State Department of Labor to Launch New
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program

Tomorrow, April 28, the state Department of Labor will begin accepting online applications for a new emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is specifically for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances.

Among those who will qualify for PUA benefits are self-employed individuals, independent contractors, freelancers, and individuals with insufficient work history as a result of recently entering the workforce or being unable to start a new job or contract due to the pandemic.

Minimum weekly benefit under PUA are $167 plus $600 for weeks between March 29-July 25, 2020. Also, benefits can be retroactive to weeks starting on or after February 2, 2020, depending on last day of work due to COVID-19 and regardless of when the claim application was submitted.

For more information or to apply beginning April 28, visit https://www.labor.ca.gov/pandemic-unemployment-assistance-pua-program/.