The Coronavirus pandemic has caused life as we know it to change. Due to the economic turmoil, many businesses have been greatly affected. Some have had to close their doors temporarily while others may never reopen their businesses. Here is everything you need to know about filing for unemployment if you or someone you know has been affected by the Coronavirus.
What is Unemployment?
Unemployment Insurance is a joint federal-state program that provides cash benefits to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Each individual state is responsible for administering the program.
In most states, unemployment benefits last for around 26 weeks or 6 months. Some states are less than 26 weeks, while other states are more. Check with your state to see how long you are eligible to receive unemployment.
Unemployment benefits are paid out weekly. Each state has a formula used to calculate just how much unemployment you are eligible for every week.
Who Qualifies for Unemployment Due to Coronavirus?
Unemployment has several different rules and guidelines. You typically can qualify for unemployment if:
- You lost your job due to the Coronavirus
- You were furloughed due to the Coronavirus
- Your hours have been greatly reduced due to the Coronavirus
- Your company had to close down temporarily or permanently due to the Coronavirus
What is the CARES Act and does it affect me?
Recently, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which expands unemployment benefits to include more workers. Typically, unemployment benefits have very strict guidelines, but with the passing of the CARES Act, more workers will now qualify.
If you were self-employed, worked as an independent contractor or gig worker, worked part-time or have little work history you may now qualify for unemployment under the CARES Act. Also, if you were supposed to start a new job that fell through or are a caregiver to someone whose school or facility closed due to Coronavirus, you could also be eligible.
Under the CARES Act, if you are entitled to unemployment benefits, you could receive an additional $600 per week through July 31, 2020. This is on top of your original unemployment amount that you are drawing each week.
In addition, the CARES Act extends your unemployment benefits an extra 13 weeks. If your state’s unemployment was averaging 26 weeks, it is now extended to last around 39 weeks under the CARES Act.
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
In order to apply for unemployment benefits, you need to contact your state’s unemployment office. Typically, your claims can be filed in person, on the phone or online. Due to social distancing guidelines, many states are now only accepting claims online or by phone.
Your unemployment claim should be filed in the state where you were working. If you live in one state, but work in another, you need to file your claim in the state that you were working.
Each state has different regulations and guidelines, but you typically will need the following information when filing your claim:
- Your Name, Social Security Number and Driver’s License Number (if you currently have one)
- Alien Registration Number and Expiration Date, if you are a non-citizen
- Your Mailing Address and Phone Number
- Employment Information from your most recent employer, as well as all of your employers over the past 18 months, which includes:
- Name of your Employer (Name on your W-2 or paystub)
- Employer Address and Phone Number
- Supervisor’s Name
- Start and End dates
- Wage verification and how you were paid (hourly, weekly, monthly etc.)
- Reason you are no longer working or have greatly reduced hours
After filing your claim, it typically can take a few weeks to process – especially with such a large influx of unemployment claims now. Depending on your state, your weekly payment will come via direct deposit, check or debit card if you are approved.
Final Summary
Unemployment benefits are a temporary benefit to help you and your family in a time of need. With so much uncertainty now, states are finding more and more ways to help process the high amounts of claims. If you have questions, concerns or problems, contact your state’s unemployment office immediately for assistance.