so long as they met basic requirements about ensuring access to earned benefits for eligible workers.
How unemployment insurance works and how to qualify
It mainly depends on where you live because states administer the Unemployment insurance program. But often get help, per the bill discussed above, from the federal government to bolster the state’s UI program and availability of benefits.
Eligibility and benefits are generally calculated as a percentage of your income over the past year, up to a certain maximum. The benefits or UI payment is between 14 and 26 weeks, but can be extended by supporting federal funds.
States would be required to report on the share of eligible individuals who received UI benefits and the state’s efforts to ensure access within one year of receiving the funding. The funding would be distributed in the same proportions as regular UI administrative funding provided through annual appropriations.
The remaining $500 million would be reserved for emergency grants to states which experienced at least a 10 percent increase in unemployment. Those states would be eligible to receive an additional grant, in the same amount as the initial grant, to assist with costs related to the unemployment spike, and would also be required to take steps to temporarily ease eligibility requirements that might be limiting access to UI during the COVID-19 outbreak, like work search requirements, required waiting periods, and requirements to increase employer UI taxes if they have high layoff rates.
Hi Andy! Thank you for all of your updates, I’ve been trying to follow them closely.
This morning I tried certifying for California UI and I recieved this message, “Maximum Benefits Paid”, and I was told that I could reopen a new claim when this year is up. However, I was led to believe that were would be an extension. Should I have not has certified already? Or has the rollout not actually happened yet, and there’s a possibility that the site isn’t updated yet. Thanks.
Rollout is still in progress for CA for extended benefit timeline (adding 13 weeks). Hang in there
Hello Andys2i Are you saying that if in Ca. I ran out of UI in Jan 2020 I will automatically receive the 13-week extension of UI and PUA payments? I won’t have to re-file?
So if i received all my benefits as of 4/12 including 2 pademic payments, now it says 0.. how do i get the extension? Are you saying it will automatically extend and just hasnt yet due to california being behind?
I am wondering the same thing. Despite the EDD claim that benefits will be automatically extended for 13-weeks, I received a notice from EDD that my benefits were exhausted on 4/25/20, I have a $0 balance and can not file again until July 29. Exactly how does the federal program affect the ‘pre-covid’ unemployed? It sounds like the 13-week extension will automatically kick-in (hopefully). How do we find out, for sure? Do any of us qualify for the additional $600/week? If so, Will this depend on a specific date-range our benefits ran out? Thank you
What about call back dates I live in pa my call back date is april 13 but my unemployment doesn’t run out until may will pa kick me off on April 13th or will I be able to keep going
I’m about to run out unemployment in may however my call back date is April 13th will pa keep paying me do to covid
Yes
Yes to which post lol andy
I have been on unemployment since November 2019 my call back date is April 13th my benefits run out the first week of may will I still get benefits past my call back date will pa override this and I keep filing do to covid crisis
My unemployment exhausted in October of 2019, I worked for 2 weeks in November then was laid off. My COB date ends on April 7th, 2020. when I logged onto PA UI telling me to reopen my claim though it’s inactive and gives me a benefit year of January 2019 to Dec 2019. I went to active my claim but don’t want to move forward due to certain dates for eligibility.
is the $600 going to be rethrow ?
if so how many weeks ?
Yes. Retro to the beginning of this month or when your state agree to accept federal funding for the PuA program.
I am still employed, but not working and not earning income. With the new rules I have applied for UI benefits and am waiting on the approval. However, my employer is working on getting the PPP to start paying their employees. This is only for 8 weeks and I don’t know when I will receive it, or if it will be retroactive. When I am approved for UI benefit and am filing my weekly claim, if my employer starts paying me again, will I still be able to receive the extra $600 if I continue filing UI, but claim what was received from my employer? Or am I having to forfeit the extra $600 if my employer starts paying me? Also, if I get retroactively paid from my employer, and I’ve already received the extra $600, when I have to pay back the State benefit, will I have to pay back the $600 too?
