Pandemic Unemployment Insurance: What To Know About PUA
The COVID-19 pandemic left many people unemployed; however, some workers were eligible for certain benefits. Pandemic unemployment insurance (PUA) is a program that has helped many people through this tough time. If you want to know more about this program, check out this helpful guide on what to know about pandemic unemployment insurance.
What Is PUA?
Pandemic unemployment insurance is a program that provides temporary benefits to workers who lost their jobs due to COVID-19-related reasons. This program includes small business–owners, self-employed people, independent contractors, and gig workers. According to the Employment Development Department (EDD), participants may receive up to 86 weeks of benefits, but the EDD will make the final decision.
Who Qualifies for PUA?
PUA is available to workers who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits and who were out of business (or had to significantly reduce their services) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following workers qualify for PUA:
- Business-owners
- Independent contractors
- Self-employed workers
- People with limited work histories
- People who used up their unemployment insurance (UI) benefits as well as any extended benefits
- People who were serving false statement penalty weeks on their regular UI claims
How Do You File a Claim in California?
Another thing to know about pandemic unemployment insurance is how to file a claim. Federal rules require workers to provide documentation that proves they were employed during the calendar year before and up to the start of their PUA claims. They must submit at least one form of documentation to the EDD, and it must be complete with accurate information. Here are some examples of documentation:
- Self-employment documentation: State or federal employer identification number, business license, tax returns, and business receipts
- Employment documentation: Paycheck stubs, earnings and leave statements, and W-2 forms
- Documentation that you planned to begin self-employment: Business license, written business plan, and lease agreement
- Documentation that you planned to begin employment: Letter offering employment and signed statement from employer verifying an offer of employment
What To Do if Your PUA Claim Is Denied
If the EDD denies a PUA claim, a worker can file an appeal by completing a PUA reassessment. However, a common reason that workers don’t receive benefits is due to refusing work. After a worker completes the reassessment, the EDD will make the final decision about benefits.
Pershing Square Law Firm is a team of experienced lawyers who can help you with EDD denial of unemployment insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid family leave, and payroll tax audits. With quality members such as disability appeal lawyers, we can help your c