Expanded Unemployment Assistance under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program
Note: Updated April 13, 2020
A key part of the CARES Act legislation was an expansion of unemployment benefits, making many more individuals eligible to receive benefits, providing greater benefits than existing programs, and extending the time frame of benefits. States across the US continue to work to implement these expanded benefits within their existing unemployment programs.
Expanded eligibility - The following individuals, who would not normally be eligible to receive unemployment, are now eligible from January 27 - December 31, 2020: self-employed workers, independent contractors, workers with limited work histories and workers seeking part-time employment. Workers must have experienced a job loss or reduced hours through no fault of their own, not be able to telework, and be able and available to work. In addition, workers unable to work due to the following may also be eligible for benefits:
1) worker or member of worker's household diagnosed with COVID-19
2) worker is providing care for a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19
3) worker is caring for a child (or other person for whom the worker has primary caregiving responsibilites) whose school or childcare facility is closed due to COVID-19
4) worker has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 reasons
5) worker's scheduled commencement of employment has been delayed or cancelled due to COVID-19
6) workers place of employment has closed due to COVID-19
This expansion is retroactive to losses beginning January 27, 2020 and continues until December 31, 2020, with a maximum duration of benefits of 39 weeks.
Weekly Benefits increased by $600 - Workers who qualify for unemployment benefits, either under the PUA or under existing state programs, will receive an increase in benefits of a flat $600 weekly. This benefit is available regardless of the worker's prior earnings or benefit level. Once implemented, this additional benefit will be available to supplement regular unemployment insurance benefits for the duration of the workers eligibility, up to July 31, 2020.
Extension of benefits- The CARES Act provides up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits for individuals who have exhausted other state benefits. This extension is available through December 31, 2020.
To file for unemployment in Indiana, or for additional information, visit the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website.
To file for unemployment in Illinois, or for additional information, visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security
A key part of the CARES Act legislation was an expansion of unemployment benefits, making many more individuals eligible to receive benefits, providing greater benefits than existing programs, and extending the time frame of benefits. States across the US continue to work to implement these expanded benefits within their existing unemployment programs.
Expanded eligibility - The following individuals, who would not normally be eligible to receive unemployment, are now eligible from January 27 - December 31, 2020: self-employed workers, independent contractors, workers with limited work histories and workers seeking part-time employment. Workers must have experienced a job loss or reduced hours through no fault of their own, not be able to telework, and be able and available to work. In addition, workers unable to work due to the following may also be eligible for benefits:
1) worker or member of worker's household diagnosed with COVID-19
2) worker is providing care for a family or household member diagnosed with COVID-19
3) worker is caring for a child (or other person for whom the worker has primary caregiving responsibilites) whose school or childcare facility is closed due to COVID-19
4) worker has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 reasons
5) worker's scheduled commencement of employment has been delayed or cancelled due to COVID-19
6) workers place of employment has closed due to COVID-19
This expansion is retroactive to losses beginning January 27, 2020 and continues until December 31, 2020, with a maximum duration of benefits of 39 weeks.
Weekly Benefits increased by $600 - Workers who qualify for unemployment benefits, either under the PUA or under existing state programs, will receive an increase in benefits of a flat $600 weekly. This benefit is available regardless of the worker's prior earnings or benefit level. Once implemented, this additional benefit will be available to supplement regular unemployment insurance benefits for the duration of the workers eligibility, up to July 31, 2020.
Extension of benefits- The CARES Act provides up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits for individuals who have exhausted other state benefits. This extension is available through December 31, 2020.
To file for unemployment in Indiana, or for additional information, visit the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website.
To file for unemployment in Illinois, or for additional information, visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security