Hi, been arguing with family and friends, they keep telling me that since I’m already collecting (since December 2019) that I won’t get the 600 enhanced benefit. Is this true? I know I’ve been answered before about this, but why is everybody so convinced I wont?
I have the same question! I’ve been unemployed in CA since Dec. and still collecting. I can’t find anything about this on the Edd.ca.gov about this! It doesn’t make sense because we should qualify for the extra $600 due to not being able to find work during this pandemic and the state being on Lockdown. I would love to know!!!
You will.. I was already receiving on week 7 of benefits. I started to receive and it was retroactive.
Hi if I started getting unemployment February 5, 2020, will I get the additional 600.00?
Thank you in advance.
Yes. Should automatically be added when rolled out by your state
If I owe back pay will I receive the 600 payments
What if you are being charged forfeit days on your regular unemployment? Do they also have the right to keep the extra 600$???
Do you know when California will roll out with the extended 13 weeks for pandemic assistance? my claim exhausted 4/12 and i got a $600 payment on 4/16 but nothing since then… Do i just wait ? I tried calling and cannot get through, I also tried to re-file but it will not let me and says i cannot submit a new claim until the other expires that is 9/2020. is the extension supposed to be automatic and how do i know if i am going to get it or not?
The pua they talking about I got denied unemployment will I get for the pua I’m jobless cant work cuz stay at home order
I had to quit my job because my parents watch my 3 year old and they have health risks and I cannot find childcare. Will I get ui benefits?
No you won’t get anything
Yes, that qualifies you because you had to quit due to health risks of COVID and had no childcare.
I live in Texas and was laid off in Sept. 2019 and have unemployment for 1 yr. Will I get the additional $600 automatically and will I also get an extension of 13 weeks after my initial year (so 13 weeks after Sept. 2020)?
I RECENTLY HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF HOURS AT MY EMPLOYMENT. I WAS APPROVED FOR UI, HOWEVER, MY FIRST WEEK I MADE MORE THAN THE UI AMOUNT I WAS APPROVED FOR, THEREFORE, I DIDN’T RECIEVE ANY UI FUNDS EVEN THOUGH I DID HAVE A REDUCTION IN HOURS. WILL I STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE $600 FEDERAL ADDITIVE? WILL IT BE THE DIFFERENCE? THE FULL AMOUNT? WHAT CAN I EXPECT? THANK YOU.
I have the same question.
so my husband has an outstanding overpayment he owes unemployment, will they offset the pua amount as well, or just the state amount
I have the same question.
If ive been unemployed since last summer without unemployment benefits do I qualify for unemployment now under the new covid relief
No
My UI benefits of 26 weeks are up next week . I am in SEAP program in NYSTATE. My business is not up and running do to COVID 19 . Will I be able to just keep certifying for UI benefits for the additional 13 weeks ?
Also will the 600 pertain to me as well ?
Thanks
Yes and yes
Thank you
Andy do you know when New York will start letting us claim our extension it says 4/5/20 but isn’t letting us do so?
I think after 4/15. State UI agencies are running quite a ways behind
I have not yet been laid off but expect so soon. Will the add’l $600 be applied if I file for UI in May or June? Reading the threads above, I am assuming it would only be applied thru end of July?
I think my employer is applying for PPP but if retailers remain closed due to virus, she might not be able to keep paying us after Memorial Day.
Currently the federal emergency funding that provides the $600 stimulus is only approved till July 2020. But given how things are going it is highly likely to be extended
My UI benefits ended on February 26, 2020. I was in the Self Employment Assistance Program in NY. I was told to reapply, however when I enter my NYS GOV ID and get into my forms, it tells me I have exhausted all my benefits and will not provide an application to apply again. I contacted someone from SEAP and they told me to withdraw from the program as I never got to open my business due to COVID-19. I withdrew from the program today. Do you know how long before I can reapply
You need to telephone the NYS unemployment office to reapply. It will take some time for systems and websites to be updated to reflect the new extended benefits.
Are we responsible for paying taxes on the 600/ week stimulus ?
