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The PUA is now available to the unemployed self-employed, Gig economy and other non-traditional type workers
Self-employed, Gig economy employees and other non-traditional workers who have been excluded from traditional unemployment benefits may not be getting some much-needed relief under a new federal program. In an announcement made during his April 20th daily update, Massachusetts Governor Baker said that Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits may now apply for them under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
“As a Commonwealth, we are committed to doing everything in our power, and moving as urgently as possible to get workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis the benefits they deserve,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the implementation of this new federal benefit program, we can better support workers not normally covered by the unemployment system like those who are self-employed or work in the gig economy.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of workers across the Commonwealth, and our Administration is doing everything we can to help,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The implementation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in Massachusetts is another important step in our efforts to help those who are economically disrupted by this virus.”
Up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits may be available
The new federal PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. This includes:
- self-employed workers,
- independent contractors,
- gig economy workers, and
- those with limited work history.
How to claim benefits under this new program
In order to be approved for eligibility, individuals must submit a self-certification stating that “they are otherwise able and available to work but are prevented from doing so by circumstances relating to COVID-19, including their own illness or that of a family member.” Applicants will also need to provide the following information and documents:
- A social security number
- If you are not a citizen of the United States, A Number (USCIS Number)
- A residential address
- A mailing address (if different from residential address)
- A telephone number
- An email address
- A birth date
- Wage records for 2019, which includes:
- 1099 forms
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
- The social security number(s) and date(s) of birth for your dependent child(ren)
- For direct deposit for payment, one’s bank account and routing numbers
Non-traditional workers who are able to telework with pay and individuals receiving paid sick or other leave will not be qualified to accept PUA. Individuals receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits for less than their customary work week, however, may still be eligible for PUA. Also, those working fewer hours, resulting in a loss of income due to COVID-19, who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits may be eligible for PUA.
“It is vital that our workforce gets the resources and help they need during this critical time,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta. “I’m proud of everything our team is doing to rapidly implement new programs, and ensure that as many eligible workers as possible get some relief.”
Other information of note
The PUA was created as part of the federal CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27. In addition to these two programs another temporary federal program entitled the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) was started and which provides an additional $600 weekly benefit for those receiving unemployment benefits or PUA. this additional benefit under the FPUC is available through July 25, 2020. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced the implementation of FPUC earlier this month.
According to the information provided on the PUA, all approved applications initially receives the minimum weekly benefit amount, plus the additional $600 FPUC weekly benefit. Once a worker’s wages are verified, however, weekly benefit amounts may increase. The amount of PUA benefits received is based on the individual’s reported previous income. PUA benefits may not be more than the state’s maximum weekly benefit rate for regular unemployment, which is $823 in Massachusetts.
Weekly benefits, including any increase to your weekly benefit amount, will be retroactive to January 27, 2020, or the date when you became unemployed, whichever is more recent, as long as you became unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason.
The following is the application process as outlined by the Governor’s office. Please note more detailed information may be found on the PUA website at www.mass.gov/pua.
