The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27 by President Trump, includes an unemployment assistance program for individuals who, under normal circumstances, would not qualify for unemployment benefits, which traditionally have only applied to employees.
Under the CARES Act, unemployment benefits are now available for self-employed individuals, independent contractors and others — even some with limited work history — who are unable to work because of the pandemic.
To qualify for these expanded unemployment benefits, an individual will have to self-certify that they were available to work but unable to for any of the following reasons:
Additional eligibility qualifications may be added by the Secretary of Labor. Individuals who are able to work from home with compensation or are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits do not qualify.
Benefits paid under this provision will include the amount allowed under state law plus $600 per week for a period of up to four months. The benefit period is extended to 39 weeks, although it’s normally 26 weeks in most states. The usual one-week waiting period before receiving benefits is waived. These special benefits only apply beginning on Jan. 27, 2020 and ending on Dec. 31, 2020.
Self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who normally wouldn’t qualify for unemployment benefits, now do because of the CARES Act.
You can apply, contact the agency in your state.
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