Unemployment benefits are taxed as income, so I would expect the enhanced benefit to be taxed as income also. I believe that most states offer you the option of having the state withhold (and pay on your behalf) the estimated amount of both state and federal income tax.
The extra $600 is NOT taxable! It’s a gift.
it IS taxable
No answer, time to unsubscribe, thanks for the beacon of light during this crisis.
Hi, if you don’t have an answer for me that fine please let me know Either way.
I have a month left of his that started in December 19. Will I get the extension and increase, would it wise to not claim my last month until this is in affect?
Please let me know
Hi,
I have about a month of UI, will I get an extension and the increase? Would it make sense to not claim last nite of my balance until this all goes in affect?
Hey Mike: A little antsy, are you? (lol)
I’m just a random person that stumbled onto this site and decided to offer some answers to folks, so forgive me if I didn’t stumble fast enough for your liking. (My point is that I don’t think there is anyone whose “job” it is to answer questions in forums such as this, so please exercise a little patience when you post a question to one.)
Given that you are currently collecting unemployment, you should be automatically signed up for the extension, as long as you keep submitting your weekly claim, and that you will also automatically begin receiving the enhanced benefit. Keep an eye out for new information posted to your states unemployment webpage, and any potential correspondence through the mail.
Well I asked the same question a few different ways, and other questions that were pretty obvious were answered. I didn’t realize this as a random forum, I thought the one writing the article had some 411, if not I apologize
The main question was im about to run out of ui. I have about a month left, what if they don’t start this program before then and I run out, how will I get extended if I run out.
Should I not claim my last few weeks so that I’m still active?
Well I asked the same question a few different ways, and other questions that were pretty obvious were answered. I didn’t realize this as a random forum, I thought the one writing the article had some 411, if not I apologize
The main question was im about to run out of ui. I have about a month left, what if they don’t start this program before then and I run out, how will I get extended if I run out.
Should I not claim my last few weeks so that I’m still active?
It’s easy to answer “obvious” questions, isn’t it?
So…there are a number of “special features” to unemployment compensation right now. The first one that you should be aware of is the extension of benefits. That means that anyone who is currently receiving benefits will automatically receive an extension of the time that they are permitted to claim benefits. Presently, that is an additional 13 weeks. So you now have more than a month of benefits left.
The second thing is the “enhanced benefit,” which will also kick in automatically. That benefit is for the time period beginning the week ending April 5 (the week we are in) until July 31 (a Friday).
Now, it will take some time for states to get all of that set up, so you shouldn’t look for that to come along with this weeks usual unemployment payment, but it will be paid retroactively, so eventually you will receive it (for most, if not all, of the four months that it is being paid out.
So, no, you should not stop claiming now. You should definitely keep claiming now.
IF by any chance something goes screwy and you are not automatically extended, then you need to get in touch with the unemployment office. I think that answers all your questions? Let me know if it doesn’t.
Good luck, Mike.
Thank You very much for your time QZ. So in essence I don’t need to do anything, the extra 13 weeks will be added and the increase as well right?
I have been checking same ole notes ” no extensions available right now” but that’s been there forever.
You don’t need to reply I’m just talking to myself lol. Thanks again.
I too have a month left and I am on the same page as Mike! It’s been kinda a grey area for those already receiving unemployment, you don’t have to be such a dick! Some people are worried about their livelihood like Mike and myself! Thank you for your response but honestly there no need for your haste!
I was recently released from prison but I’ve worked the last 3 months. I was recently laid off due to the virus can I claim UI in Idaho
Most likely yes.
No, you have to have worked 26 weeks continuously without a break
My unemployment ended in October 2019.Would I be eligible for the extended benefits? If so how would I go about getting it?
Yes. Apply or reactivate your benefits via your state’s unemployment site.
hey … ive been checking my website here in ny and calling and cant get through. but on the website im not able to reapply for extended benefits. mine ran out 3 weeks ago march 8th. how long does this take ?
Hey Kyle- I know a number of folks that have been trying to get through on the telephone and are having a terrible time. Just keep trying.
