The unemployment rate is at a devastating high as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, under the recent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), those who traditionally may not have received unemployment benefits, are poised to do so thanks to three programs expanding unemployment benefits.
1. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
As of Friday, April 24, 2020, self-employed individuals, including independent contractors, gig workers, and sole proprietors, are now eligible to apply for unemployment benefits.
2. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
Eligible recipients will be provided an extra $600 per week in addition to current regular unemployment insurance benefits.
For Marylanders, the Department of Labor has provided a list of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation FAQs to help answer questions regarding the weekly payment.
3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
Eligible recipients will receive an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits after regular unemployment compensation has been exhausted.
These programs are funded by the federal government and administered through the states.
The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance has provided a list of FAQs to provide clarity on eligible claimants. The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new website, the BEACON One-Stop Application, for filing claims for all unemployment benefit types, including these three expanded programs.
For any questions you may have regarding the expanded unemployment benefits, please contact us today.
Categories: COVID-19 Resources