My UI Claim was just processed last week . I was laid off due to lack of work caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I worked as a daycare provider in a child care center in Georgia. Am I eligible for the enhanced unemployment benefits?
Hi Carla,
If you are eligible for unemployment, you are eligible for the enhance benefit.
I am a indépendant contractor, the filing does not pertain to anyone in my field since they just approved stimulus to include contractors/gig/ self employed but I still filed. If I get denied will the stimulus enhanced benefit up to $600 be available for me? It seems very unfair to deny this field of workers if they don’t meet the requirements during that allotted time.. they need to take into consideration work may be more or less depending on the contracts received.
What to do if I am denied?
Gina – From everything I read I see that you would get your state unemployment and the extended federal $600. You being a contractor means you are self-employed. I wish you success in navigating the process.
I think that in this context, “contractors” means independent contractors, i.e. many of the folks who work for Google, Facebook, etc., that are not “employed” by Google, Facebook, etc. “Contractors,” as in people who hire other people on our behalf to build houses, remodel houses, etc., would either be small businesses or sole proprietors (self-employed).
There is a formal process for appealing an unemployment denial. Go to your state’s unemployment website and carefully review the information contained in it. Somewhere there will be a section on appealing the denial of unemployment benefits. Read it carefully and follow all of the rules. Pay attention to time limits.
I suspect you will not be denied, but if you are not eligible for the expanded unemployment benefit, you are also NOT eligible for the enhanced benefit.
You don’t qualify
if I exhausted my unemployment benefits on January 10 2020 and are still unemployed…..can I get an extension for the 600.00?
Hi Donna,
You will almost certainly be eligible for the extension of regular unemployment benefits plus the enhanced benefit.
Hi QZ and Andi,
The Texas website says the “PEUC” or extended benefits apply to claims dated on or after July 1, 2019. I filed my claim on June 16th, 2019 but didn’t start getting payments until July and got my last benefit payment the first week of January, 2020. I realize I have to call them but like everyone else, can’t get through. However, in your opinion, when it says “claims dated on or after July 1, 2019”, is that referring to when the claim was started or if you had benefits available after that date?
if I started collecting unemployment the 2nd week of January, will I be eligible for the extra 600.00?
Yes. If you already get UI you will automatically get new stimulus payments and extended duration of benefits.
I received my last California UI payment on March 28,2020, will i continue to receive benefits and extensions per the phase three stimulus bill since it was passed into law March 25, 2020?
Thanks,
Hi Gary,
I would expect that you would qualify for the extension of regular benefits plus the enhanced benefit, but you may need to telephone the unemployment office as it will take some time for them to get their systems and webpages updated to reflect the new standards. It will be hard to get through; keep trying.
When will the extra 600 be added ???
The enhanced benefit went into effect this week, but it will take some time to get things in place and start paying folks. It will be paid retroactively, though, so if you are currently collecting unemployment, you will receive it eventually.
My 13 weeks of benefits ran out at the end of February and I am having no luck finding a job during the national crisis.
There is no prompt for an extension on my UI page, it just says, “maximum benefits paid.”
When I try to file a new claim it tells me that I’m “ineligible at this time.”
I can’t seem to get through to anyone during the 4-hour window, so what recourse do I have?
Hi Darrek,
It will take time for states to get their systems and websites updated so your only option at this point is to “keep trying” to get through on the telephone. I’m not sure what state you’re in, but right now all of the unemployment lines are overwhelmed. If you have only one four hour window per week, keep dialing during that four hours.
My 13 weeks of benefits ran out at the end of February and I am having no luck finding a job during the national crisis. There is no prompt for an extension on my UI page, it just says, “maximum benefits paid.” Can I get an extension?
State agencies are still processing the additional federal funds. Will be in your UI page/check soon
Unfortunately my benefits ended March 3rd in the midst of our National Emergency. I still have access to the UI site with my pin, but there is no communication of an extension to be filed? Furthermore, I called and they know nothing of an extension? I have no income whatsoever…Please help
I am eligible?
Hi Cynthia,
You are probably eligible. It takes time to get the systems and websites updated. I would think that most folks working at unemployment offices would have been informed of this by now, so keep an eye on the website, and try calling again next week.
My wife does baby sitting at home does she qualify for unemployment benefits because of the virus going around
I think that in this context, “contractors” means independent contractors, i.e. many of the folks who work for Google, Facebook, etc., that are not “employed” by Google, Facebook, etc. “Contractors,” as in people who hire other people on our behalf to build houses, remodel houses, etc., would either be small businesses or sole proprietors (self-employed).
There is a formal process for appealing an unemployment denial. Go to your state’s unemployment website and carefully review the information contained in it. Somewhere there will be a section on appealing the denial of unemployment benefits. Read it carefully and follow all of the rules. Pay attention to time limits.
I suspect you will not be denied, but if you are not eligible for the expanded unemployment benefit, you are also NOT eligible for the enhanced benefit.
If your wife has been baby sitting at home casually (under the table), she would not be eligible for unemployment insurance. If she is set up as a formal business (even as a sole proprietor, using her own name), paying taxes, etc., on the income she earns, she should be eligible.
No
I applied for unemployment due to my company closing because of covid-19 The amount of my benefit does not reflect the extra money we are suppose to get from the federal government so can I expect that the extremely low amount of my checks now will be increased? and will I be notified from unemployment as to how much it will be increased? I will have a very hard time making ends meet with the little I am getting as of now.
Hi Anita,
It will take some time for the states to get the enhanced benefit up and running, but it will be payed retroactively, beginning with the week ending April 5. The enhanced benefit is $600. I expect no matter which state you are in, that will help a lot. If you’re in one of the really low-paying states, it will help A LOT.
Hi Cynthia,
You are probably eligible. It takes time to get the systems and websites updated. I would think that most folks working at unemployment offices would have been informed of this by now, so keep an eye on the website, and try calling again next week.
Question, I am a 68 year old living with my significant other who has heart disease and is a diabetic. I work full time for the US Post office as a clerk/counter position. I am extremely concerned and scared of contracting this virus at work. Can I quit and apply for UI until they have a vaccine for the virus?
I owe unemployment rearage, will I still qualify for unemployment during this crisis?
Hi Matthew,
If you have been making payments toward the arrears, you might. If you haven’t been making payments, it seems unlikely.
Hi Robert,
If your significant other were working and a physician advised them to quit for the time being, they might be able to collect unemployment. (This would tend to be a state decision, though, so not a certainty.) It is unlikely though, that you would be able to quit your job on their behalf and be approved for unemployment.
Your age is also a factor here. I think that states tend to deny unemployment compensation to folks that are eligible to collect Social Security. You are probably trying to hold off to age 70, and I respect that, but the government really doesn’t.
Hi Robert,
The unfortunate answer is: probably not. Unemployment insurance is intended for folks who are out of work “through no fault of their own.”
Absolutely not
I live in Utah but I am a contractor that went all over the US working. I cannot see how to file in Utah for unemployment with the new relief bill for contractors. I need advice on how to do this and they are so busy you cannot get through on the phone. Any advice would be helpful.
Hi Stephen,
I wish I could offer you better advise, or even a small kernel of actual knowledge about your situation, but it is complex given that you reside in one state, work in several others (for more than one company, I assume?), and independent contractors collecting unemployment is new. The only thing I can recommend is that you keep trying to get through on the phone. On the other hand, if you were working all over the country, but for just one company, you might be required to collect unemployment through the state that the company “resides” in.
If my regular benefits ran out in February, am I eligible for the extension?
Yes. But you may have to reapply
How do you do that? Mine ran out too. And I really can’t find work now.
If you are not able to reapply through the website, you will need to telephone your states unemployment office.
The railroad industry won enhanced unemployment benefits that account for its workers not being covered under traditional state-run unemployment programs. Railroad workers instead receive unemployment benefits under a program administered by the Railroad Retirement Board. The bill removes a seven-day waiting period to collect unemployment and provides $50 million to cover the benefits tied to that waiver. It also provides $425 million to double biweekly unemployment payments to $1,200 through July.
I also want to know that if I am currently a claimant and I am working part- time and still have monies in my claim left, do I also qualify for the extra funds?
Hi Karen,
From what I can tell, if you are collecting unemployment, you will receive the enhanced benefit in addition to your regular benefits. I didn’t see anything in H.R. 748 that excludes folks that are working part-time and collecting partial unemployment benefits. (I assume your benefits are partial.)
I just filed a claim for new jersey and it says I’ll be getting 713/weekly. With the extra $600 does that mean I’ll be getting $1,313/weekly for unemployment benefits???
It hardly. It’s just saying some places are paying up to 600 over their max depending on your last salary. A person who lost a 55k a year job shouldn’t be only paid 430/week. They wouldn’t get the whole 600 more, but someone who lost ab115k job would
The $600 more is IN ADDITION to what you are already getting. And it IS $600, regardless of your income. Some senators didn’t like the idea, since
some employees would get more in benefits than they were earning as employees. However, the senate bill DID pass that way.
Hi Karen,
From what I can tell, if you are collecting unemployment, you will receive the enhanced benefit in addition to your regular benefits. I didn’t see anything in H.R. 748 that excludes folks that are working part-time and collecting partial unemployment benefits. (I assume your benefits are partial.)
Kind of crazy, isn’t it?
The above comment was supposed to be in response to Ray from New Jersey. I’ve done a lot of these this evening, so I guess my eyes are getting a bit tired.
Ray – Yes
My Airline is reducing the work week 25% and thereof our monthly earnings. What I find ironic is that I will be making 32% more by staying safely at home and collecting unemployment. The other option is to take a leave of absence with no pay what so ever because I will not qualified for unemployment according to the Company.
Yeah it is weird that they passed a bill that rewards people not working and punishes people who are still working.
I wouldn’t say “punishes” people who are not working, but I agree that there is a great deal of inequity when you think about all of the folks that are still working. My sister was not happy to learn that the enhanced benefit by itself is about what she earns in a week, working full-time. She isn’t dealing with the public, thankfully, but she is still working and yes, right now she would earn more if she were laid off. My theory is this:
1) Economics: It is cheaper to give everyone the same amount than to figure out what amount each person needs to have added to their regular unemployment benefit, to get them to their “full pay.” (That was the original purpose of the enhanced benefit.)
2) Politics: Because each state sets its own unemployment compensation rates, states like Florida, which has a very low maximum benefit, would receive many more federal dollars than New York, which has a maximum benefit roughly twice that of Florida. To get a Floridian earning $800 a week in Florida to “full pay,” would cost the feds a lot more than getting a New Yorker earning $800 a week to “full pay.”
Typo above; I meant to say, “I wouldn’t say that it punishes people who are still working…”
I heard that if you became unemployed because of COVID 19, you would be eligible for the generous federal extended unemployment benefits, but if you qualified for the regular 26 weeks of state unemployment insurance, you would have to take that first. If that was the case, would the $600 bonus of the federal extended benefits apply to the 26 weeks of state benefits?
There are a number of “special features” in unemployment compensation right now. The enhanced benefit ($600) is for four months only (April-July), but I believe it will be paid to everyone that is unemployed during that period of time.
I am s self employed, sole proprietors of a hair salon. Will the stimulus package allow me to collect some unemployment since Ohio governor ordered salons to close?
Yes. You will be able to get the payment
I’ve been receiving unemployment since January will I receive the $600 boost
If you are already receiving unemployment, would you still receive the additional $600?
Yes.
Yes, you should.
Yes.
You should receive that, plus the extension if you are still unemployed at the end of your initial claim.
I have a open an open ui claim as of Feb 2020, am receiving the 600.00 weekly, but want to know if extension weeks are automatically added to claim as easily as the 600.00 was added
Please help!!! Cannot find answer anywhere on the web or through my states dept of unemployment website(illinois)and cant get through to them via phone as their system is swamped.
Is this new legislation(coranavirus stimulas) on unemployment extension to 39 weeks good for someone who’s unemployment ran out two months ago(26 weeks worth) and has nothing to do with coranavirus? Or am I completely out of luck as it probably only applies to recent claims having to do with coranavirus? Thank you in advance so much for possible help!!
Hi John,
You should be eligible for the extension. It will take some time to get systems/websites updated, but keep watching the states unemployment website for those changes, and in the meantime, keep dialing that phone number.
Hi, I am looking to file unemployment in two different states. I currently live in Tennessee, but I made more money in California. It says to exhaust the state that I made more money in, but I read another article that says to file a claim in the state you reside in. So I am a little confused now to which one I should file in. Can someone help?
“What” says to exhaust the state you made more money in? Usually you are required to file for unemployment in the state where you worked. (When I first began working, I lived in one state, but worked in another. When I was laid off, I had to file in the state where I worked, not the state that I lived in.)
If you go onto the website of both states unemployment offices, there should be information to guide you. But if I were in your situation and wasn’t sure, I would start with the state that would pay me the highest benefit. Both states will take into account all of your wages for the past 5 quarters, not just the wages that you earned in that state.
I also got denied benefits saying I didn’t make enough money in my base period, even though I’ve worked the past 11 months. What should I do now?
Check the unemployment webpage of the state you are claiming in to find out what the minimum earnings in your base period was. (Though it might not matter at this point.) If you believe their determination is wrong, check the website for information on filing an appeal of their determination. Follow instructions and pay attention to time limits.
It is also possible, now that they have changed some of the rules (temporarily) that if you file a claim once the systems/webpages are updated to reflect the new information, that you would be approved.
If you don’t meet the qualifications there’s nothing you can do
My employer tells us not to apply for unemployment but use our vacation time. Is this part of H.R.6201
Well. If you have a job you need to use vacation and sick time first. You can only apply for UI if you lose your income of your job. But best bet is to check your state website
Hi Donald,
I’ve answered a lot of these this evening, so I’m getting a bit weird in the head, which might explain why my response to this question is:
IS YOUR EMPLOYER ON CRACK?!!
I am so sure that he cannot force you to use your vacation time for this purpose. There is a forgive-able loan program available to many employers, the specific purpose of which is to keep folks on the payroll. Your employer can find information about that in H.R. 748. He can keep you all on the payroll for awhile and leave your vacation time intact. If he wants to bring back the same employees when his business re-opens, he really should rethink annoying all of them in this very particular way.
Kevin, you should apply for UI in your state immediately. SSI is not involved in this and will not affect your payment.
I live in Pennsylvania and I filed for unemployment when I lost my full-time job. I am also working a part-time job. I understand that I have to claim my part-time earnings, which is deducted from my unemployment benefits. Since I should be considered as “partially unemployed’, am I still qualified for the $600.00 extra per week?
Thanks!
I didn’t see anything in H.R. 748 that pertained to partial employment. It seemed to me that if you collect unemployment, you get the enhanced benefit.
Ive worked for 8 months and I was denied benefits saying that I didn’t make enough money so…..what do i do now
You don’t say when you applied. You can either appeal the determination of ineligibility or reapply. Look at your states unemployment website for instructions on how to appeal. Pay attention to the instructions and follow the deadlines. If I read H.R. 748 correctly, you should qualify now, even if the determination was correct when it was made.
If you apply again and are again denied benefits, definitely appeal.
I feel like there’s to many different things at once and I don’t know which one to go to. I do get SSI and I worked part time. I was told just today that I laid off! And won’t be able to pay all my bills! On top of that I’m a single parent with no support from my son’s mother! I just want to know if I Qualify for anything to help us!
If you have been laid off you will qualify for unemployment as long as you meet the requirements of your state
The fact that you collect SSI complicates this. I would still recommend that you try applying for unemployment, though. If you “have the stomach” for it, you can even appeal a determination of ineligibility. Eventually you might find someone who is able to see the injustice of your being ineligible and approve you for it. (That would take quite a bit of effort and probably more than a year to get through the process.) But if you apply, maybe they will approve it.